New Jersey Travel Guide - New Jersey 2025 Official Travel Guide

Natural Beauty & High Adventures

New Jersey’s northwest is where nature meets adventure. Imagine rolling hills, lush forests and sparkling lakes beckoning outdoor enthusiasts throughout the seasons. Hit the many ski slopes in the wintertime or cycle the historic 250-year-old route of Old Mine Road—one of the oldest continuously used roads in the U.S.—renowned for its fall-colored leaves and scenery in autumn. Marina-hop the shoreline of Lake Hopatcong in the summer or catch your breath at the top of High Point State Park on a brisk spring hike. The Skylands Region offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle all year round.

GO SKY HIGH

Soar above breathtaking landscapes with Skylands Ballooning, offering magical hot air balloon rides at sunrise or sunset and panoramic sunrise from 3,000 feet up.

PLAY MAKE BELIEVE

Delight in a day of family fun and adventure in Hope at Land of Make Believe & Pirate’s Cove, an enchanting amusement park with rides, water attractions, an off-road safari ride and whimsical entertainment.

DINE & DRINK

Savor farm-to-table ingredients in a rustic, trendy setting at Agricola restaurant in Morristown, flavored with warm hospitality and beloved for its farm-fresh dishes, like a harvest chopped salad and chicken parm.

Enjoy locally brewed pints at High Point Brewing Company in Butler, where each sip captures the essence of its inventive brewing scene and traditions with award-winning Ramstein beers, including German wheat specialties and unique seasonals.

CRUISE THE LAKE

Step aboard Miss Lotta Skipperliner, the largest boat on NJ’s largest lake. Lake Hopatcong Cruises offers brunch, lunch and dinner outings, as well as themed cruises like, Cigar & Whiskey and a narrated Historical Cruise.

SHOP AROUND

Explore a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles and unique finds at Five Acres Flea Market in Belvidere, a delightful outdoor destination for bargain hunters and vintage shoppers.

WAKE UP IN LUXURY

Indulge in timeless elegance at the Madison Hotel in Morristown, a refined yet comfortable property known for its sophisticated decor and ambiance, Afternoon Tea experience and in-room massages.

GRAB TICKETS

Immerse yourself in thespian performances at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison, where classic plays come to life in an intimate, picturesque setting.

MEET THE LOCALS

Get up-close and cozy with majestic creatures at the Lakota Wolf Preserve, a wildlife refuge in Columbia where you can witness packs of wolves, plus foxes and bobcats, in a natural environment.

5 BEST HIKES IN THE SKYLANDS REGION

MOUNT TAMMANY

Worthington State Forest (~3.6 miles, 1,213 ft. elevation, hard) - Take the Red Dot Trail up and the Blue Dot Trail down for a semi-challenging loop with views the entire way.

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Wawayanda State Park (~2.6 miles, 889 ft. elevation, moderate) - This out-and-back trail is a popular, year-round route for birding, dog walking and trail running.

SWAMP, SUMMIT & GHOST LAKE

Jenny Jump State Forest (~5.5 miles, 1,059 ft. elevation, moderate) - Roam the rocky terrain for views of surrounding mountains and valleys before arriving at Ghost Lake.

SCHOOLEY’S MOUNTAIN BOULDER GORGE

Schooley’s Mountain County Park (~2.4 miles, 600 ft. elevation, easy to moderate) - Pass large boulders, waterfalls and Lake George for a stretch on this scenic trail.

BUTTERMILK FALLS & CRATER LAKE

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (~6.7 miles, 1,443 ft. elevation, hard) - Meet fellow hikers as you explore the ravines and ridges of this popular loop.