Crisscrossing the Highways and Byways of the Highlands Region of New Jersey

Warren County, NJ: Have you ever driven somewhere and were so focused on your destination that you didn’t notice anything you passed on the way?  Often that’s the case when you’ve made plans to leave the city for a relaxing weekend and you’re in the car for hours. But what if your destination was closer, providing more time for enjoyment at places you’ve missed before? Did you know that such opportunities abound in the Highlands of New Jersey?
 
Interstates 78 and 80 provide greater mobility for those living and working in the metropolitan area; but with them come a greater sense of urgency, traffic congestion, and aggravation. Do you really want to spend your free time racing others to relax?
 
Well, nestled between these two highways are the forgotten routes travelled by previous generations. From old Indian trails to railway trails, from canal boat days to the good ‘ole days; they offer nostalgia, history, recreation, entertainment, excitement, as well as quiet reflection.  Less than ninety minutes from New York or Philadelphia, there is literally something for everyone in New Jersey’s Highlands.
 
For instance, consider some of these stops in Warren County. Before Route 80 was completed, a trip to the Poconos would have followed Route 46. In the good ‘ole days, many would make at least one stop at the famous Hot Dog Johnny’s to stretch their legs and relax on the grassy bank of the Pequest River. Open since 1944, this roadside stand has received national acclaim from the Travel channel and should not be passed over in any tour of the Highlands.
 
Today along this same route, you can experience what prehistoric life was like in the Highlands at the newly refurbished Lenape Village called Winakung at Waterloo. Continuing west along Route 46, you will follow the path of the ancient Manunkachunck Trail, as well as the old Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad.  If hiking along abandoned railways appeals to you, look into the guided trips with the MetroTrails group.  As you journey further westward, you’ll pass the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center.
 
You can’t possibly see everything in the Highlands in a day, so plan to spend the night.  Make your way to the Hotel Belvidere for a taste of Victorian appeal, but with modern conveniences. Participate in a murder mystery meal or wine tasting event at nearby Four Sisters Winery.The next day, consider a round of golf at Apple Mountain Golf Resort, or venture to the Shippen Manor in nearby Oxford.  Get your fill of either history or ghost stories while there.
 
If both golfing and ghosts scare you, head south to Phillipsburg instead.  Perhaps the mere thought of hiking a railway trail tires you out.  Then experience a relaxing trip on the Delaware River Railroad as a passenger. Theme trips throughout the year make this an enjoyable destination for the family year-round. While in town, have a bite at Jimmy’s Doggie Stand, overlooking the scenic Delaware River and taking in the old river-town charm.
 
A short stroll over the beautiful Free Bridge will help burn off some calories from the delicious gyros, fries, and milkshakes.  You could burn even more calories by taking a canoe or kayak trip with the Lazy River Outpost across the street.  Either way, looking downstream of the bridge, you will notice the stone archway to the left.  This was the western terminus of the Morris Canal which once carried canal boats all the way to present-day Liberty State Park.  The Morris Canal Greenway has made great efforts to protect this corridor in Warren County all the way back to Waterloo Village where your Highlands journey began.
 
Travelling back east along route 57, you could stop along the Concrete Mile and appreciate how Thomas Edison himself travelled here 100 years ago pouring the very first concrete highway in New Jersey.  Just beyond this on the right is the Bread Lock Park, named for the fresh bread bought by canal boatmen on their way to the city.  Reflect on the history of canal navigation as you continue east through Port Colden, Port Murray, and Rockport on your way back home.
 
This is but a small sampling of the things you can do in the Highlands.  So the next time you want to get away for a weekend, remember - don’t just pass through; travel to the NJ Highlands: your next destination!
 
For more things to see and do, day trip ideas and events in the Highlands Region, visit www.highlandstourism.org.
 

Contact Information

Giulia Iannitelli

Executive Director

Highlands Tourism Partnership

(1) 908-283-0721

Contact via E-mail