New Jersey Skylands (Summer)

Just a short drive west from the dense industrial landscape that often defines New Jersey are the Skylands, a region of intense natural beauty that includes lush state parks, picturesque farms, and mountains that are home to hundreds of black bears, as well as a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Golf, mountain biking, camping, and fishing are all popular local activities. The Skylands’ north features old mining towns — including the world's "Fluorescent Mineral Capital" — and New Jersey’s highest point, while its western border is lined with charming riverfront towns boasting fine restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries. This area is ...

Just a short drive west from the dense industrial landscape that often defines New Jersey are the Skylands, a region of intense natural beauty that includes lush state parks, picturesque farms, and mountains that are home to hundreds of black bears, as well as a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Golf, mountain biking, camping, and fishing are all popular local activities. The Skylands’ north features old mining towns — including the world's "Fluorescent Mineral Capital" — and New Jersey’s highest point, while its western border is lined with charming riverfront towns boasting fine restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries. This area is also the perfect place for hot air ballooning, tubing the river, or a romantic weekend getaway. The Skylands are home to their fair share of history, including Morristown — the country's first national historic park — and Flemington Borough, site of the 1930s Lindbergh "Trial of the Century." Some of the state's best oddities, including Space Farms Zoo & Museum and the remnants of Hamburg's fairytale-themed Gingerbread Castle, are in the region's northwest corner.

About the Expert

Laura Kiniry is the author of Moon Handbooks New Jersey.