New Jersey Skylands (Winter)

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 mountainous backdrops. With ample open space and a lower average winter temperature than the rest of the state, it’s no wonder the Skylands are NJ’s hub for seasonal outdoor activities. Sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are popular region-wide, especially in parks like Wawayanda, Ringwood, Round Valley, and High Point. The Vernon Valley is home to both the family-oriented Hidden Valley Ski Club and Mountain Creek ...

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 mountainous backdrops. With ample open space and a lower average winter temperature than the rest of the state, it’s no wonder the Skylands are NJ’s hub for seasonal outdoor activities. Sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are popular region-wide, especially in parks like Wawayanda, Ringwood, Round Valley, and High Point. The Vernon Valley is home to both the family-oriented Hidden Valley Ski Club and Mountain Creek Resort, which along with intermediate and black-diamond downhill ski slopes dedicates approximately half its resort to snowboarding, and hosts an area strictly for snow-tubing. You'll find old mining towns — including the world's "Fluorescent Mineral Capital" — in the region's north, while its western border is lined by a stretch of charming riverfront establishments boasting antique shops and art galleries perfect for holiday shopping. The Skylands claim their fair share of history as well, including Morristown — the country's first national historic park — and Flemington Borough, site of the 1930s Lindbergh "Trial of the Century."

About the Expert

Laura Kiniry is the author of Moon Handbooks New Jersey.