9 Most Scenic Drives in New Jersey To Uplift Your Sightseeing

New Jersey features many highways and there are still many scenic drives to be enjoyed in the state. From the wilds of Sussex and Passaic counties to the beautiful Cumberland and Salem counties, discover amazing views, intriguing history and delightful small towns along the way of the 9 most scenic drives in New Jersey. 

Get to know the 9 most scenic drives in New Jersey with this list. 

 

Ocean Drive- Ocean City to North Wildwood

Ocean Drive is the best drive down the shore, winding through Strathmere, Sea Isle City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor, ending at Nummy Island and Grassy Sound. A very picturesque drive, it passes over marsh and water through a series of toll bridges. A needed stop on this drive is Corson’s Inlet State Park between Ocean City and Strathmere. 

Route 29- Washington Crossing State Park to Frenchtown

Starting at Washington Crossing State Park, which has great views of the Delaware River and great forested areas,  head north, where you can pull over and cross several footbridges to the D&R Canal Towpath. You can also explore the Bulls Island Recreation Area, which is just north of Stockton and has fishing, boat launching, and nature trails.  On the way, there are some charming small towns like Lambertville and Frenchtown. In the towns, you can walk across the bridge into Pennsylvania.

Route 542- New Gretna to Hammonton

One of the most pleasant routes in New Jersey, Route 542 takes you into the Pine Barrens. Starting in New Gretna, head west to Batsto Village. You can also go to Wading River, Leektown and Crowleytown. On the way, you can see beautiful rivers, creeks, and woodlands, experiencing New Jersey farmland and small towns.  

Old Mine Road- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Old Mine Road is one of the country’s oldest commercial roads, having been built in the mid-1600s. It still maintains its historic, old-world charm. The road is a 40-mile stretch of woods, wildlife, and waterfalls through the Warren and Sussex counties. On the way, you can take a side trip to Walpack Center, the town that time forgot. It is a great way to reconnect with nature while visiting historic sites, like old copper mine ruin and civil war cemeteries. 

Henry Hudson Drive- Palisades Interstate Park

The State Line Lookout in Palisades Interstate Park offers incredible, scenic views over the Hudson River and is a great spot for bird watchers. South of the park starts Henry Hudson Drive, a winding and steep road. Some describe it like a “roller coaster ride” where you need to watch out for hikers, bicyclists and falling rock, eventually leveling off before you hit the George Washington Bridge. 

Route 539- Allentown to Tuckerton

A good way to get to the shore, the south end of this route will take you through the Pine Barrens. And north of it, you can find Allentown, one of the states great small towns. In between, you can find picturesque country churches, farmland and race tracks. 

Route 513- West Milford to Frenchtown

When going down route 513, start at the NY state line and wind your way down to Hunterdon County, passing through very colorful sections of New Jersey, like wood, wilds, water, and small towns, as well as farms. You can also spot old train stations and cute dining spots in Frenchtown. 

Route 563- Green Bank to Chatsworth

Sometimes considered a lonely road, no other route takes you better unto the Pine Barrens, passing through state forests, cranberry bogs, campgrounds, and hamlets. Starting at Green Bank on the Mullica River, head north through Wharton State Forest and end up at Chatsworth, the unofficial capital of the Pine Barrens. If you want to do more exploring you can end at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, formerly the Lebanon State Forest.

Route 519- Colesville to Rosemont

Ending on a high note, no other Jersey road has so much scenery as route 519, which winds its way through Rosemont, just north of Stockton. You can make your ways through horse farms, vineyards, and antique stores. It is an ode to the New Jersey of the past, with fun town names like Alpha, Harmony, and Beemerville, home to many roadside attractions like Space Farms and Goliath, the world’s largest preserved bear. 

These 9 beautiful scenic drives are sure to help you get reacquainted with the New Jersey we all know and love. Which is your favorite scenic drive? Go take one or all of these routes and find out for yourself. 

 

Sources

https://www.visitnj.org/article/fall%E2%80%99s-season-driving-new-jersey%E2%80%99s-scenic-byways-and-back-roads

https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2019/10/njs-20-most-scenic-roads-for-the-perfect-fall-drive.html

 

Tags: country roads new jersey, New Jersey, new jersey scenic drives, scenic drives, sightseeing
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