2025's 11 Most Scenic New Jersey Towns
The Garden State sometimes gets a bad rap from those not in the know. Uninformed people have described it as an industrial wasteland. In reality, New Jersey has abundant natural beauty, from the Pine Barrens to the Jersey Shore and High Point State Park. People explore towns for many reasons, including the restaurants and shops. But, it is worth the time to take a moment for one-on-one experiences with the natural beauty and excitement that New Jersey towns have to offer. Even though each community has access to different natural scenery, each one is unique and scenic in its own special way, making it worth exploring for a weekend getaway from the suburbs and cities. New Jersey is sure to impress even the most discerning nature aficionado.
Montague
In the northern part of the state is Montague, a small township surrounded by forests, hills, lakes, rivers, and small mountains. Montague is also home to High Point State Park, which features the highest point in the state. High Point is a 1,803-foot peak offering views of Sussex County’s scenic landscape. At the top of the mountain stands High Point Monument, dedicated to honoring New Jersey's veterans who fought for the U.S. Military. The famous Appalachian Trail also passes through the area for 11.7 miles, providing excellent backpacking, hiking, and camping opportunities. Visitors can bring their dogs to the trail, but they must be on leashes.
The Delaware River also flows through the area and has Quicks Island, Minisink Island, and Raub's Island, each filled with forests and local wildlife. An excellent activity to do on the Delaware River is kayaking or rafting. Lake Marcia is also in the area for visitors to explore and enjoy a nice sunny day on its beach, which is covered in light brown sand, giving people views of the forest all around, as well as the High Point Monument. Visitors can also go kayaking and sailing on the lake. Montague may be small, but its natural landscape is an excellent escape from the city for a day or more.
Woodland
Woodland is a small township in the Pine Barrens (the first natural reserve of the United States), and has a vast expanse of undeveloped forests. Within the area is the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest (the second largest forest in the state), which is over 38,000 acres of trees, ponds, creeks, and lakes. Visitors can camp, hike, go fishing, hunting, and mountain biking. Wildlife that can be found in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest includes red-headed woodpeckers, white-tailed deer, pine snakes, and raccoons in drier areas. In the wetter parts of the forest, river otters, beavers, muskrats, various lizards, frogs, and toads can be found.
The Pakim Pond is also in town and features a trail that showcases the plants, wildlife, and ecosystem surrounding the pond. Visitors to the area can enjoy a picnic or go camping in the nearby cabins. One trail around Pakim Pond is approximately nine miles long, and dogs are welcome as long as they are on leashes. Another water body to explore in Woodland is Chatsworth Lake, a 79-acre lake near the town. Plant species such as yellow-eyed grass, sea-beach amaranth, and blue boneset have been observed at Goose Pond. Visitors to Woodland can easily spend a weekend adventuring through the Pine Barrens and have a memorable experience. Pro tip: Don’t forget your sketchbook.
Clinton
Clinton is a relaxed town in Hunterdon County, with the Raritan River flowing through it, near the Spruce Run Reservoir, and close to excellent hiking spots and trails. The Raritan River, about 70 miles long, is a key part of the town's recreation, offering kayaking and fishing. Kayaking access is available near Clinton at the Spruce Run Recreation Area, located on the Spruce Run Reservoir, which features camping, fishing, hunting, and bird watching.
Also near Clinton is the South Branch Reservation, where visitors can go canoeing and kayaking in the Raritan River, as well as go hiking and biking in the forests. Another excellent natural wonder near Clinton is the Cushetunk Mountain Preserve, a part of the Cushetunk Mountain in a horseshoe shape formed by volcanic activity about 200 million years ago. Visitors to the preserve can go hiking, biking, hunting, and bird watching. A special treat may await birders as bald eagles nest in the forests. Overall, the natural wonders in and near Clinton make for a refreshing visit after a long week in the city.
Chester Township
Chester Township, a delightful community in Morris County, is a very scenic place with an abundance of parks, green spaces, and trails in or near town. Just outside of town is the Buttermilk Falls and Frog Pond, a 2.3-mile-long trail, with a calm and relaxing swimming hole beneath the waterfalls, which is always a fun treat to swim by. It is near the Lewis Forge Bridge, found on the Green Trail. As for the town of Chester itself, it's located in the heart of the Somerset Hills, rolling hills set near the Watchung Mountains, and is a hub for nature lovers and artists alike.
Another incredible spot to explore in Chester is the Black River Trail Loop, a 6.3-mile-long trail where people can go fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but have to be on a leash. Another scenic place near Chester is Hacklebarney State Park, which has a 3.7-mile-long trail giving people gorgeous views of forests, rivers, and small waterfalls, similar to the Buttermilk Falls and Frog Pond, but a bit more challenging. Chester is a wonderful community surrounded by peaceful and soothing nature for all to explore and enjoy, no matter the season.
Highlands
Highlands is one of the northernmost shore point communities in the state, allowing residents to explore the beaches and forests within the borough's boundaries. Since Highlands is a beach community, Sandy Hook Beach is right next to town, offering over 2,000 acres of calm and relaxing beaches to walk on during a nice morning or afternoon, regardless of the season. This makes it the perfect escape from the stress of city life. The Gateway National Recreation Area, a more forested part of Sandy Hook, is a great place to explore, offering opportunities for walking through the forests, fishing, and bird watching.
Just west of town is the Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook, which gives visitors and residents immaculate views of Sandy Hook Beach, the bay, and the New York City skyline from the northernmost shore point of the state at 266 feet above sea level. Finally, Hartshorne Woods Park, a hilly 800-plus-acre park that overlooks the Navesink River as it pours into the bay, is a perfect escape from suburbia. Overall, Highlands is a wonderful community that perfectly begins the stretch of shoreline communities in the state.
West Orange
West Orange, a suburban township in Essex County, boasts a unique and scenic charm, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Just outside town is the South Mountain Reservation, a peaceful and popular area with endless hiking trails, a small yet beautiful waterfall called Black Rock Waterfall, and visitors can enjoy a relaxing day by the Orange Reservoir within the reservation. South Mountain is also near the Turtle Back Zoo, a great local zoo everyone can enjoy. Another wonderful reservation in West Orange is the Eagle Rock Reservation, where visitors are treated to stunning views of New York City, thanks to its location on the Watchung Mountain Range. There are over 40 miles of the Lenape Trail to explore within the reservation, and it's considered a scenic trail worth visiting.
Aside from two remarkable reservations, the rest of the township retains its natural charm with the Rahway River originating in town. Another small but charming park to explore in town is Degnan Park, which features a playground, Vincent's Pond, tennis courts, and basketball courts. The park was named after the township's former mayor, Bernard M. Degnan, who served as mayor of West Orange from 1938 to 1951. Overall, West Orange is a very relaxed community, offering residents and visitors access to beautiful natural reserves and pleasant parks in the area.
Mahwah
Mahwah is a township in Bergen County, right on the state line separating New Jersey from New York, and has some incredible natural scenery all around, thanks to its location. Right off U.S. Route 202 is the famous Ramapo Valley Reservation, a natural wonder in northern New Jersey with an endless array of trails, the Ramapo River flowing through the reserve, and offering hikers scenic spots to enjoy the view of the area as time passes by. One example of a place that gives people immaculate views of Bergen County is Hawk Rock, which is located within the reservation. Close to the Ramapo Valley Reservation is the Campgaw Mountain Ski Resort, which allows skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing for those who have purchased a lift ticket or a snow tubing ticket during the winter months when there's plenty of snow on the ground.
Outside of the Ski Resort and Reservation, Mahwah has plenty of calming parks, like Continental Soldiers Park, a small community park across from Ramapo College of New Jersey, that has a soccer field, a football field, a baseball field, a softball field, and a playground surrounded by green forests for anyone to explore if their hearts desire. Mahwah is a spectacular township surrounded by incredible natural scenery, and it gives people access to New York State with ease, thanks to its incredible location.
Rockaway Township
Rockaway Township is located within Morris County and is surrounded by forests, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and a wildlife management area. Within the township is the Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area, a 6,318-acre piece of land protected by the state to preserve the forests and wildlife of the area, an excellent place for nature studies, exploration, and for fishing and hunting. There are endless amounts of trails within the wildlife management area, from the likes of the Four Birds Trail, the Splitrock Reservoir Trail, and the Wildcat Loop Trail, to name a few peaceful trails that showcase the beauty of the forests, waterways, and lakes and ponds of the area.
Rockaway Township features four lakes, a reservoir, and three ponds that highlight the area's natural beauty, along with scenic rivers like the Rockaway River, Beaver Brook, and Pequannock River. One of the largest bodies of water in the township is Splitrock Reservoir, owned by the state of New Jersey. Visitors can kayak, explore the water and surrounding forests, and hike on designated trails. In the northern part of town lies Farny State Park, home to numerous oak trees that provide habitat for endangered species such as red-shouldered hawks and barred owls. The park also offers many trails ideal for hiking and exploring the forest. Because of its extensive forest cover and numerous bodies of water and waterways, Rockaway Township is quite large in area.
Princeton
Princeton is a borough in Mercer County, known not only as the home of Princeton University, but also for its peaceful natural scenery. In the northern part of town is the Woodfield Reservation, which features a hiking trail as soon as visitors enter the reserve, along with slopes, countless trees, and challenging terrain for the best hikers. Nearby is the John Witherspoon Woods, another great spot for escaping the digital world with a 1.1-mile-long trail that also includes a location called Devil's Cave, which isn't found in the Woodfield Reservation.
Just next to town is Carnegie Lake, which was built in 1906 to host Princeton University's intercollegiate Rowing Teams. Locals and visitors can access the lake via the boat launch, which is open from sunrise to sunset, and is great for scenic walks, kayaking, and fishing. The Lake itself flows through the community and out through the Stony Brook. Although the lake's water isn't recommended for swimming, there are ongoing efforts to restore the quality of the water in Carnegie Lake. Overall, Princeton is more than just an Ivy League college town; it's a community filled with scenic trails and an iconic man-made lake for all to enjoy.
Ringwood
Just west of Mahwah is Ringwood, a borough in Passaic County surrounded by a vast amount of nature all around it, thanks to the Ramapo Valley Reservation nearby and the town's own share of mountains, trailheads, and bodies of water that make Ringwood a scenic area. The Ringwood State Park is in the area with over 4,400 acres of forests, ponds, and the New Jersey Botanical Gardens. A couple of the best trails to explore are the five-mile-long Five Ponds Loop and the three-mile-long Ringwood Manor Trail, as each is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and walking amongst nature. Within the park is the New Jersey Botanical Gardens, a relaxing garden with lilacs, hosta, rhododendron, and much more growing all around the Skylands Manor.
The Monksville Reservoir is also in town, which is a beautiful man-made reservoir that pours into the Wanaque River. At the reservoir, people can go paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Just further east of the reservoir is the Windbeam Mountain Summit, a 3.1-mile-long trail overlooking the entire scenic landscape around Ringwood and the surrounding communities, especially if people are looking for some solitude on the weekends from work and the cities. Ringwood is very special thanks to its natural amenities and beautiful scenery all around town.
Pennsville
Pennsville is a township in Salem County, just next to the state of Delaware, and has its fair share of scenic and natural spots for all to enjoy. Just south of town is the Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Observation Point, which was established in 1974 as a designated Wetland of International Importance to preserve the habitats of Northern long-eared bats, American Woodcocks, Cooper's Hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, and much more. The refuge also allows visitors to hike, walk, go boating, hunt, and fish in the Mill Creek.
Pennsville is also next to the Delaware River, which separates the state from Delaware. Pennsville Riverview Park offers residents and visitors a peaceful, shaded park with plenty of trees, disc golf, pickleball, tennis, and a pond right beside the River. The park loop is about a mile long and makes for a pleasant walk on a quiet Saturday or Sunday morning, ideal for reflecting on life. Just east of town is Kates Creek Meadow, an excellent spot for fishing flathead catfish and largemouth bass in a wide area of wetlands in the southern part of the state.
Small Towns, Big Natural Beauty
Overall, each of these towns has unique scenic beauty, from natural preserves to the varied bodies of water to explore and hiking trails to conquer on a weekend outside, full of wet and wild adventures. New Jersey is made for natural lovers of all ages. Each of these communities has something special to offer. Natural landmarks, forests, and trails make a trip through the endless natural wonders found in abundance a must. "The Garden State" is an appropriate moniker for a state with a surprising amount of natural wonder to explore.
