These Towns in New Jersey Come Alive in Winter
New Jersey is known for a lot of different things- its prolific amount of diners, being the setting for The Sopranos, its huge Italian American influence, and much more. When it comes to winter, this state may not be what comes to mind first. Other states like Colorado or even Vermont are more associated with this time of year. However, you may be surprised to find out the sheer amount of stuff to do in the Garden State during the chilly months.
Today, let's explore six small towns in New Jersey that will certainly brighten up your winter spirit. Whether it is skiing, hiking, or simply visiting Christmas fairs that you are after, there is something for everyone here.
High Bridge
High Bridge is a small town of 3,546 residents that is just west of New York City. Although beautiful during the Summer, High Bridge becomes truly picturesque during the winter, especially when there is a layer of white powdery snow on the ground.
Looking for a nature escape from the big city? Well, you're in luck while visiting this New Jersey borough. Surrounded by an impressive number of parks, lakes, and trails, High Bridge is perfect for anyone looking for some physical activity out in the snow. Skating and snowshoeing are popular activities in and around the Spruce Run Reservoir just outside of town; the same can be said for the Round Valley Recreation Area a little bit further south. If you're looking to stay right in town, have no fear. The High Bridge Trail, starting in the heart of downtown, can be traversed year-round and is extra pretty (and probably quieter) in the winter.
Chester
Chester is yet another New Jersey Town near New York City that is absolutely surrounded by high-quality parks and other nature escapes. With a number of amenities for visitors, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, this is certainly a place you can stay to warm yourself up for multiple days.
The nearby Hacklebarney State Park, with many of its trails being open in the winter, is a magical forested area filled with various rivers and streams where you can take a walk alongside. Black River, the main body of water passing near Chester, also has an assortment of trails alongside it that can be explored all year long. Just be careful when walking near it, as rivers often freeze at a much slower pace than standing water, and falling through is always a possibility.
Clinton
Clinton is a gorgeous old town that sports a robust historic district alongside its many nearby parks and natural destinations. With a population of just 2,773, this cozy locale is a great escape for a road trip during the winter.
History fans are encouraged to visit some of the town's many well-preserved buildings dating back to the nineteenth century. These include the Duckworth Building on Main Street, containing many shops and restaurants, and the Hunterdon Art Museum.
For those looking for a little taste of nature in the snow forests surrounding the town, Lansdwon Meadows contains a variety of trails and pathways that can be easily navigated in the cold months. The Clinton Wildlife Management Area also hosts a number of activities, including hiking, skating, and even target shooting at one of its designated ranges.
Frenchtown
Located along the famous Delaware River on the border of Pennsylvania, Frenchtown is an ideal escape for a quick trip during the winter, its historic downtown looking even more photo-worthy with a light dusting of snow. With its downtown core largely consisting of a site within the National Register of Historic Places, it's worth bringing out your camera while exploring its streets.
Several parks and trails on the banks of the Delaware River are what truly make this place special during the winter months. Voted "New Jersey's Best Winter Town" in 2022, this can be thanked in large part for the many outdoor adventures that are available to residents and visitors alike. A great place for a walk in the nearby wooded areas or along the historic Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge to the next state over. In particular, the river starts to freeze over in winter. There is lots of hot cocoa at any of the great cafes in town that you can enjoy afterward.
Blairstown
Further to the northern edge of the state are the forested hills of the Appalachian Mountain range. If you're in the area in the winter, or frankly, any time of the year, a great pit stop is Blairstown, New Jersey. Another town along the Deleware River, Blairstown is a Haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts with its rich and varied landscape.
The nearby Limestone Ridge Marsh Preserve offers a glimpse into the area's wetlands. It can easily be explored in the winter when the ground is a little bit more solid due to the frost. Because of the surrounding Kittatinny Mountains, anyone looking for a more challenging hike with great views high above the area is in luck. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area gives visitors perhaps some of the best views in the entirety of the state, with its lofty canyons high above the Delaware River.
Haddonfield
The largest town on this list, with a population of about 12,492, Haddonfield, New Jersey, still maintains a warm, small-town feel. Just outside the major metro of Philadelphia, this is a place that is a great escape for city dwellers looking to get away for a while. Being yet another town on this list along the Delaware River, Haddonfield offers both historic sites and natural areas for both visitors and residents alike.
The Wheelabrator Wildlife Refuge and Butterfly Garden can give you a glimpse of the natural landscape of this heavily developed area before its settlement by humans. Its many wooded trails lead to great views across the river. Many other smaller town parks can be found close by. Cooper River Park offers numerous recreational activities along the Cooper River, including ice skating during the annual Winter Fest, a must-visit during this colder time of year.
Make the Most out of Your Winter in New Jersey
New Jersey is a wonderfully diverse state, both in its manmade and natural attractions. Whether you are looking to photograph historic buildings from the early days of America's founding or see gorgeous wooded landscapes, it is all made more picturesque under a dusting of snow during the winter.
Visiting these smaller and less visited small towns truly offers a break from the crowds. They all offer a wide range of amenities for visitors looking to stay a night or two and have several attractive destinations to keep you busy throughout the day. Just be sure to dress warm, as winters in New Jersey can often get quite cold with its Northeastern Atlantic climate.
