The Best Road Trip Destinations from Bethlehem to Woodbridge

Are you planning a road trip from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Woodbridge Township, New Jersey? This route is about 80 miles long and can take a little over an hour without stops. But if you take the time to make some detours, you'll discover some incredible hidden gems all along the way. From historical attractions to natural wonders, there are plenty of places to stop that are worth exploring. So buckle up and let's get started!

Gorgeous Scenery Along the Delaware River

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area features incredible views of the Delaware River running through massive cliffs and stunning forests. The 1,200-foot-high Mount Tammany provides scenic overviews of the park, from which hikers can see the Kittatinny Mountains and the Pocono Mountains. Visitors can hike many of the park's trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Wagon Road Trail. Also, you can swim under the towering trees at the Delaware River, Tobyhanna Creek, or Indian Ladder waterfalls.

Step Back In Time Along the Morris Canal

The Morris Canal was the transportation network's most extensive industrial engineering project, running 107 miles from Phillipsburg to Jersey City. The canal, which opened in 1832 and operated for just over a century, connected East Coast industries with anthracite coal from Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. Several towns developed along the way, including Waterloo Village in Stanhope, which sprang up to provide services to the canal boats. There's a lot to enjoy at the village, including the 1820s Rutan cabin, a church, a sawmill, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and even a functioning open-hearth kitchen.

The Liberty Science Center

At the Liberty Science Center located in Jersey City, visitors can enjoy a wealth of educational and engaging exhibits, including a dinosaur exhibition and a Touch Tunnel. Visitors can learn about space, robotics, and much more on four floors of interactive exhibits. The largest IMAX screen in the country is featured in an impressive screen in the theater, as well as in the largest planetarium in the western hemisphere. The science center is a fantastic place for a family-friendly road trip stop.

Visit Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick

Botanical gardens are always a pleasant reprieve when driving between towns, and Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick, just outside of Woodbridge, is no exception. The grounds cover over 180 acres and offer an educational, fun, and engaging environment for visitors of all ages. The colonial Revival-style Log Cabin is one of the most popular attractions inside the gardens, as it was constructed in 1930 from timber found on the property. Visitors stroll through picturesque gardens with magnolia and rhododendrons in various colors, herbs, vegetables, and even a bamboo forest.

Adventure in Essex County South Mountain Reservation

South Mountain Reservation, West Orange, is a 2,112-acre woodland nature preserve, spanning across three counties and containing over 50 miles of hiking trails and nine miles of paved paths. In the early 1900s, the Newark Evening News initiated the transformation of the property into a highly developed nature park. Visitors to the reservation will find hiking trails, picnic areas, a zoo, an equestrian center, a water reservoir, and an archery range. It's an adventurer's paradise in the middle of New Jersey's cities.

Conclusion

These five road trip destinations are only the beginning of an exciting experience driving from Bethlehem, PA, to Woodbridge Township, NJ. From stunning viewpoints and recreation areas to historical sites and botanical gardens, there is something for everyone on this drive. Plan to stretch your legs, breathe some fresh air, and take in some diverse attractions the next time you're traveling from Bethlehem to Woodbridge. After all, isn't that what traveling's all about?