Road Trip from Blairstown to Mahwah: Top Places to Visit
There’s no better way to explore the beauty of New Jersey than taking a road trip. With numerous attractions and beautiful landscapes, the Garden State has so much to offer. One of the best-loved routes is from Blairstown to Mahwah, offering some of the state's most stunning scenic routes and fascinating sites. Buckle up and sit tight as we take you on a ride through the top places to see while driving from Blairstown to Mahwah.
Grab a map and let’s hit the road!
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area covers 70,000 acres and is situated on the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border. It features a stunning landscape of forested mountains to rolling hills, waterfalls, and river valleys. The recreation area stretches over 40 miles along the Delaware River, with different areas to explore, including hiking trails and river recreation. The scenery is breathtaking, with spectacular views of the Pocono Mountains and the Delaware River.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, photographer, or nature lover, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one place to add to your bucket list.
Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Next on our list is the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. It’s the oldest mining museum in New Jersey, with over a thousand underground tunnels and galleries to explore. Located in Ogdensburg, a small town in Sussex County, the museum offers a fascinating tour of the mine, with a unique underground experience. Visitors get to see and learn about the geology, technology, and historical significance of the mine.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved. It’s a perfect destination for families, history enthusiasts, and curious minds.
Skylands Botanical Gardens
Nature lovers can’t miss out on the Skylands Botanical Gardens, situated in Ringwood, just a few miles from Mahwah. It’s a hidden gem, featuring over 1000 acres of landscaped lawns and formal gardens surrounded by woodlands and fields. The garden contains exotic specimens of plants and flowers from different parts of the world. Visitors get to explore over a dozen formal gardens, including the Japanese, lilac, and perennial gardens. It’s a serene place to unwind, relax or take photographs.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest
Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a beautiful hidden wilderness, with over 12000 acres of rugged terrain and stunning vistas. It’s located between Ringwood and Mahwah and has several trails that lead to various scenic viewpoints. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride in the forest, and there are camping facilities for those interested in an outdoor adventure. The forest is an important ecological reserve, with diverse wildlife species such as white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, and bald eagles.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest is one of New Jersey’s most extensive parklands and is an excellent place to get away from it all and reconnect with nature.
Mahwah Museum
Last but not least on our list is the Mahwah Museum. It's situated in the historic Old Station Museum, built-in 1872, and serves the community by preserving the region's history. Visitors can learn about the local tribes such as the Leni-Lenape, the region's industrial development, including manufacturing and iron mining, and the story of the Erie Railroad arrival in Mahwah. The museum has several exhibits, including early settlers’ and farmers’ artifacts, Native American artifacts, and antique engines.
The Mahwah Museum is an excellent place to learn about Mahwah’s history, culture, and community.
Conclusion
New Jersey has so much to offer, and the Blairstown to Mahwah road trip is one of the best ways to experience it. From exploring the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, learning about the region's history at the Mahwah Museum, to unwinding at the Skylands Botanical Gardens, you're guaranteed to have a memorable time. Don't forget to bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and pack some snacks for the road. Happy driving!