As home to acres-upon-acres of open space, 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail and twisting, tree-lined country roads, Sussex County is an outdoor lovers haven. Experiences unfold in thickly forested parks, otherworldly (and other-timely) attractions, refreshing mountain lakes, rolling farmlands and more. Lucky for you, New Jersey Travel and Tourism has all the information you need to pack the most enjoyment into your Sussex County visit this summer.
The Must-Do List
If hiking the Appalachian Trail has always been on your bucket list, then the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a must. Strap on that fitness tracker and get your steps in! Other park activities include biking, canoeing, fishing and camping. Animal lovers will want to hit Space Farms Zoo and Museum to get up-close with the largest private collection of North American species in their natural surroundings. (Don’t be surprised if a friendly llama strolls beside you for a stretch!) And plan your visit around the New Jersey State Fair at Sussex County Fairgrounds, August 2 – 11. You’ll enjoy live entertainment, horse shows, interactive agricultural exhibits and, of course, delicious farm-fresh goodies.
Sussex Surprises
Travel back to 1880s Dodge City, Kansas smack dab in the New Jersey countryside. At Wild West City, you can saunter into 22 live-action shows that encourage audience participation, hop aboard a train, stagecoach or pony—and even try panning for gold. Looking for another place to channel your inner miner? Visit The Sterling Hill Mining Museum, open daily throughout July & August, where you can explore 1,300 feet of underground tunnel—including the Rainbow Tunnel, where walls glow in brilliant reds and greens. Can’t get enough neon? Duck into the site’s Warren Museum of Fluorescence. If you’re more of a happy camper than a frontiersman or wannabe miner, you can rent a site and pitch your tent at Hidden Pastures Fiber Farm, home to alpaca, rabbits, goats and yak.
Land & Water Adventures
Gear up for two-wheeling fun at Mountain Creek Bike Park or High Point State Park. Climb and zip your way through the forest canopy at TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park. Indulge in some splashy old school fun at Tomahawk Lake Waterpark or go for the high thrills slides and rides at Mountain Creek Waterpark. Navigate your way around Lake Hopatcong (New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake) on a pedalboard or hydrobike. You’ll need multiple days to squeeze in all of these amazing adventures. So stay for a long weekend (or a full week) at Crystal Springs Resort—which offers even more fun for the whole family on property!
Taste Makers
In Sussex County, you can sip and savor your way through the northernmost wineries on the Vintage North Jersey Wine Trail. Or visit your choice of dairy, livestock and produce farms dotting the region—this handy map will help with planning. And make sure to eat local (and oh-so-fresh) with lunch or dinner in a restaurant that specializes in farm-to-table cuisine.
On the Cheap
For free fun, you have your pick of four more parks to relax and play the day away. Sussex County is also home to 23 recognized Important Birding Areas (IBAs), so bring your binoculars to spot bald eagles, great horned owls and more feathered friends. Rather see some fly balls? There’s no need to pay for the majors when you can watch the Miners for far less. Check out the Sussex County Miners baseball team’s 2019 schedule here.
In New Jersey, every new day brings a brand-new destination…like Sussex County! Plan an outing or stay over to experience everything the area has to offer. Go to visitnj.org for more ideas and accommodations, or to download a free NJ travel guide and sign up for e-news.
