Summer Information For The Skylands - Mountain Creek In New Jersey






Dec 2, 08

The Skylands - Mountain Creek
New Jersey

A Wealth of Opportunities

The Skylands region of northwestern New Jersey includes five counties: Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren. This picturesque region contains 60,000 acres of state park land; countless hills, lakes, streams and farmland; and has two national parks on its edges.

Sussex County is located in the northern most tip of Skyland. The rural landscape contains a wealth of history and provides an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation. More than a dozen state parks, state forests and natural areas offer a wide range of activities, including camping, hiking, bicycling and fishing.

Wawayanda State Park

Wawayanda State Park encompasses 13,000 acres of woods, wetlands and rock outcroppings. The 255 acres of Wawayanda Lake provide for a host of water activities. This pristine lake offers swimming, fishing, canoeing and boating. Fishing enthusiasts will find large and small mouth bass, perch, brown and rainbow trout and pickerel lurking is these clear waters.

The park also has more than 40 miles of trails. Some are old logging roads from the 1940s when the area was logged heavily. A 19.6-mile section of the Appalachian Trail cuts through the park as well. This trail stretches from Maine to Georgia and is designated for hiking only.

Camping can be found at a variety of private campgrounds as well as those located in Wawayanda, High Point and Swartswood state parks.

Lining the western border of Sussex County is the Delaware River. The river offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including rafting, kayaking, tubing and canoeing. This beautiful river is designated a National Scenic and Recreational River and is protected as such.

Sussex County has several golf courses to challenge golfers of all abilities. Golf at Demarest Farm, Farmstead Golf and Country Club and Great Gorge Golf Reserve are just a few of the area courses. The Spa Golf Club at Great Gorge was designed by Robert Trent Jones.

Mining History

For a look at the region's mining history, visit the Sterling Hill Mine and Museum in Ogdensburg. Here you will find the state's only underground mine tour. Also view fluorescent minerals, mining equipment, historical buildings and ancient mine pits.

A wide array of restaurants and shops fill the towns and villages here. Dining choices range from elegant to causal and shoppers can find unique items and great bargains.