Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Warren County, NJ

  • Published 2022/11/03

Warren County sits on New Jersey’s northern part that borders Pennsylvania.

This county has 26 cities and townships.

Established in 1824, Warren County was named after the American Revolutionary statesman Joseph Warren.

In the 1880s, Warren County became the biggest musical organ producer in the entire nation.

Today, Warren County has outgrown itself from being a rural countryside area in New Jersey.

Warren County (and its largest city, Philipsburg) is an underrated travel destination.

It can be the site of an ideal weekend getaway destination for its famous theme park, state parks, wineries, natural areas, and historical attractions.

So, read below the best things to do in Warren County, New Jersey to make the most of your visit.

Conquer the Peak of Mount Tammany

Hikers at Mount Tammany's summit

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Mount Tammany is a popular hiking destination in New Jersey.

Visit this natural attraction in Knowlton Township.

Its 1,526-feet elevation makes it a perfect place for hikers and climbers to test their mettle and have fun simultaneously.

This mountain serves as the Kittatinny Mountains’ southernmost peak, which remains within Warren County.

Scenic view of Delaware water gap from Mount Tammany

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The trail, which surrounds this mountain, spans about 3.5 miles featuring a rocky and steep terrain.

However, you will get treated to a stunning view of the Delaware Water Gap upon reaching the summit of this mountain.

So, remember to pack your hiking gear when traveling to Warren County because you will likely find yourself enduring the challenging but worthwhile hike in Mount Tammany.

Nature trail at Mount Tammany

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Hop On the Delaware River Railroad Excursions

Book a ticket with the Delaware River Railroad Excursions for an unforgettable experience touring through Warren County.

Visit this riverside steam train ride along Elizabeth Street in Phillipsburg.

Hopping on in one of its vintage cars is an unforgettable experience.

Each train or vintage car has themed options and various destinations.

The scenic ride takes you to various attractions and views along the Delaware River, making it a fun-filled trip, especially with your family.

Some famous themes you and your family can try are the “Jurassic Fun,” the Warren County Winery Train, The Mine Train, and the Corn Maze Train.

Remember to list the Delaware River Railroad Excursions for an unforgettable train ride in your itinerary.

Feel Like a Kid Again at the Land of Make Believe

Train ride at the Land of Make Believe

Mminc10, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Land of Make-Believe is a massive family amusement and water park.

Drop by on Great Meadows Road in Hope Township to find out where to start.

It spans over 30 acres, making it one of Warren County’s best attractions to visit.

This theme park which opened in 1954, has dozens of attractions for kids of all ages.

It includes the famous Civil War Train, Tornado, Scream Machine 360, Tilt-a-Whirl, and the Pirate’s Wading Pool.

Besides these exciting rides, you can bring your family to its petting zoo, featuring cute and cuddly animals.

At the same time, spend your day at its water park, featuring various themed sections such as the Blackbeard’s Action River Ride, Pirate’s Plunge, and plenty more.

Indulge in Excellent Wines at Alba Vineyard & Winery

Alba Vineyard & Winery boasts some of the most picturesque vineyards in New Jersey.

Stop by this vineyard and winery along County Road in Milford Township.

If you’re yearning for some relaxing wine-drinking sessions all by yourself or with your loved ones, this is your go-to place.

While sipping a glass of wine on its spacious patio, enjoy the remarkable view of the sloping vineyards on Warren County’s rolling hills.

Alba Vineyard & Winery is a must-visit place, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or an average tourist roaming Warren County.

It’s one of the few places in Warren County where you can appreciate the view while sipping a glass of top-notch wine.

Be with the Company of Wolves at Lakota Wolf Preserve

Howling wolf at Lakota Wolf Preserve

Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com

Lakota Wolf Preserve is a significant wildlife preserve that serves as a sanctuary for the wolves of New Jersey.

Come by this preserve along Mt. Pleasant Road in Columbia Township.

This wildlife preserve is a sanctuary for these majestic predators.

Visitors can enjoy guided educational tours which mainly feature the wolves kept in the preserve.

Wolves at Lakota Wolf Preserve

Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com

During the guided tour, learn fascinating facts about wolves and the importance of their existence in wildlife.

Besides guided tours, you’re encouraged to take lovely photos of the wolves in this preserve, making it a worthwhile experience.

Also residing at the preserve are other animals, such as lynxes, bobcats, and foxes.

Explore and learn as much fascinating information about these animals as possible at the Lakota Wolf Preserve.

Lone wolf at Lakota Wolf Preserve

Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com

Test Your Angling Skills at Paulins Kill

Paulins Kill is a 41.6-mile Delaware River tributary in New Jersey’s northwestern part.

Locals also know it as Paulinskill River or Lake Paulinskill.

This tributary also serves as New Jersey’s third primary contributor to the Delaware River’s waters.

Besides being a significant body of water in New Jersey, this tributary is a famous fishing destination.

Anglers throughout New Jersey travel to Warren County to visit this place and test their angling skills.

Many anglers love to cast their line at Paulins Kill because of the abundance of various trout species.

If you’re an avid angler, you have a good chance of catching rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout, making it an excellent fishing destination.

Besides fishing, you can also enjoy hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, and seasonal hunting in this area.

Connect with Nature at the Worthington State Forest

Watefall at Worthington State Forest

Jeremy Beeler / Shutterstock.com

Worthington State Forest is a top-notch natural attraction that offers various outdoor recreational opportunities.

Explore this state forest along Old Mine Road in Columbia Township.

It’s the best place to embark on an exciting hiking activity taking you to a picturesque view of Northern New Jersey.

The entire state forest is a vast place to explore, covering over 6,660 acres and full of New Jersey’s thriving local flora and fauna.

River at Worthington State Forest

Jeremy Beeler / Shutterstock.com

An excellent way to enjoy your visit to the Worthington State Forest is by conquering the 22-mile trail.

It ultimately leads you to New Jersey’s Seven Natural Wonders, the Sunfish Pond.

Besides hiking, enjoy picnicking, camping, and fishing in this gorgeous state forest.

Trail lined with trees at Worthington State Forest

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See the Mesmerizing Night Sky with the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey

The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc., or UACNJ, is a prominent astronomy club known for its famous public astronomy viewing events.

Its headquarters is State Park Road in the unincorporated community of Great Meadows.

Established in 1988, this club offers visitors and locals an opportunity to see New Jersey’s night sky, such as stargazing.

This astronomy club is worth visiting for its free public programs and stargazing events at the Jenny Jump State Forest.

It’s a fantastic experience you mustn’t miss to see star constellations, galaxies, and planets through the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.’s telescope, along with fellow visitors.

Spot Local Wildlife at Lake Marguerite Wildlife Refuge

Lake Marquerite Wildlife Refuge is a charming wildlife refuge that serves as an outdoor recreation destination in Warren County.

It’s the boast of Washington Township where travelers can set out on a trip with nature and see various local wildlife.

While hiking through its dense and unspoiled forests and fields, you’ll come across deer, birds, turtles, raccoons, squirrels, and other animals in the area.

Besides being an excellent destination for wildlife viewing, it’s also a popular off-road biking and kayaking destination.

In addition, Lake Marguerite Wildlife Refuge has plenty of fish, making it a nice place to spend your day casting your line.

So pack your binoculars and your fishing rod for some worthwhile outdoor activities at this wildlife refuge.

Get a Bird’s-Eye View of Warren County at Jenny Jump State Forest

Scenic view from Jenny Jump State Forest

Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock.com

Jenny Jump State Forest is best known for the “Jenny Jump Mountain Ridge,” a 1,112-feet high mountain.

This state forest lies along State Park Rd in Hope Township.

Climbing the mountain ridge might be challenging.

Foliage on Jenny Jump State Forest trail

Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock.com

However, the view atop guarantees you a rewarding sight of the sweeping valleys and farmlands from a distance.

Besides climbing this famous mountain ridge, traverse the unspoiled 4,400-acre forest through 14 miles of hiking trails.

In addition, cross-country skiing is also a popular outdoor activity in Jenny Jump State Forest, making it a must-visit attraction in Warren County.

Barbecuing at Jenny Jump State Forest

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Experience Farm Life at Donaldson Farms Farm Market

Donaldson Farms Farm Market is considered a farming institution in Hackettstown.

This charming farm is just down Allen Road.

It’s been a top-notch source of fresh produce since 1906 in the area and is mainly famous for its wide array of fresh produce at its farm market.

Shop for freshly picked apples, strawberries, and vegetables at its farm market.

You and your loved ones should not miss its exciting strawberry and pumpkin picking activities available seasonally.

Kids and adults must fill their baskets with strawberries during its harvest season.

At the same time, during fall, the pumpkin picking activity adds more fun to the Halloween season.

In addition, Donaldson Farms Farm Market offers group tours, farm education, and private tours for those who want a different kind of farm life experience.

Roam the Halls of Shippen Manor

Front view of Shippen Manor's exterior

Lorene Lavora, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shippen Manor is a prominent hillside historical mansion in Oxford Township.

This gorgeous manor serves as a curated museum operated by Warren County.

It displays the original furnishings and medical equipment of its original owner, Dr. William Shippen.

Side facade of Shippen Manor

Tom Zmuda, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It’s strongly believed that Shippen treated the likes of the first President George Washington, John Hancock, and Benjamin Franklin inside this gorgeous Georgian-style stone mansion.

Roaming inside this historical attraction allows you to step back in time, during the 1700s to 1800s, by seeing up close various historical artifacts and touring through various rooms.

Joining the free guided tours is the best way to enjoy your visit to the Shippen Manor.

Float in the Sky with the Balloonatics & Aeronuts

Balloonatics and Aeronuts is a company famous for its hot air balloon ride through Warren county.

Start your hot air balloon journey by dropping by its headquarters at Warren County Community College in Washington Township.

Alternatively, catch the Balloon Festival & Arts & Crafts every June in the same town.

This company offers everyone a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride.

You’re taken to new heights while riding through Warren County’s most gorgeous sceneries, making it a must-do activity.

While aboard, enjoy a romantic champagne picnic with your special someone or perhaps take incredible photos with your family or friends.

So, take advantage of the chance to ride on one of Balloonatics and Aeronuts’ hot air balloon rides when visiting Warren County.

See the Riegelsville Bridge Up Close

Walkway of Riegelsville Bridge

Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock.com

The Riegelsville Bridge is not just your typical century-old bridge.

This 577-feet long suspension bridge connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey is a fascinating structure to see for its uniqueness and historical significance.

This bridge has a unique design with multiple short suspension spans.

It contrasts with modern-day suspension bridges, which only have two suspension towers.

View of Riegelsville Bridge from the waters

Jag9889, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This one has four, making it a unique suspension bridge you must see when visiting Warren County.

At the same time, the bridge has a gorgeous structure, making it a perfect backdrop for your social network photo.

Riegelsville Bridge also has historical significance for its association with John Roebling, one of the world’s most famous suspension bridge builders.

Feel the Rush at Island Dragway

Last on your list is the Island Dragway in Great Meadows.

This drag race strip is widely known throughout New Jersey to let spectators and visitors put their drag-racing skills to the test.

The entire strip is a quarter-mile long, where seasoned and newbie drag racers outrace each other, making it an exciting place to visit.

Try drag racing with its vast selection of street cars, racing cars, and motorcycles for some immersive experience.

This place lets everyone experience racing safely and enjoyably through street legal and bracket races.

So, gather courage and test your drag racing skills at Island Dragway for an unforgettable experience before returning home.

Final Thoughts

Warren County is a sight to behold.

With vast state forests and parks, it’s a magnificent place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.

Meanwhile, its historical attractions have no short of fascinating stories to tell.

This county is a hidden gem in New Jersey that must be on everyone’s list of travel destinations.

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