Mount Olive Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Mount Olive, New Jersey with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Mount Olive

Located in the Skylands region of New Jersey, Mount Olive is a picturesque township that boasts both natural beauty and a rich cultural history. Visitors to this area will find a range of outdoor activities, as well as museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the past. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or exploring local culture, Mount Olive has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Mount Olive

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Budd Lake Train Station: Built in the late 1800s, this train station now serves as a museum that gives visitors an inside look at the history of railroads in New Jersey.
  • Historic Chester: This charming town is home to several historic buildings, including the Chester Public School, which was built in the 1800s.
  • The Cooper Mill: Located in nearby Chester, this beautifully restored gristmill offers tours, educational programs, and events throughout the year.
  • The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms: This museum celebrates the life and work of Gustav Stickley, a renowned furniture maker who lived and worked in Morris Plains in the early 1900s.

Natural Attractions of Mount Olive: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hacklebarney State Park: This 465-acre park offers hiking trails, fishing streams, and stunning views of the Black River.
  • Schooley’s Mountain Park: With over 800 acres of natural beauty, this park is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking.
  • Waterloo Village: This restored 19th-century village is home to a number of historic buildings, including a working blacksmith shop and a gristmill. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mount Olive

  • Columbia Trail: This 15-mile trail offers breathtaking views of the pastoral countryside and is perfect for hiking and biking.
  • Hacklebarney Loop Trail: This 3-mile loop trail takes you through scenic woodlands and offers great views of the Black River.
  • Schooley’s Mountain Loop Trail: This 6.4-mile trail takes you through rocky terrain, lush forests, and stunning overlooks.

Best Things to Do in Mount Olive: Activities and Tours

  • Alstede Farms: This family-owned farm offers a range of fun activities, including apple picking, hayrides, and corn mazes.
  • Black River Fish and Wildlife Management Area: This protected wilderness area is perfect for birdwatching and nature photography.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Get a bird’s-eye view of the New Jersey landscape with a hot air balloon ride from one of the local providers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mount Olive

Day Activity
1 Visit the Budd Lake Train Station and Historic Chester
2 Explore Waterloo Village and Hacklebarney State Park
3 Go hiking on the Schooley’s Mountain Loop Trail
4 Take a hot air balloon ride over the local countryside
5 Visit the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
6 Spend the day at Alstede Farms
7 Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area

Food and Drink Scene of Mount Olive

Must-Try Dishes

  • Taylor Ham Sandwich: A New Jersey classic, this sandwich features sliced pork roll on a roll or bagel with egg and cheese.
  • Tomato Pie: A cross between a pizza and a pie, this savory dish features a flaky crust, tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Jersey Fresh: This program promotes locally grown produce and products, including wine, beer, and cider.
  • Coffee: New Jersey is known for its delicious coffee. Some of the best local roasters include Rook Coffee and Boxwood Coffee Roasters.

Where to Stay in Mount Olive: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Holiday Inn Budd Lake - Rockaway Area: This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
  • The Neighbour House: This charming bed and breakfast is located in nearby Long Valley and features comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.

What to Buy in Mount Olive: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Honey: New Jersey is known for its delicious honey, thanks to the state’s many beekeepers.
  • Local Wine and Beer: With so many great local breweries and wineries, it’s easy to find a delicious bottle to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Mount Olive

New Jerseyans take pride in their state and are happy to share their love of food, entertainment, and local treasures with visitors. While in Mount Olive, take advantage of the many opportunities to try local foods, see local landmarks, and meet local people.

Best Time to Visit Mount Olive

The best time to visit Mount Olive is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. Summer can be hot and crowded, and winters can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mount Olive

Do:

  • Do support local businesses and buy locally made products.
  • Do take advantage of the natural beauty of the area with outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage natural habitats.
  • Don’t ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mount Olive

While Mount Olive is a generally safe place to visit, it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions, such as locking your car and keeping valuables out of sight. Visitors should also be aware of their surroundings when hiking or biking in natural areas.

Health in Mount Olive

There are several hospitals and medical clinics in the Mount Olive area, so visitors should have access to medical care as needed.

Getting to Mount Olive: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mount Olive

  • Morristown Municipal Airport: Located about 20 miles from Mount Olive, this small airport offers flights to several major U.S. cities.
  • Newark Liberty International Airport: Located about 35 miles south of Mount Olive, this major airport offers flights to destinations around the world.

Bus Stations Near Mount Olive

  • Mount Olive Park-and-Ride: This NJ Transit bus stop offers service to several nearby cities, including Newark and New York City.

Other Options

  • Driving: Mount Olive is located near several major highways, including I-80 and I-287, making it easily accessible by car.
  • Train: The closest train stations are located in nearby Dover and Hackettstown.

How to Get Around in Mount Olive

While taxi and rideshare services are available in the area, the best way to see Mount Olive is by car. Visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area should consider renting a bicycle or hiking the local trails.

Where to Go Next from Mount Olive: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Historic Morristown: This nearby town is home to several museums and historic sites, including George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters.
  • Lake Hopatcong: Located just a short drive from Mount Olive, this scenic lake is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Mount Olive has something for everyone. With its charming small-town vibe and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder why so many visitors fall in love with this New Jersey gem.