Warren County Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Warren County with our comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, local cuisine, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Warren County

Nestled in the Skylands region of New Jersey, Warren County boasts a stunning landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, and shimmering lakes. This picturesque destination is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing. The county also boasts a rich history, with numerous museums and historical sites showcasing its heritage from colonial times to the present day.

List of Places to Visit in Warren County

  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
  • Jenny Jump State Forest
  • Waterloo Village
  • Land of Make Believe
  • Moravian Museum of Bethlehem
  • Merrill Creek Reservoir
  • Liberty Village Premium Outlets
  • Allamuchy Mountain State Park
  • The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Warren County boasts a rich history that is showcased in its numerous museums and historical sites:

  • Moravian Museum of Bethlehem: This fascinating museum houses exhibits that detail the history of the Moravian community in the area, which dates back to the 18th century.
  • Waterloo Village: This meticulously restored 19th-century canal town allows visitors to step back in time and experience life as it was in the late1800s.
  • Shippen Manor Museum: This 18th-century mansion is a great place to learn about the history of Warren County and the surrounding area.
  • The National Museum of Industrial History: Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, this museum provides visitors with insight into America’s rich industrial heritage with exhibits that chronicle the development of the manufacturing industry.

Natural Attractions of Warren County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Warren County’s beautiful scenery and close proximity to nature provide numerous opportunities for outdoor activities:

  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: This area is a prime spot for outdoor recreation, with miles of hiking trails, scenic waterfalls, and numerous camping and picnicking spots.
  • Jenny Jump State Park: This beautiful park offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, as well as hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites.
  • Merrill Creek Reservoir: This scenic spot is ideal for fishing, birding, hiking, and picnicking.
  • Allamuchy Mountain State Park: This park is a great spot for hiking and biking, with miles of trails that weave through forests and offer stunning vistas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Warren County

Warren County is home to several beautiful hiking and biking trails, including:

  • Paulinskill Valley Trail: This trail winds 27 miles along the Paulins Kill River and is a popular spot for biking, hiking, and fishing.
  • Columbia Trail: This is a 16-mile scenic trail that’s perfect for biking, walking, running, and horseback riding.
  • Allamuchy Mountain State Park: This park boasts over 20 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, that are ideal for hiking and biking.
  • Bearfort Ridge: This hiking trail offers stunning views of the region and is a challenging trek for experienced hikers.

Best Things to Do in Warren County: Activities and Tours

Warren County offers a variety of unique experiences for visitors, including:

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take to the skies and experience Warren County’s beautiful scenery from a hot air balloon.
  • Delaware River Tubing: This exciting activity lets you enjoy the river and scenery while floating in a tube.
  • Horseback Riding: There are several stables in Warren County that offer guided trail rides through the beautiful countryside.
  • Train Rides: Take a scenic ride on one of the vintage trains that run through the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Warren County

Day 1: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Day 2: Visit the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem and the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Day 3: Jenny Jump State Park Day 4: Columbia Trail and lunch at a local restaurant Day 5: Allamuchy Mountain State Park Day 6: Shippen Manor Museum Day 7: Hot air balloon ride over Warren County

Food and Drink Scene of Warren County

Warren County has a thriving food and drink scene, with a wide variety of establishments that serve up delicious local cuisine:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Taylor Pork Roll: This is a well-known New Jersey dish that has been a local favorite since the 1850s. It’s a type of processed meat that’s similar to Canadian bacon and is typically eaten as a breakfast meat or sandwich meat.
  • Jersey Corn: The corn grown in New Jersey is some of the best in the country, and it’s a popular ingredient in many local dishes.
  • River Trout: The region’s famous trout hatchery produces some of the freshest and tastiest trout in the area.

Local Beverages

  • Jersey Craft Beer: Warren County is home to several craft breweries that produce some of the best beer in New Jersey.
  • Local Wines: Several vineyards in the area offer wine tastings and tours, showcasing the region’s unique grape varietals.

Where to Stay in Warren County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Warren County offers various accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

What to Buy in Warren County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local Honey: Honey is a popular commodity in Warren County, which is home to several beekeepers who produce high-quality honey.
  • Warren County Souvenirs: There are several gift shops throughout the area that offer unique souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, and mugs.

Local Culture and Customs of Warren County

Warren County is home to a diverse range of cultures and customs, including a strong farming and agricultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Warren County

Warren County is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities, while fall is perfect for admiring the region’s stunning foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Warren County

Do:

  • Take advantage of the numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Observe local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Ignore safety guidelines when engaging in outdoor activities.
  • Disrespect local culture and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Warren County

Warren County is a safe destination with a low crime rate. However, visitors should always exercise caution when engaging in outdoor activities, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the region.

Health in Warren County

Warren County has several hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality medical care. Visitors should be cautious of tick-borne illnesses, which are prevalent in the area during the summer months.

Getting to Warren County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Warren County

  • Lehigh Valley International Airport: Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, this airport is about an hour’s drive from Warren County.
  • Newark Liberty International Airport: This major airport is located in Newark, New Jersey, and is roughly an hour and a half’s drive from Warren County.

Bus Stations Near Warren County

  • Trans-Bridge Lines: This bus service links Warren County with cities throughout Pennsylvania and New York.
  • Greyhound: This bus service offers frequent trips to nearby cities, including New York City, Allentown, and Philadelphia.

Other Options

Renting a car is a great way to explore Warren County and the surrounding area if you’re flying into one of the nearby airports.

How to Get Around in Warren County

Renting a car is the easiest way to get around Warren County, but there are also several taxi companies and ride-sharing services available.

Where to Go Next from Warren County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania: This scenic region is located just across the Delaware River and offers numerous recreational activities and attractions.
  • Princeton, New Jersey: This historic town is home to Princeton University, numerous museums, and a vibrant downtown area.
  • Lambertville, New Jersey: This picturesque town offers a charming downtown area, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Conclusion

Warren County is a unique and beautiful destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning scenery, rich historic sites, and diverse cultural offerings, it’s no wonder why it’s a top choice for visitors to New Jersey. Plan your trip today and come experience all that Warren County has to offer!



    Hackettstown
    Phillipsburg