November 6 - 13
Shifting Gears
This view from the lookout above Route 80 (eastbound, mile 20), eighteen miles west to the forested wall of Kittatinny Mountain is part of the same valley that runs from Canada to Alabama -- the Great Valley of the Appalachians. Interstate Route 80, aka the Christopher Columbus Highway, can be a scenic tour through an ancient glacial lake, across a glacial moraine, over the New Jersey Highlands into the vast Valley and Ridge province. Enjoy your next ride with a new perspective!
There won’t be too many more days to get out and
feel a warm breeze while enjoying the amber and gold
colors of autumn’s last leaves. Some
days unfold slowly, but listen carefully to catch their
rhythm, and
you may enjoy the tune. Can you believe
it?
Three weeks until Thanksgiving!
Roads Best Traveled
The historic and scenic river towns of Easton, Portland, Columbia, Belvidere and Phillipsburg all merit in-depth exploration of their own, but this
forty-eight-mile loop tour emphasizes the old roads connecting them.
The Franklin Marble
The wilds of Sparta Mountain begin at Ryker Lake. (Dan Balogh)
The sustained productivity of the Sparta Mountain iron mines, which began in the late 1700s, attracted the attention of Thomas Edison, who built a massive experimental plant to process iron ore and a namesake village in 1889. Today, the
Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) includes thousands of acres with an extensive network of trails that beckon outdoor lovers in search of birds and other wildlife, hikers looking for challenging terrain, hunters and fishers, photographers pursuing remote panoramas and seasonal color, or explorers tracking the signs and scars of historical endeavors.
Gear up!
Flight Patterns
A visit to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA, during the fall
raptor migration of 1964, inspired Len and Diane Soucy's special interest in birds of prey, and led to their life's work at
The Raptor Trust in Millington. Although watching birds of prey doesn't have to define your life, you may find yourself with a bit of
raptor fever after a taste of the annual fall migration. Some species, like the northern goshawk, golden eagle, and red-tailed hawk actually increase in numbers in November, but each species has its own window of time. You can start with this
primer for watching these magnificent and magical birds. Then head for
Merrill Creek Reservoir,
Raccoon Ridge,
Wildcat Ridge or several other prime spots in the region.
Jersey Blue on the Green
The Morris County Civil War Monument on the Morristown Green.
Among the many sacrifices to remember on
Veterans Day (Tuesday, Nov. 11),
Morristown has
a surprisingly rich connection with America’s “Second Revolution,” the
Civil War. When the call for enlistments went out in the North, and Morristown proudly answered, raising over 100 local volunteers to form Company K of the 7th New Jersey Regiment. The regiment’s commander was Joseph Warren Revere, grandson of Paul Revere, and Company K would receive a grand send-off on the Morristown Green before joining the 7th NJ and their sister regiments to form the 2nd New Jersey Brigade which fought on some of the bloodiest battlefields in this country’s history.
Three historic buildings will be open with talented crafters and interesting vendors to fill your holiday shopping list. Presented by the all-volunteer, nonprofit, Heritage and Agriculture Association, Inc., in cooperation with the NJ DEP/Division of Parks and Forestry.
October 30 - November 6
Time waits for no one...
You won't want to miss some of the prettiest vistas on the East Coast throughout the Walpack Valley, but don't wait. Those colors are fading fast.
except for this weekend when they turn the clocks back and shorten the days up real quick.
Daylight Craving Time! But there are still plenty of
glory days left, and still plenty of fun listed on our
calendar.
Stones of Silence
Ruins of the Spring Valley Christian Church in Hardwick. Photo by Diane Pratt.
Graveyards may hold a particular appeal for travelers in search of a spooky motif. Others have a passion for genealogy, enjoy a search for history, or simply a peaceful walk through a quiet place filled with so many long-ago stories. Take a camera or a sketchbook along, or perhaps paper for rubbings as you wander through these stone testaments to Warren County's history.
It won't be time wasted.
What's In A Name?
It is not difficult to track down the Andover mine's location. But beware that the property is private and that trespassing is prohibited.
As far back as the early 1700s the name
Andover was used by the Penns, owners of a large tract here granted to them by the Proprietors, to refer to the whole general area in Sussex County. Over the years, various sites have borne the Andover name, including local iron mines, forges, furnaces, factories and settlements with a connection with these early iron interests.
More...
Welcome to Kinney Land
Built on a tiny Lake Kinnelon island in 1886, St. Hubert’s Chapel is accessible only by boat. Photo: Corrine Kline
It began with a tobacco fortune and country retreat carved out of New Jersey hills and farmland. From high elevations — socially, financially and geologically speaking — the Kinney family, founders of the Kinney Tobacco Company, could look back toward New York City, where the money was made.
Read more!
On the Trail
Each of the fifteen sites along this weekend's
Explore Warren History Trail offers visitors a special activity. At Knowlton Township's
Ramsaysburg Historic Homestead, trail-goers will enjoy the annual
Riverside Fall Festival along with
interpretive tours of the grounds on
Saturday, November 1 (10am-4pm). Visit
Ken's Famous Apple Tent to taste an assortment of locally-grown apples.
Ye Olde Bake Sale will include an impressive array of homemade baked goods. There will be selected craft items on hand, wool spinning and other demonstrations, as well as information from community organizations and vendors. As always, visitors can enjoy the natural allure of the property and relish magnificent seasonal views along Delaware River. The Ramsaysburg Homestead is located at
140 Route 46 at Ramseyburg Road in Delaware, NJ.
Wanderlust!
Fifteen historic sites throughout Warren County will again participate in the annual self-guided county-wide tour, with family activities at each location, this weekend of November 1-2. Each site will open 10am-4pm on either Saturday or Sunday.
Use this map and guide to plan your trip!
Please note: due to gov't shutdown Millbrook Village cannot participate this year.Get Lost!
Enticing trails surround Crater Lake atop the Kittatinny Ridge.
Indian Summer is sweet and short. Chilly days and barren limbs are not far ahead, so get out your walking stick and hit the road, lined with
good things to do and
colorful panoramas for leaf peepers. Pick from a multitude of
scenic tours and daytrips and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Big Skylands Country
Merrill Creek Reservoir
Warren County's Scott's Mountain is known locally as
Montana Mountain, named for the small hamlet that sits on its scenic plateau. Nearby
Merrill Creek Reservoir, with its vast open waters and network of wooded trails, is deserving of any excursion up the mountain. The trip back down into and through the
Pohatcong Valley is equally rewarding for students of history and devotees of the outdoors.
Blueberry Hill
Find your thrill walking the Monument Trail in
High Point State Park. The path along the forested mountain top at the top of New Jersey at 1,800 feet offers palettes of color and texture that only the shallow-soil ridges of High Point can. Let the stillness and quiet of this blueberry-clad mountain top forest on ancient rock fire your imagination!
Jersey Lightning
By the time the mill at Ralston squeezed its first drop of cider, the brandy industry in New Jersey was more than 130 years old, having begun in Morris County in 1773. Of all the
cider mills in New Jersey, Nesbitt's is the
only survivor. This Saturday (Oct. 25) is
Annual Pressing Day at the mill.
Fare To Midlands
Part of the former the Kuser Estate on top of Bald Pate Mountain.
Just a few miles south of Lambertville lies an area ripe for weekend adventure and exploration. At
Bald Pate Mountain, components of local, national, and natural history are well represented, as well as brilliant prospects for craft seekers, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and picnickers. To get there, head south from Lambertville on Route 29, enjoying glimpses of the Delaware & Raritan Canal feeder and the Delaware River along the way.
October 15 - 22
Fields of Fun
It all starts in the dirt and rises to the top, and October is the time to find your
field of fun. So make a list! Could be an
apple orchard, lines of ageless trees laden with the mythical fruit, each cultivated for its own purpose. But you can pick more than apples. You can get all kinds of
late season vegetables and berries. And it's not too early to begin the all-important
pumpkin search. Some farms include wagon rides to the picking area and shops filled with baked goods. Others sell local cider, and a few places make their own. And it's not hard to find a
corn maze full of twists and turns. And umpteen million potential
wine lovers within an hour’s drive is a natural energizer for a wealth of ideas. And so many have borne fruit.
Enjoy the harvest!
Sweet and Spicy
On Saturday (October 18) the annual
Sussex County Harvest, Honey and Garlic Festival will celebrate the agriculture, heritage and outdoor attributes of New Jersey's Great Northwest with family activities, craft demonstrations, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, local artisans, and live music. The
Sussex County Beekeepers Association will have educational displays, materials and an array of honey products. For those who love all things garlic, we’ll have the
Garden State Garlic Growers. Kids can paint pumpkins, do crafts or ride in a hay wagon. The
free, family oriented event runs from 10am - 4pm at the
Sussex County Fairgrounds,
37 Plains Road in Augusta. (Please no pets. Service animals only. Comfort/therapy animals are prohibited.) For more details,
click here!
Canned Sunshine
Not so long ago, every family had a root cellar, and canning of all the excess bounty, whether from the home garden or the farm stand, was standard practice until the advent of the home refrigerator in the 1900s. It's not too late to take advantage of the fall harvest, and
"put up" some food for healthy, nutritious eating during the long winter months.
Boulder Hops and Star Gazing
Brilliant foliage at Ghost Lake.
The ancient rolling terrain of
Jenny Jump Mountain provides spectacular vistas of the Kittatinny Mountains and the Water Gap to the west, and the vast panorama of the Great Meadows to the east. A haven for those who love a hike and a good view, the Park promises special rewards for devotees of geology, astronomy, mountain biking, bird watchers, bass fishing, and all season camping.
Through the Farny Highlands
Split Rock from a kayak is a beautiful sight in autumn.
Photo by Lee Sandstead.
A trio of Morris County reservoirs, each less than ten miles from the next, dot opposing sides of a triangle that frames sharply contrasting environments.
Split Rock sits in one of Morris County’s most remote regions;
Taylortown in Montville’s preserved mountains and woodlands, steps away from suburbia and
Boonton near the busy intersection of Routes 287 and 80. An autumn visit to each or all promises ample leaf peeping vistas, woodland or urban hikes with water views and flashes of Revolutionary and Civil War history.
Put this trip on your list this fall!
Planet Jersey
Great Horned Owl. Photo: Rose Marie Joy
From books and movies to commercials and graphic tee shirts, owls abound in popular culture. They draw us in with their big, soulful eyes and luxuriously soft-looking feathers, and we appreciate how that spark of interest can be nurtured into the type of informed appreciation that leads to conservation action. These amazing birds have earned their moment of fame and the platform it provides for education.
Wisdom on the fly!
Discover!
Sixteen historic sites throughout Warren County will again participate in the annual self-guided county-wide tour, with family activities at each location, scheduled this year for the weekend of November 1-2, 2025. Each stop along the trail offers something different and exciting for the whole family.
Each site will open 10am-4pm on either Saturday or Sunday.
Use this map and guide to plan your trip!
October 9 - 16
The Hunt For Orange October!
Early morning fog is slow to fade as I pull the fly rod from its cotton sleeve. When the sun breaks through the shroud, leaves of poplar, black birch, oak, and shagbark hickory appear to glow. Awash in color, the surrounding hills complement the two sections of golden cane.
The
annual fall foliage bloom is dependent primarily on moisture and the first frost, but peak leaf viewing in Northwest New Jersey normally begins in the first half of October. So, do yourself a favor and leave it all behind for a couple of hours on the road, lined with good things to do and
colorful panoramas for leaf peepers. Pick from a multitude of
scenic tours and daytrips and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Art and Fellowship
At the heart of the estate stands the 18th-century farmhouse.
At the western edge of the Great Swamp, less than a mile from downtown Basking Ridge, lies the fifty-acre
Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate—also known today as
The Ross Farm. This historic property has been home to several prominent families whose legacies shaped both New Jersey and the nation. Today it is also a destination for music, art and natural heritage. You can tour the farmhouse and grounds during this weekend's
Somerset County Journey Through the Past.
Roadside Attractions
Van Campen Inn on Old Mine Road in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
A casual stop at the Isaac Van Campen House (or Van Campen Inn) blossoms effortlessly into a
full day of exploration and discovery. The Inn is among the most prominent "official” destinations along the Old Mine Road, but it is not at all apparent how many features actually wait here for discovery. You can find out this Sunday (Oct. 12, 2025) on
Van Campen Day, during the
Walpack Historical Society's annual heritage weekend.
Trickle Down
Spruce Run Creek is a sparkling ribbon of natural beauty whose course through rich agricultural land interspersed with hardwood and evergreen forests still embodies the area's early history and provides sanctuary for many species of wildlife. The spring rises along the ridge of Schooley's Mountain, ten miles northeast of the reservoir near the boundary of Washington Township, in Morris County, and Lebanon Township, in Hunterdon County.
Denville Detour
Jonathan's Woods. Photo by Dan Balogh.
Even today, if you needed a natural hideout—a really good one—
Jonathan’s Woods could work. This six hundred plus acre pocket of undeveloped property, speckled with high and low ferns and Indian paintbrush, crossed by slender streams and marked by sharply rising rocky outcroppings, lies not far from one of Morris County’s busiest highways: Interstate Route 80. And yet the tract offers unexpected isolation. You could, as they say,
get lost here!
Discover!
There's no better time for camping than when autumn leaves turn brilliant colors! In fact,
Kymer's Camping Resort makes a perfect home base for most outdoor fall activities such as leaf peeping, bird and wildlife watching, hunting and fishing. And each October weekend, there's
something special going on. Enjoy
rooms with a view on two-hundred scenic acres in Sussex County, at
69 Kymer Road in Branchville. You won't find a better spot to enjoy fall outdoors!
Sussex County's autumn celebration on October 18 features local artisans, crafters & vendors. There will be garlic vendors for those who love all things garlic. We’ll have the Sussex County Beekeepers, wine, live music, food & much more. Kids can paint pumpkins, do crafts or ride in a hay wagon.
October 2 - 9
OctoberFest!
Together, Allamuchy Mountain and Stephens State Parks include 9,600 acres in Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. Deer Park Pond sits atop Allamuchy Mountain.
Events all month long in Northwest New Jersey’s Skylands add up to one giant celebration of autumn. Arts, harvests, history – pretty much everything that needs expressing is expressed this month, beginning in a big way
this weekend. You'll find more about these events and much more on our
calendar for this and coming weekends.
Pick from a multitude of
scenic tours and daytrips and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Park Place
One day this fall you are likely to find yourself headed to New Jersey’s northernmost corner in search of autumn adventure. You may be guided by way of either of two well-known parks; the
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and High Point State Park which converge at the top of the state in the
Township of Montague. Although few visitors care what zip code they’re in, some exploration beyond the park borders can be
quickly rewarded.
Watershed Moments
The long view west to the Delaware Valley from Ragged Ridge.
Lopatcong Creek pours down the Scotts Mountain Ridge in Harmony Township towards its appointment with the Delaware River twelve miles southwest at Phillipsburg.
Hikers can explore the upper reaches of the Lopatcong along portions of the
Warren Highlands Trail, crossing farms and rugged forest through the peaks and valleys of the watershed, including a spectacular viewpoint at Ragged Ridge. The Lopatcong watershed hosts the remnants of locks and planes at the western terminus of the
Morris Canal, which are preserved and documented by the ever-expanding
Morris Canal Greenway project.
Follow the river!
All Along the Byway
The Millstone Valley Scenic Byway is a narrow 23-mile roadway loop paralleling the western side of the Millstone River and the eastern side of the Delaware & Raritan Canal between the villages of Millstone and Kingston. Found within the Byway are
eight historic districts; a twelve-mile section of the
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park; vintage bridges; and roadways over which Revolutionary War troops marched nearly 240 years ago. Outdoor enthusiasts can fish, hike, bike, jog, horse-back ride, canoe or kayak and bird-watch at various locations.
A perfect road trip!
Bottle Hill
Arcoss from Hartley Dodge Memorial, Madison’s stately borough hall, is a pocket park maintained by the Madison Garden Club, a quiet sanctuary of paths and benches surrounding a plot of hybrid tea roses.
Established in 1715, the
village of Bottle Hill officially changed its name to Madison in 1834, in honor of President James Madison. The town, nicknamed
The Rose City, became a leading rose producer from the mid-1800s to mid-1900s, shipping millions of blooms to New York each year. Dozens of greenhouses flourished until rising land values and cheaper imports caused decline by the 1980s. Find out much more about Madison's current culture at the annual fall festival,
Bottle Hill Day,
Saturday, October 4.
I Paint What I Know
John Crouse painted a picture of Alice's Store
in Little York, where he grew up, as it might have appeared in the 1960s, adding a Studebaker
pick-up out front.
Hunterdon County artist,
John Crouse, passed away on September 11. He was a great friend of our publication and to all who love the rural character of Northwest New Jersey. Farm scenes were John's passion. "As an artist I am naturally
observant and over the years I've painted many of the subjects and sceneries
that I've observed on the farm. I see a rusted piece of machinery and I immediately
recognize it as a sort of monument that symbolizes a time in America's history
when hard work and perseverance were the rule of the day. The farmers of yesterday
could tell stories that require few embellishments and minimal, if any, exaggeration.
My challenge as an artist is to provide a visual backdrop for these stories
and to take the viewer to a place and time where modern technology and industry
cannot spoil the scenery."
Primetime!
Historic sites throughout Somerset County will hold tours led by costumed interpreters and actors portraying historical figures, special collections and exhibitions, and a seemingly unending variety of activities for public involvement and enjoyment.
Plan your trip!Sussex County's autumn celebration on October 18 features local artisans, crafters & vendors. There will be garlic vendors for those who love all things garlic. We’ll have the Sussex County Beekeepers, wine, live music, food & much more. Kids can paint pumpkins, do crafts or ride in a hay wagon.
September 24 - October 1
Don't Miss A Thing!
Floating Autumn Leaves on Dark Water, an award-winning photo by Linda Calvet on display at the 12th Annual Highlands Juried Art Exhibition, Maxwell Engine House, 713 Main Street in Boonton.
No doubt, fall is the most precious season.
You never really know when autumn's gonna end, but you absolutely know what's coming behind it... SLUSH! Don't miss a thing this fall. It comes and goes so fast, so keep an eye our
virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Meadow Walks
A walk in an autumn meadow — make it simple and bring just your senses! Look at the vibrant golden and purple wildflowers and luminous oranges of butterflies like the Buckeye and Monarch. Smell crisp and pungent aromas of Mountain Mint and Wild Bergamot seed heads. Listen to the song of our state bird, the Gold Finch. Or bring some gear like a camera and binoculars, perhaps a magnifying glass or loupe to bring your findings into close focus. Whatever your approach, make sure to
take a slow ramble this fall.
Power of the Pyramid
Its particular geography makes Pyramid Mountain, in
Boonton Township, home to an especially wide range of wildlife. The rugged terrain harbors an estimated four-hundred types of native plants and is crisscrossed by thirty types of mammals and one-hundred varieties of birds and myriad butterflies.
Take a walk on the Pyramid!
The Tewksbury Register
Hunterdon County is home to over forty historic districts on the National Register. Some of those, in
Tewksbury Township, are located in some of the most beautiful and serene countryside in New Jersey. With a little historic perspective, your trip through these
antique villages will become an excursion of discovery. An afternoon driving or biking along this route is time well-spent;
one that you'll likely tell your friends about.
For the longest time
Grey Towers, a National Historic Landmark in Milford, Pennsylvania.
Gifford Pinchot's revolutionary concepts for natural conservation are enshrined, not only in the vast stands of our national forests, but at his family's retreat, now a National Historic Site. Visitors to
Grey Towers, in
Milford, PA, will come to understand the
importance of the Pinchot family influence on America's conservation
ethics and natural resource management policies. This Saturday's (Sept. 27)
Festival of Wood is the perfect time to visit, a free family event with
Demos & Goods from the Woods! Click or call 570-296-9630 for more information.
Autumn in the boundary waters
As the autumn brisk takes hold,
fish regain their ambition. In the Delaware River,
big bass come into season, fattening up and settling down for winter.
The big fish, cool water, great weather and spectacular scenery combined to make the fall season what many consider to be New Jersey’s premium fishing season.
Primetime!
It’s the perfect time for
wandering in Warren County in search of apple picking or a jug of freshly squeezed cider. Many farms have pumpkins to pick, hayrides, and lots of family activities like corn mazes while others have the classic fall decor with flowers and pumpkins.
September 18 - 25
As the sun heads south across the equator, Northwest New Jersey will prove itself a popular stage for quality arts, crafts, natural and historical celebrations all season, as
autumn arrives Monday, Sept 22 with a schedule of colorful programs. Soft and mellow autumn days can be intoxicating. So make sure to keep an eye on our
calendar for this and coming autumn weekends. Pick from a multitude of
daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Treasure the journey!
Borough Blast
Warren County’s largest music and street festival returns this
Saturday, Sept. 20, featuring
three stages of entertainment with an array of musical genres. Streets lined with vendors, children's activities, rides, and a tasty assortment of food will permeate downtown
Washington Borough. There is also a
Friday Night Pre-Party from 6-9pm at Veteran's Park. The
Festival in the Borough is
free to attend and includes plenty of
free parking. This event takes place rain or shine, 10am - 10pm. For information, please call 908/689-4800, or click the Washington Business Improvement District
website.
Curtain Up!
CSC's Curtain Up performance features John Lloyd Young on Saturday, September 20.
Centenary Stage Company celebrates their 40th season of performing arts on
Saturday, September 20 at 8pm with the first event of the
2025-26 Season, a performance by
John Lloyd Young, a Tony and Grammy winner, multi-Platinum recording artist and Presidential Appointee. As the original “Frankie Valli” in Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Jersey Boys, Young garnered unprecedented accolades from the New York and national media, and has taken his expertly-curated repertoire of classic pop and R&B to filled-to-capacity rooms. The
Curtain Up! performance commences at
Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center at
715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown. For tickets,
click or call 908/979-0900.
Bob-o-Beats!
Festival jazz veterans, Supernova, get down to earth at Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse this Sunday, Sept 21, part of the farm's professional music series featuring an extraordinary farm to fork picnic menu.
This Sunday, September 21, spend the late afternoon on the farmhouse lawn at
Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse, listening to festival jazz with Supernova: classic and modern jazz with a jam vibe, from Chick Corea, Pat Methany, and John Scofield to classic 60s funky jazz like Eddie Henderson and Wes Montgomery. And there will be
good food as well including selections from Bobolink's delicious
farm to fork picnic menu with culinary delights made from their own farm products! Family friendly, BYOB. No dogs please. Food service starts at 3pm, music 4-6:30pm, $15 per person.
Get your tickets here!
Rooms With A View!
Camping doesn't have to end with the summer. In fact,
Kymer's Camping Resort makes a perfect home base for most outdoor fall activities such as
leaf peeping, bird and wildlife watching, hunting and fishing. The campground offers park model, cabin and luxury tent rentals as well as trailer or tent campsites with water, electric and cable TV hookups. And each weekend, there's
something special going on: Fall Harvest Weekend on September 26, and three big
Halloween Weekends right through October! Located on
two-hundred scenic acres in Sussex County near the Kittatinny Mountains, at
69 Kymer Road in Branchville, you won't find a better spot to
enjoy fall outdoors!
