Sussex County (New Jersey)
Sussex County is in Skylands, New Jersey, in the upper northwestern corner of New Jersey. It is known for its scenery and outdoors lifestyle.
Cities
Other destinations
- Fishing, Boating, Shopping and more around Lake Hopatcong - Lake Hopatcong, Hopatcong, Sparta (New Jersey)
- Camping at Stokes State Forest, 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, NJ 07826. +1 973 948-3820, and High Point State Park (see details below).
Understand
Sussex County is a rural area of New Jersey, perhaps the most minimally populated area of the state. Many people from other areas (New York, other parts of New Jersey) maintain vacation homes in Sussex County. Originally settled by miners and farmers and known now for its scenery and beauty, much of the county is still dedicated to agriculture and dairy. Recreation includes hiking, camping, winter sports, fishing and hunting.
Especially in parts of the county that are further north and east, where there isn't countryside, you may see some pretty 19th-century buildings. For example, the buildings around the town green of Newton are worth looking at.
Get in
By car
- Interstate 80 to Route 15 North or Route 206 North
- Interstate 84 (through New York) to Route 23 South
- Route 23 North
By foot
The Appalachian Trail passes through Sussex County. Hikers and backpackers are afforded beautiful scenery.
Get around
Primary transportation is by state roads. No trains or Freeways in Sussex County itself, however there are train stations nearby, and some commuter buses into New York. Primary highways are US Route 206 and State Routes 15, 23, and 94. There is also a network of often scenic winding county roads.
See
- High Point State Park, 1480 Route 23, Sussex, NJ 07461 (Take Route 23 approximately 7 miles north of the town of Sussex, NJ, or 4 miles south of Port Jervis, NY.), ☎ +1 973 875-4800. 8AM to 4:30PM. Beautiful state park (particularly in the fall) with hills and deciduous forest, lots of hiking, camping, cross-county skiing, swimming, fishing, and wildlife (particularly white-tailed deer and black bears, less commonly beaver, many birds can be seen including woodpeckers, wild turkey, pheasant, and large raptors such as eagles, hawks, and owls). Includes high point monument (the highest point in New Jersey, featuring a beautiful 360° panorama of the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York), lots of lakes and streams. Largest state park in New Jersey. Entrance Fee from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. $5.00 Resident/$10.00 non-Resident.
- Stokes State Forest, 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, NJ 07826 (Take Route 206, four miles north of Branchville, NJ or 11 miles north of Newton, NJ.), ☎ +1 973 948-3820. Lush, beautiful old-growth forest, great views from Sunrise Mountain, especially in the fall. Lots of hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and wildlife. Includes portions of the Appalachian Trail. Entrance Fee from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. $5.00 Resident/$10.00 non-Resident.
Do
- New Jersey State Fair (Sussex County Farm and Horse Show), 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822 (Very close to both Routes 206 and 15 in northern Sussex County.), ☎ +1 973 948-5500, fax: +1 973 948-0147. Typical State Fair with exhibits, shows and food in a very large fairgrounds facilities for about 10 days every summer. Check website for exact dates, which change every year.
- Space Farms, 218 Route 519, Sussex, NJ 07461. Open Daily 9AM – 5PM, last admission at 4PM. A private, family-run zoo and museum. A fun way to spend an afternoon. Especially with kids.
Eat
Lots of diners of varying quality.
Drink
Stay safe
- Saint Clare's Hospital/Sussex, 20 Walnut Street, Sussex, NJ 07461. General Information: +1 973 702-2600.
- Newton Memorial Hospital, 175 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860. +1 973 383-2121.
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