Located in Sussex County, New Jersey, Vernon Township is only an hour from New York City. It offers many opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. For example, you can hike along the Appalachian Trail. The township also has many great parks and recreational facilities.
Mountain Creek
Mountain Creek in Vernon Township, New Jersey is an excellent ski destination for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Located less than an hour’s drive from New York City, this four-season recreation destination offers something for everyone. And once the sun goes down, the ski lifts keep turning until the next day. The resort is New Jersey’s largest ski area and is guaranteed to keep you entertained and hooked on skiing and snowboarding for days.
Mountain Creek offers decent skiing across three small peaks in the winter and good lift-served mountain biking in the summer. Mountain Creek’s condo village at the base of each mountain is typically booked months in advance, so you may want to consider renting your condo there in the off-season. For a more affordable experience, check out Hidden Valley, which is smaller but less popular. Mountain Creek is also close to the Appalachian Mountains and the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the town.
Mountain Creek in Vernon Township, New Jersey is a popular destination for families with children. Located off of New Jersey Route 94, the resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities year-round, including snowboarding, skiing, and a variety of other activities. It also offers a network of terrain parks, alpine coaster, and zip-lines. Mountain Creek also has a seasonal water park.
Mountain Creek continues to expand and improve. In summer 2012, the resort opened a zip line course above Vernon Peak, an Alpine coaster near the waterpark, and expanded its tubing park. The resort also transferred Diablo Mountain Bike Park to Mountain Creek, renaming it Mountain Creek Bike Park.
There are several theories about the township’s origins, but the most common is that it was named after Admiral Edward Vernon, the President George Washington re-elected in 1865. In addition, the township’s first Masonic Lodge was named after Mount Vernon, Washington’s Virginia estate.
Wawayanda State Park
If you are in the northern part of New Jersey and looking for a beautiful hiking area, consider spending some time in the 34,350-acre Wawayanda State Park. The park is situated between the towns of Vernon Township and West Milford, and features about 60 miles of hiking trails, including 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Whether you enjoy hiking or biking, this park has something to offer everyone.
The Wawayanda State Park has two main hiking trails. One starts at the office, while another is at the auxiliary entrance. The Hoeferlin Trail is an easy one-hour loop and has plenty of hemlock woods. Mountain bikers are respectful of each other here. Another great trail is the Black Eagle Trail, which begins at number 18 on the map and continues through a laurel forest. The Black Eagle Trail ends at Wawayanda Road, which is a macadam bike path. A beautiful waterfall in the park is another draw.
The Wawayanda State Park is located at an elevation of 1,140 feet. Because of the high elevation, the park gets large amounts of snow during the winter months. The park offers trails and areas designed specifically for winter activities. There is even a boat rental facility, if you are planning on going out on the water.
Visitors can also hike the Appalachian Trail through the park. There are three different hiking trails in the park, including one that winds through the beautiful mountain slope of Vernon Peak. Guests can also enjoy a hot tub and heated outdoor pool. All three hikes have scenic views of the surrounding woodland.
Wawayanda State Park offers more than 40 miles of marked trails that offer equal opportunities for novice hikers and experienced hikers. The Park is also home to a variety of bird life, including the Red-shouldered hawk and the Great Blue Heron.
The rough terrain is part of the park’s beauty. The bedrock here is approximately 1,150 million years old and is a continuation of the Reading Prong, which extends from Pennsylvania to Vermont’s Green Mountains. The hills in the park were once over 28,000 feet high, but erosion has eroded much of the top. The park’s steep slopes have iron deposits.
High Point State Park
Located in the northeastern part of the state, High Point State Park is a popular destination for those who want to take advantage of the beauty and serenity of the natural surroundings. Located outside of Sussex, the park is situated near the high point of the Kittatinny Mountains. It is a great place for hiking, swimming, camping, and sightseeing. You can also go snowshoeing or skiing in the winter.
The park is also home to more than 50 miles of trails that can be used for a variety of activities. Some of the trails are multi-use and include sections that are perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Some trails are easy, while others are challenging. At the park, you can also go boating on the Steenykill Lake, which is stocked with trout and largemouth bass. There are also designated swimming areas at the lake, and there are lifeguards on duty. The park also has a bathhouse and food concessions near the lake.
Whether you want to hike the Appalachian Trail or simply enjoy nature, High Point State Park in Vernon Township, NewJ is an excellent choice. The park’s hiking trails follow a rocky ridge for most of their length and provide beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. There are also two group campsites with room for up to 35 people. If you need accommodations for a larger group, you can also rent a furnished cabin.
High Point State Park is a great place to enjoy the early fall foliage. The surrounding area is full of maple and ash trees. The weather is cool enough to hike, and the foliage is stunning. If you’re planning a hiking trip, check out the weather forecast, as it may be a beautiful weekend to enjoy the park’s beauty. And don’t forget the cider donuts!
High Point State Park is located on a beautiful stretch of land surrounded by dense forests and wetlands. It is accessible from NJ-94 N or Heaven Hill Farm Road. From the highway, take a left turn and drive eight miles.
Appalachian Trail
If you’re looking for a relaxing walk along the Appalachian Trail, Vernon Township is an excellent choice. The town has two sections of the famous foot path. The first is a 20-mile section of the trail near the town of Vernon. The trail is accessible to hikers of all skill levels, and it includes a boardwalk.
The town is located in the northeast corner of Sussex County and is bordered by Wantage Township on the west, Hardyston Township to the south, and West Milford in Passaic County on the east. To the north lies New York state. It is crisscrossed by numerous state and federal parks, including a 20-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
To start your hiking adventure, head up the mountain. You’ll reach the Pinwheel Vista viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Vernon Valley, the Pochuck Valley, and the Kittatinny Ridge. There is also a viewpoint at the top of Wawayanda Mountain, where you can see the Kittatinny Ridge and High Point, New Jersey. Parking is limited at the trailhead, so plan ahead. The trailhead is marked by white Appalachian Trail blazes.
The Appalachian Trail is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors. It is close to the state’s major cities, making it ideal for day hikers. It passes through the Wallkill National Wildlife Reserve, home to the state’s bird, the eastern goldfinch. The trail has moderate elevation changes and crosses wetlands and bogs. A wide range of bird species can be spotted along the trail. Camping is only permitted at designated sites.
Long Pond Trail is a four-mile out and back trail that gains 1,000 feet of elevation. The trail is accessible to hikers and dogs and is suitable for beginners. There are some rocks along the trail, which can be slippery on damp mornings. It is also an excellent choice for families with pets.
Starting at the NJ Route 94 parking lot, the trail crosses an active cattle pasture on puncheons, or 2×8 planks, which are necessary because the “black dirt” is very boggy in this area. The trail then crosses a railroad track within 0.2 miles. It then passes through overgrown fields and forested areas. From there, it reaches a boardwalk and a section of Canal Road.