As far as topography goes, New Jersey has a little bit of everything. Sandy beaches front the Atlantic Ocean, and Delaware Bay is home to a wildlife-rich estuary covering some 782 square miles. That very river carved out the Delaware Gap, a scenic open space in the midst of the Kittatinny Mountains. The northern end of New Jersey is the more mountainous end and where you’ll find hardwood forests and a host of wild animals vying for your camera’s attention.
Kittatinny Mountains -- Appalachian Trail Challenge
- The Appalachian Trail runs for 72 miles through New Jersey. Its highpoint is along the Kittatinny Range in the northern part of the state. Kittatinny is a Lenape American Indian word meaning “endless mountain.” The undulating shapes do appear to go on forever, topped with one of the largest deciduous hardwood forests on the planet. Water runoff feeds both the Hudson and Delaware rivers. This is where you find the highest point in New Jersey, aptly called High Point, which measures 1,803 feet. Birdwatchers in particular enjoy hiking through these mountains in hopes of catching sight of one of the 143 different bird species. The hardwoods make these mountains particularly colorful during fall. Known as “leaf-peeping” season, this is when the trees are covered in red, orange and gold leaves. Native species include the chestnut oak, white oak and red maple. The Nature Conservancy sponsors 13 preserves in the area, including the Blair Creek Preserve, 486 acres that cover Sussex and Warren counties; and the Minisink Valley Preserve, 183 acres near Interstate 84 and the New York border.
Watchung Mountains -- Central North
- The Watchung Mountains in the north-central part of the state are of volcanic origin. Basic sediments were suddenly covered with lava during the Triassic Period; gradually, landmarks such as Packanack Mountain, Hook Mountain, Long Hill and Riker Hill took shape. Trails lead through the Watchung Reservation, part of the Union County park system that is home to picnic areas, a nature center, riding center, a historic village and large areas that have remained untouched. Hikers, horseback riders, birdwatchers and nature lovers make good use of this parkland. Lake Surprise, Moxon Pond and Seeley Pond are local fishing spots. You must have a state license to fish if you are 16 and older. The day-use park does allow leashed pets as long as you pick up after them.
- Bearfort Ridge -- The Wawayanda Region
- Bearfort Ridge is a part of the Highlands that has a strange geological makeup. It is largely made up of “puddingstone,” a rocky conglomerate that is resistant to erosion. Many of the ridges present a challenging climb because of their craggy topography but reward your efforts with views of the surrounding forest. The Abraham S. Hewitt State Forest is on the northern end of the region, while Wawayanda State Park is to the south. Both parks provide access to the Appalachian Trail. Wawayanda State Park also has three group-camping sites open from April through October, available through the Reserve America website. The two parks are divided by the Warwick Turnpike. The southern tip of the Wawayanda region is flatter and is part of Newark.
Pochuck Mountain Ridge -- Shared Territory
- The Pochuck Mountain ridge reaches from Sussex County, New Jersey, to Orange County, New York, on its eastern end. Pochuck Mountain, along with most of the higher peaks, is on the New Jersey side near the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge, which straddles the state line, is popular with hunters, fishermen, canoeists and kayakers. On the New York side is Pochuck Mountain State Forest, which offers hiking, horseback riding, hunting and primitive camping sites. The Appalachian Trail goes right through the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge and stays within New Jersey except to cross the Wallkill River via Oil City Road. The Pochuck Mountain Shelter is one of the options for hikers wanting to rest or spend the night on the trail. It’s a simple wooden platform enclosed on three sides with a pit toilet nearby.
