Surprising Mountain Getaways: Day Trips from Woodbridge to New Jersey's Highlands

The first time my niece and nephew visited the New Jersey Highlands with me, they couldn't believe we were still in the same state they called home. 'It looks like the mountains in movies!' my eight-year-old nephew exclaimed as we drove through winding roads flanked by towering trees and occasional rocky outcrops.

The Highland region stretches across the northwestern portion of New Jersey, encompassing parts of Passaic, Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties. What makes this area special is its geological diversity – the ancient Appalachian ridges create microclimates and ecosystems that support an impressive variety of plant and animal life.

In fall, this diversity transforms into a spectacular display of color. While New England gets all the autumn glory credit, the Highlands' mix of sugar maples, oaks, birches, and aspens creates a palette that ranges from fiery crimson to deep burgundy, brilliant orange to golden yellow. The region's elevation – modest by mountain standards but significant in the relatively flat Garden State – provides overlooks where you can see this tapestry unfold across rolling hills.

For families coming from Woodbridge, this natural wonderland is accessible via I-287 North or the Garden State Parkway, with most destinations between 45-70 minutes away. The relatively short drive means you can leave after breakfast and still have a full day of exploration before returning home for dinner – perfect for families with younger children who might not have the stamina for overnight trips.

One of the greatest joys of the New Jersey Highlands is how accessible its natural beauty is for families of all hiking abilities. Having guided multi-generational groups through terrain from the Alps to the Andes, I can honestly say these trails offer something special: the perfect balance of challenge and reward.

For families with younger children or those new to hiking, Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area near Montville offers gentle trails like the 1.5-mile Waterfall Trail. The relatively flat terrain leads to a charming cascade that's the perfect backdrop for family photos. My sister's five-year-old managed this one with minimal complaints – high praise indeed!

Intermediate hikers should head to Bearfort Mountain in West Milford. The Bearfort Ridge Loop (about 6.5 miles) rewards your effort with stunning views of Greenwood Lake from multiple rock outcroppings. The trail includes some moderate rock scrambling that kids tend to love – it feels adventurous without being dangerous.

For a more challenging experience, the Wyanokie High Point Loop in Ringwood State Park offers a 4.9-mile circuit with several steep sections and rock scrambles. The panoramic views from the summit are worth every drop of sweat, especially when the foliage is at its peak.

Before heading out, I always recommend families invest in a good trail map even if you're planning to use phone apps. Cell service is unreliable in parts of the highlands, and having a physical backup has saved me from taking unplanned detours more than once.

Don't forget proper footwear – nothing ruins a family hike faster than blisters or twisted ankles. A good pair of hiking boots provides ankle support on rocky trails and keeps feet dry when crossing the occasional stream. For kids who outgrow shoes quickly, quality trail runners can be a more economical alternative.

There's something magical about the connection between mountains and agriculture – the unique microclimates of highland regions often create perfect conditions for orchards and farms. The New Jersey Highlands exemplify this relationship beautifully, offering families a chance to literally taste the bounty of the mountains.

Apple picking becomes an elevated experience (pun absolutely intended) at Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill near Chester. Nestled in the hills with spectacular mountain views, this family-owned operation offers more than just apple picking – their fresh-pressed cider and warm cider donuts have ruined me for all other versions. I've seen even the pickiest young eaters devour these treats with abandon.

What makes Hacklebarney special is how they've balanced authentic farm experiences with family-friendly amenities. After filling your bags with Macintosh, Cortland, and Honeycrisp varieties, kids can explore the pumpkin patch or navigate the corn maze while parents sample hard cider in the tasting room. The farm's setting against the backdrop of colorful highlands foliage makes every photo look like it belongs on a calendar.

For a different kind of harvest experience, Alstede Farms in Chester offers a more extensive operation with apple, pumpkin, and even potato picking in the fall months. Their hayrides take you through rolling highland fields with mountains framing the horizon – a quintessential autumn experience that feels both timeless and Instagram-worthy.

A word of caution from someone who's learned the hard way: weekend crowds at these popular farms can be intense during peak season. If possible, plan your visit for a weekday, or arrive right when they open on weekends. Nothing diminishes the pastoral charm faster than standing in a 45-minute line for cider donuts (though, to be fair, they're probably worth it).

The first time I discovered the highland lakes of northwestern New Jersey, I felt like I'd stumbled upon a secret that locals had been keeping from the rest of us. These pristine mountain-fed bodies of water offer refreshing respite during early fall when temperatures can still climb into the 70s.

Greenwood Lake, straddling the New Jersey-New York border, is one of my favorites for families. The vast 7-mile-long lake is surrounded by mountain ridges that reflect perfectly in its waters on calm mornings. While swimming becomes less appealing as autumn progresses, the lake's beauty actually intensifies as the surrounding foliage changes color.

For families with older children, kayaking offers an intimate way to experience these mountain waters. Last fall, my sister's family and I rented kayaks from Greenwood Lake Marina and spent a blissful morning paddling along the shoreline, spotting herons and watching the interplay of light and color on the water's surface. My 12-year-old niece, who typically maintains a careful disinterest in anything adults suggest, couldn't stop taking photos and asking questions about the mountains.

If you're considering making kayaking part of your highland adventure, I recommend bringing a waterproof phone case – the photo opportunities on these mountain lakes are too good to miss, but dropping your phone overboard would quickly turn a perfect day sour.

For a more rustic experience, the Delaware Water Gap area offers several swimming holes along mountain streams, though these are better suited for early fall visits before the water gets too cold. Fairy Hole in Warren County is a local favorite with a small waterfall emptying into a natural pool. The short hike required to reach it adds to the sense of discovery.

Whether you're kayaking reflective lakes or dipping toes in mountain streams, these water experiences offer a different perspective on the highlands – one where you're looking up at the mountains rather than down from them. The combination of cool water, mountain air, and fall colors creates memories that will sustain your family through the coming winter months.

Between your adventures in the natural world, the highland region's small mountain towns offer charming places to refuel and explore. These aren't manufactured tourist destinations but working communities with authentic character – something I always seek out in my travels.

Highland Lakes, a community in Vernon Township, embodies the mountain town aesthetic with its wooden buildings nestled among trees and overlooking its namesake lakes. The Highland General Store makes for a perfect lunch stop, serving hearty sandwiches that hit the spot after a morning of hiking. Their homemade soups are particularly welcome on those crisp fall days when the temperature drops suddenly.

Warwick, just over the New York border but still part of the same highland region, offers a more developed but equally charming mountain town experience. Its main street features local boutiques, craft shops, and cafés housed in historic buildings. My personal ritual involves stopping at Tuscan Café for their pumpkin spice latte – and I say this as someone who generally avoids anything with 'pumpkin spice' in the name. Theirs is the real deal, made with actual pumpkin and just the right balance of spices.

For families with children who need to burn off energy between outdoor adventures, Warwick's Stanley-Deming Park offers playgrounds with mountain views. Meanwhile, parents can appreciate the architectural details of this 200-year-old settlement.

When exploring these towns, I always bring my crossbody travel bag – it's the perfect size for essentials while keeping hands free for photography or helping children navigate the sometimes uneven sidewalks of these historic communities.

The most memorable mountain towns are those that balance preservation with practicality, maintaining their historic charm while serving the needs of both residents and visitors. The highlands communities excel at this balance, offering glimpses into a way of life that's been shaped by the surrounding mountains for generations.