Ten Incredible Views in New Jersey

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1. Climb to the top of High Point
   Venture to High Point State Park in Wantage, and trek to New Jersey’s highest elevation point (1,803 feet), the location of High Point Monument. A journey up the 291 steps to the top of this white obelisk will reward you with stunning views in every direction: the Catskill Mountains to the north, the Poconos to the west, and, to the southeast, the Wallkill River Valley.

2. Take the stairs to the top of Cape May Lighthouse
   If you climb the 199 stairs in this 1859 lighthouse, you’ll catch sweeping views of the surrounding Cape May Point State Park, where coastal marshes and ponds serve as a prime location for spotting birds.

3. Look out across the New Jersey Pinelands at Wharton State Forest
   Throughout the 110,000-plus acres of forest, streams and rivers, you’ll find plenty of scenic areas within Wharton State Forest, which stretches over Atlantic, Burlington and Camden Counties. While you’re there, hike a section of the 50-mile Batona Trail (which stands for BAck TO NAture) and climb the fire tower on Apple Pie Hill to gaze over miles of dense pine barrens. Be sure to call the NJ Forest Fire Service Division B Headquarters to see when the tower will be manned if you’d like to climb to the top.

4. Take in the dramatic skyline views at Liberty State Park
   Located in the bustling metropolitan area of Jersey City, Liberty State Park offers wide-open views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. A stroll along the two-mile Liberty Walk offers scenic views of the Hudson River as well.

5. Watch the rushing waterfalls at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
   For the ultimate view of the Great Falls of the Passaic River, head to the viewing platform at Mary Ellen Kramer Park. Before you leave, stop by Overlook Park to take in the falls at a distance and to view the beautiful (now-closed) footbridge that arches over the canyon. 

6. Explore the scenic areas of Gateway National Recreation Area
   Whether you want to capture that perfect image of serene beaches, salt marches, a holly forest or an iconic lighthouse, Sandy Hook Unit in the Highlands has plenty of picturesque maritime scenes to photograph.

7. See the rippling waters at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
   A quick stop just off Exit 1 of I-80 in Hardwick Township will put you at the Kittatinny Point Overlook in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and peaceful views of the Delaware River as it flows along the base of two mountains.

8. Enjoy cliffside views at Palisades Interstate Park
   Known for its cliffs, waterfalls, and lookout points, Palisades Interstate Park presents 2,500 acres of Hudson River shorefront with beautiful views of the water and plenty of wildlife. Stop at the scenic State Line Lookout located by Point Lookout—the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs at 520 feet.

9. Observe the wetlands at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
   Take the Wildlife Drive loop for a 45-minute jaunt through the protected coastal habitats of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Galloway. Pull over at Gull Pond Tower and climb to the top for breathtaking views of flowing waters to the west and the Atlantic City skyline to the south.

10. Look out onto the glittering waters of Manasquan Reservoir
    The 770-acre Manasquan Reservoir is a popular place for boating and fishing, while the surrounding woods and wetlands offer recreational options for joggers, hikers and bikers. For the best views of the action, make your way up to the visitor center’s second-level observation deck.

Find even more to do in New Jersey by downloading a free travel guide or signing up for our e-newsletter. And as always, be sure to check the official websites or social media pages of your destinations to ensure you have all the need-to-know info.