Without a doubt, the US is home to some of the most scenic sights on earth, from the jagged peaks of the West to the lush, green glens of the East. But for a truly unforgettable experience in the great outdoors, soaring up, up, and away on a colorful hot air balloon is definitely one of the best vantage points from which to see it all unfold! A hidden gem when it comes to aerial excursions, New Jersey is home to a surprising number of hot air ballooning outfitters, each taking riders above the trees and over our state’s best landscapes. If you’re ready to see inland NJ from a stunning new perspective, a hot air balloon ride with Skylands Ballooning should definitely be on your adventure bucket list!
Owned and captained by New Jersey locals, Mark and Sandi, this sweet ballooning company based out of the Skylands region (Northwest New Jersey) offers bucket list-worthy excursions into the clouds.
While your exact flight route will be determined by the wind patterns on the day of your journey, Skylands Ballooning offers a one-of-a-kind experience by floating above the lakes, forests, meadows, and vibrant landscapes that make this slice of the Garden State so special.
It starts with a few touches on the water here and there, some brilliant reflections in a glassy lake, and even the opportunity to brush the leaves on the trees as you glide near the ground...
Before climbing higher and higher into the clouds for a sky-high view unlike any other. You might even find yourself thousands of feet above the landscape!
Finally, a gentle descent and touchdown in the New Jersey countryside will complete your scenic adventure. Comfortable passenger vans will await you to shuttle you and your party back to the original launch site.
Fun fact: the tradition of post-flight champagne dates all the way back to the late 1700s! The sport's earliest French participants would not only toast to celebrate their safe landing, but also gift a bottle to the homeowner whose field they landed in as a thank you.
Flights can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on wind and weather conditions. Balloons are available for exclusive couple's excursions as well as private group bookings. However, individuals who would like to take to the skies solo will be grouped with other parties.
Whether for a seasonal adventure that boasts spectacular leaf-peeping, for a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime moment, or a special treat no matter the season or reason, a hot air balloon ride over the New Jersey Skylands will be the highlight of your year!
Gliding through the clouds on one of these gentle giants is a memory you’ll treasure forever, but we think flying above the Garden State is definitely one of the best places to experience such a magical journey. Don’t forget to bring a camera!