Take These 12 Country Roads In New Jersey For A Lovely Scenic Drive
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Kristen
Author
If you know where you look, you’ll find an escape from traffic and discover the best scenic drives in New Jersey. Though you can travel the entire length of New Jersey in about three hours, we have diverse landscapes and winding roads that traverse them. You can explore rivers, mountains, woodlands, and charming small towns, all in the span of several hours. It would be nearly impossible for us to compile a complete list of country roads with beautiful scenery in New Jersey since we have so many, but here is a list of just some of the best drives in NJ.
County Road 519, New Jersey, USA
This 88-mile stretch along New Jersey's oldest county road will take you back to a simpler time. You'll pass old barns, sprawling farms, vineyards, and antique shops along the way, all while taking in some gorgeous scenery. It's one of the best scenic drives near me in New Jersey. Get more information about Route 519 and other great back roads in New Jersey.
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County Road 521, Co Rd 521, New Jersey, USA
This winding road is one of the best scenic drives in New Jersey and will afford you some magical views of parks, lakes, and streams, particularly farther north on the route. Hope Township is home to Jenny Jump State Forest, and it's always worth a stop for hikers and anyone who loves natural wonder. Get more details about Montague.
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Ocean Drive, Ocean Dr, Lower Township, NJ, USA
Enjoy views of beaches, bays, and the open ocean on this 20-mile trek. Skip Route 9 and the Parkway and take the scenic route for one of the best drives in NJ! Take a detour and stop at Corson's Inlet State Park along the way for secluded beaches and a serene natural landscape. On your way through Sea Isle City, stop at Hank Sauce for some pinchos or mahi tacos. Get more details on what's in store when you take a trip along Ocean Drive.
Route 80 Park, Rockaway, NJ 07866, USA
This interstate highway is often overlooked as a scenic drive in New Jersey, but its mountain views can't be beat. This drive is particularly spectacular during the fall months, and several scenic overlooks will afford travelers breathtaking views. You can travel from the Delaware Water Gap all the way to New York City, straight across the state. Learn more about the Delaware Water Gap.
New Jersey 49, NJ-49, Millville, NJ, USA
You'll drive through pinelands and wildlife preserves on this lovely 60-mile route. Stop in Millville along the way and enjoy the bustling arts scene or grab a slice in Bridgeton at the legendary Big John's. This serene scenic drive near me in New Jersey is sure to relax you. Read further on about Millville.
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New Jersey 29, NJ-29, Lambertville, NJ, USA
You'll start with scenic views of the Delaware River and will drive through the incredibly charming town of Lambertville on your way. Be sure to stop and explore Bull's Island. The winding riverside road is truly one of the best scenic drives near me in New Jersey and will become your favorite way to explore the Mercer and Hunterdon County areas. Check out more information about the drive on Route 29.
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Palisades Park, NJ 07650, USA
One of the best scenic drives in New Jersey, this road is incredible year-round, but just look at that fall foliage! Make sure to take a detour and enjoy the scenic overlooks with views of NYC, the Hudson River, and the Palisades Cliffs. The Palisades are a one-of-a-kind wonder in the Garden State. Get more details on the Palisades.
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Chester, NJ 07930, USA
Considered by many to be one of the best drives in NJ, you'll find farms, fields, forests, streams, and small towns along this 70-mile trek. Don't miss the "pole farm" in Chester, a former AT&T testing ground. Read further on about Chester and other lovely small towns in New Jersey.
Old Mine Road, Old Mine Rd, Sandyston, NJ, USA
This beautiful scenic drive in New Jersey along the Delaware River is just 11 miles long, but it is packed with incredible views. Enjoy lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, wildlife, and of course...the forest. This is a relaxing drive that will have you feeling connected to nature, but do note that this road is closed during the winter. Learn more about Old Mine Road.
County Road 537, County Rd 537, Freehold, NJ, USA
Though starting in Camden may not seem very scenic, you'll have incredible views of Philadelphia. You'll pass through fields, farms, and several small towns, ending up in the lively Long Branch, right near the beach.
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Henry Hudson Drive, Henry Hudson Dr, Fort Lee, NJ, USA
Running along the Palisades, this drive will take you right along the Hudson at the base of the cliffs. The views of NYC are stunning and the cliffs are majestic! Enjoy the Fort Lee Museum and Historic Park, Alpine Boat Basin, and picnic spots along the way on this scenic drive near me in New Jersey. Read more about Henry Hudson Drive.
County Road 527, County Rd 527, Toms River, NJ, USA
Experience New Jersey's diversity, driving through large cities, small towns, affluent suburbs, industrial complexes, and farmland on one of the best scenic drives near me in New Jersey. Enjoy the rivers, creeks, and woodlands along the way! Check out some unique places to stop in Toms River.
If you’ve spent enough time in the Garden State, chances are you can think of countless other scenic drives in New Jersey, from Route 15 past Lake Hopatcong to Route 9 near the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. What other scenic drives near me in New Jersey would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
Want to plan a real road trip in New Jersey? Check out what RVshare has to offer!
Interested in a different way to travel in the Garden State? Check out these New Jersey train trips!
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More to Explore
best scenic drives in NJ
What are the best road trips through New Jersey?
Traffic in New Jersey can be rough, but if you stick to back roads, you'll find some of the best road trips in New Jersey.
- Try traveling the length of Route 206 from Hammonton all the way to Port Jervis, NY and you'll discover the farmland of Shamong and Columbus, the urban setting of Trenton, and the Kittatinny mountains all along one road.
- If you're looking for less of a scenic trip and more of a destination-based journey, follow one of our New Jersey Food Trails. You can find a taco trail, an ice cream trail, and a wine trail all here in New Jersey.
What are the most charming small towns in New Jersey?
Even though NJ is the most densely populated state, you can find charming New Jersey small towns in every one of our counties.
- Whether you love the mountain setting of Hope Township, the city-neighborhood feel of Collingwood, or you enjoy strolling the streets of historic Mount Holly on the banks of the Rancocas Creek, you'll have an easy time finding a small town to fall in love with.
- Beyond those mentioned above, Moorestown, Madison, Highland Park, Pennington, Cape May, and Montclair are each worth discovering.
What one-of-a-kind destinations can I visit in New Jersey?
There are plenty of unique wonders in New Jersey!
- Visit Lucy the Elephant in Margate, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, Buttermilk Falls in Walpack, or the one-of-a-kind Palisades where you'll find wilderness just a stone's throw from New York City.