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Road trips are one of the many proven methods of relieving stress and improving one鈥檚 well-being. Whether you are looking to solo travel, go with a travel buddy, or go with your family members, swerving through the great outdoors is a great idea. Enjoy scenic views, discover new sites, try out new cuisines, and enjoy the majestic outdoors with picturesque landscapes in New Jersey, which has one of the best road trips on the East Coast. Explore the Nationally Recognized New Jersey Scenic Byways and routes with deep histories and legends. Participate in an array of activities, including kayaking, fishing, hiking scenic trails, traveling back in time, and exploring quaint stores. Sit back and browse through to discover your next road trip.

Route 29

Route 29 is a popular road trip route in New Jersey, stretching approximately 35 miles (56 km) along the scenic Delaware River. This north-south route starts in Trenton and winds its way to the charming town of Frenchtown. If you鈥檙e eager to explore the northwest region, consider taking Route 12 to Race Street or heading east to Interstate 95. This will guide you onto a two-lane National Scenic Byway in Delaware. The route offers breathtaking views and opportunities for fishing along the riverbanks.

Cyclists can enjoy the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. History enthusiasts can visit Prallsville Mills or delve into Revolutionary War history at Washington Crossing State Park, where the Battle of Princeton is commemorated.

Delaware River Scenic Byway

If you are on the Route 29 highway, you can make this a joint road trip by taking the 34-mile (55 km) Delaware River Scenic Byway. This magnificent road route leads visitors to the scenic Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge. The bridge is a picturesque destination on a cool day, with the sun creating a beautiful backdrop where you can take keepsake pictures. You will pass through towns like Lambertville, Raven Rock, and Titusville. You should also look forward to seeing fields, farmers at work, and picturesque cliffs.

One of only two New Jersey Scenic Byways registered in 2009, this byway offers more than just scenery. Take a break at South Riverwalk Park, which offers seven acres of scenic outdoors with plenty of space for walking, picnics, and more. Also, don鈥檛 miss out on exploring the local shops and eateries that give these towns their unique charm.

Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway

The Bayshore Heritage Byway offers a unique road trip experience, stretching 122 miles (196 km) from the Mannington Township to the historic Cape May Point State Park. This route takes you through the interconnected Bayshore communities, where you can witness the daily life of these small villages and towns. As you drive along, you鈥檒l encounter numerous birding areas, thanks to Bayshore鈥檚 location within the Atlantic Flyway, a critical migration site for shorebirds.

For history buffs, the route is dotted with fascinating stops, including Mauricetown, Salem City, and Bridgeton, each offering intriguing stories from the past. Don鈥檛 miss a visit to the Bayshore Center at Bivalve and the East Point Lighthouse. These sites provide a glimpse into the maritime history of the region.

Millstone Valley Scenic Byway

For a shorter but equally captivating road trip, the 25-mile (40 km) Millstone Valley Byway is a great choice, especially if you find yourself in Middlesex County. This 30-to 40-minute drive offers a scenic journey through an area rich in history and natural beauty. The Millstone River, which runs parallel to the byway, played a significant role in the county鈥檚 history as a crossing trail for Indigenous peoples, including the Lenni Lenape.

As you travel along Canal Road, you鈥檒l pass through charming landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. If you visit between April and October, make sure to stop at the Griggstown Bridgetender鈥檚 House, built in 1834, for a deeper dive into the area鈥檚 history. Furthermore, one can check out the Griggstown Causeway, a scenic and short bridge in town.

Pine Barrens Scenic Byway

The Pine Barrens has been a scenic route for outdoor lovers ever since it became a New Jersey Scenic Byway in 2005. It is 130 miles (209 km) long, and visitors can expect to see about five counties and 16 districts on their way. Many wildlife areas, such as the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and Belleplain State Forest, are accessible from this route, offering visitors a chance to explore New Jersey鈥檚 outdoor opportunities. Look out for pygmy pines, which are rare in places other than along this byway.

As you traverse this vast expanse of forests, you鈥檒l enter from Batsto and eventually reach the Maurice River, where Port Elizabeth offers a stunning view. Along the way, stop in any of the small towns you pass through to enjoy local cuisine and hear tales of the legendary 鈥淛ersey Devil,鈥� a mythical creature said to roam these woods. The Pine Barrens Byway is perfect for those seeking an ecological and geological adventure through New Jersey鈥檚 wilderness.

Upper Freehold Byway

The Upper Freehold Byway may be shorter, but it鈥檚 packed with historical and natural attractions. This 28-mile (45 km) route is located near Allentown Borough and offers a glimpse into the region鈥檚 rich past. Start your journey at Walnford Mill, a beautifully preserved historic site where visitors can tour the grounds and learn the work and process of turning grain into flour.

On your way, explore the historic Upper Freehold Township and the unincorporated community of Hamlet of Imlaystown. Don鈥檛 miss Clayton Park, where you can walk the trails of the old Union Transportation Railroad. The Upper Freehold Byway is a perfect blend of history, nature, and local lore, making it an ideal road trip for those who enjoy discovering hidden gems.

Warren Heritage Scenic Byway

The Warren Heritage Scenic Byway offers a picturesque journey through New Jersey鈥檚 Warren County, blending natural beauty with historical significance. This 19-mile (30 km) route primarily follows Route 57, stretching from Greenwich to Hackettstown. As you drive along, you鈥檒l encounter rolling hills, charming small towns, and the lush landscapes of the Musconetcong River Valley. Highlights include the historic district of Beattystown, where remnants of the 19th-century iron industry still stand, and Mansfield Township, where you can find one of New Jersey's oldest continuously operating mills. In Hackettstown, you can explore the quaint downtown area with its unique shops and eateries. The byway also offers access to several parks and trails, making it a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Palisades Interstate Parkway

The Palisades Interstate Parkway is a road trip that promises unforgettable memories. This 42-mile (21 km) journey begins in New Jersey, offering stunning views of the Hudson River and its line of cliffs known as Palisades. As you travel north, you鈥檒l reach Bergen County, where the Parkway intersects with the iconic George Washington Bridge. The views from the Rockefeller Lookout and the State Line Lookout atop the 532-foot Palisades cliffs are nothing short of breathtaking.

For those looking to take a break, the Ross Dock and Englewood Picnic Area offer great spots to relax and enjoy the scenery. As you continue your journey, you鈥檒l eventually cross into New York, but the memories of the stunning views and the peaceful drive along the Palisades will stay with you long after the trip is over.

Western Highlands Scenic Byway

Those looking for an outdoor retreat from the safety of their vehicle will adore the tranquil 23 miles (37 km) of the Western Highlands Scenic Byway. Travel along Newark Pequanock Watershed on a wildlife adventure. If this is your thing, stop at Hamburg Mountain Wildlife Management Area. This WMA is a dream for hikers with unmarked roads that traverse thick forests, hills, and lakes for a serene experience. Furthermore, you will come across counties like Sussex and Hunterdon on your way.

Check out the historical Black Creek Indian Site for some history tales and outdoor views that anyone can enjoy. If you plan to go camping, Wawayanda State Park is a great spot. You can also go birdwatching, hiking, and fishing there. From Sussex County, New Jersey, you should finish your road trip in New York through Route 94.

Route 1/9

Route 1/9 is a major thoroughfare that offers a road trip experience rich in urban and industrial landscapes. This 31-mile (50 km) journey takes you from North New Jersey to New York City, passing through towns like Woodbridge and Newark. One of the highlights of this route is the 3.5-mile-long Pulaski Skyway, an engineering marvel that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Although trucks have been banned from the Pulaski Skyway since 1934, the route remains a vital link between New Jersey and New York.

Along the way, you鈥檒l have the opportunity to explore some of New Jersey鈥檚 most vibrant cities, including Jersey City and North Bergen. Here, plenty of activities await all kinds of road trippers, from an evening at the 1910 White Eagle Hall to a photo session in front of the Colgate Clock, supposedly the 海角社区鈥檚 largest clock.

Wrapping Up

As you plan your next adventure through New Jersey's scenic byways, remember that each route offers more than just a road trip鈥攊t鈥檚 a journey through the state鈥檚 rich history, diverse landscapes, and unique local cultures. Whether you鈥檙e winding through the Pine Barrens, exploring the Delaware River's banks, or discovering the hidden gems of Warren County, these routes invite you to experience New Jersey in an immersive and unforgettable way. So pack your bags, hit the road, and let the Garden State鈥檚 scenic byways reveal the state鈥檚 secrets.