Western Highlands Scenic Byway
Western Highlands Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway in New Jersey. Within New Jersey it covers roughly 23 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along Western Highlands Scenic Byway with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
The Western Highlands Scenic Byway runs 23 miles through Hardyston and Vernon townships in Sussex County, from Route 23 north to the New York state line. A National Scenic Byway, it protects some of the most environmentally sensitive watershed land in the New Jersey Highlands. The route passes through the Newark Pequannock Watershed, hugs the Hamburg Mountain Wildlife Management Area, and continues alongside Wawayanda State Park, with the Appalachian Trail crossing the corridor just north of Vernon at a stretch known for sweeping mountain views. The Black Creek Site, one of only six Native American sites in New Jersey listed on state and national historic registers, sits within the corridor north of Vernon. Resorts along the byway offer golf, skiing, and spa amenities for visitors wanting more comfort, while Wawayanda State Park's campgrounds serve hikers, anglers, and birdwatchers looking for a simpler stay in one of the state's least-developed corners.
- 23 miles, Route 23 to the NY border
- National Scenic Byway
- Hamburg Mountain Wildlife Management Area
- Wawayanda State Park & the Appalachian Trail
- Black Creek Native American historic site
- Sussex County, NJ Highlands
Designated for its recreational qualities
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Places to stop along Western Highlands Scenic Byway
Pochuck Boardwalk
A mile-long boardwalk carrying the Appalachian Trail across the Pochuck Creek wetlands, flat and easy.
Stairway to Heaven Trail
A steep climb up Wawayanda Mountain to Pinwheel's Vista, one of the finest views in New Jersey.
Wawayanda State Park
A large forested park around Wawayanda Lake with an 1840s iron furnace and miles of trails.
Where to Stay along Western Highlands Scenic Byway
No campgrounds are listed close to Western Highlands Scenic Byway yet, but there are rooms near the route.
Campsite and lodging links are affiliate links — booking through them may earn Road Sorties a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Recreation.gov links are not affiliate links.
What is a National Scenic Byway?
National Scenic Byways are roads recognized at the federal level for at least one outstanding quality — scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological or recreational — that gives travelers a reason to seek them out rather than just pass through.