Overview
Sussex County is in Skylands, New Jersey, in the upper northwestern corner of New Jersey. It is known for its scenery and outdoors lifestyle.
2 sights · 3 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Sussex County
High Point State Park
Beautiful state park (particularly in the fall) with hills and deciduous forest, lots of hiking, camping, cross-county skiing, swimming, fishing, and wildlife (particularly white-tailed deer and black bears, less commonl…
Stokes State Forest
Lush, beautiful old-growth forest, great views from Sunrise Mountain, especially in the fall. Lots of hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and wildlife. Includes portions o…
New Jersey State Fair
Typical State Fair with exhibits, shows and food in a very large fairgrounds facilities for about 10 days every summer. Check website for exact dates, which change every year.
Space Farms
A private, family-run zoo and museum. A fun way to spend an afternoon. Especially with kids.
Sussex County Miners
A professional baseball team who was founded in 2015 as part of the independent (as in not affiliated with Major or Minor League Baseball) Can-Am League.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 21°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Sep and Mar. (climate data from nearby Briarcliff Manor)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SWF New York Stewart International Airport, Newburgh — 37 mi away. Directions
- TEB Teterboro Airport, Teterboro — 40 mi away. Directions
- EWR Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark — 44 mi away (major hub). Directions
The Appalachian Trail passes through Sussex County. Hikers and backpackers are afforded beautiful scenery.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Sample 3-day trip
- Day 1: Stanhope — Waterloo Village.
- Day 2: Newton — Sussex County Historical Society, The Newton Theatre, Newton Fire Museum.
- Day 3: Montague — High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest.
Built from the best-covered destinations in this region; open each for its own day plan.
Food for you
Lots of diners of varying quality.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Places in Sussex County
Understand
Sussex County is a rural area of New Jersey, perhaps the most minimally populated area of the state. Many people from other areas (New York, other parts of New Jersey) maintain vacation homes in Sussex County. Originally settled by miners and farmers and known now for its scenery and beauty, much of the county is still dedicated to agriculture and dairy. Recreation includes hiking, camping, winter sports, fishing and hunting.
Especially in parts of the county that are further north and east, where there isn't countryside, you may see some pretty 19th-century buildings. For example, the buildings around the town green of Newton are worth looking at.
Cities
- Fredon Township
- Hampton Township
- Lafayette Township
- Lake Hopatcong
- Montague Township
- Newton (New Jersey) Town (and county seat)
- Sandyston Township
- Sparta
- Stanhope
- Sussex
- Vernon (New Jersey) Township
- Wantage Township
Other destinations
- Fishing, boating, and shopping around Lake Hopatcong - Lake Hopatcong, Hopatcong, Sparta
- Camping at Stokes State Forest, 1 Coursen Road, Branchville. +1 973 948-3820, and High Point State Park (see details below).
Get in
By car
- Interstate 80 to Route 15 North or Route 206 North
- Interstate 84 (through New York) to Route 23 South
- Route 23 North
By foot
The Appalachian Trail passes through Sussex County. Hikers and backpackers are afforded beautiful scenery.
Get around
Primary transportation is by state roads. No trains or Freeways in Sussex County itself, however there are train stations nearby, and some commuter buses into New York. Primary highways are US Route 206 and State Routes 15, 23, and 94. There is also a network of often scenic winding county roads.
See
See High Point State Park
Beautiful state park (particularly in the fall) with hills and deciduous forest, lots of hiking, camping, cross-county skiing, swimming, fishing, and wildlife (particularly white-tailed deer and black bears, less commonly beaver, many birds can be seen including woodpeckers, wild turkey, pheasant, and large raptors such as eagles, hawks, and owls). Includes high point monument (the highest point in New Jersey, featuring a beautiful 360° panorama of the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York), lots of lakes and streams. Largest state park in New Jersey.
Do
Eat
Lots of diners of varying quality.
Stay safe
- Saint Clare's Hospital/Sussex, 20 Walnut St. General Information: +1 973 702-2600.
- Newton Memorial Hospital, 175 High St, Newton. +1 973 383-2121.
Nearby
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Park · 3 listings · 12 mi away
Port Jervis
City / town · 13 listings · 13 mi away
Bushkill Falls
Park · 17 mi away
Warwick
City / town · 20 listings · 18 mi away
Allamuchy
City / town · 6 listings · 20 mi away
Netcong
City / town · 3 listings · 20 mi away
Rockaway
City / town · 16 listings · 22 mi away
Dover
City / town · 22 mi away
My experience
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