The best views in Sussex County
High Point
Mention a scenic spot in Sussex County and the term High Point comes to mind. Even without climbing the tower, the views are amazing and at the top you can see far into Orange County, NY. It is the highest point in New Jersey.
Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area
The second highest point in the state happens to be on the Morris County side of Sparta Mountain but the Wildlife Management Area provides beautiful views on both sides of the county line. It is accessible from Glen Road in Sparta and from the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Morris County.
Lake Mohawk
The old-fashioned European-style boardwalk in this section of Sparta Township is a great place to view sunsets and watch the water birds in season. There are several excellent restaurants at Lake Mohawk which puts parking at a premium at times, but the views are worth it.
Lake Hopatcong
The most scenic way to view Lake Hopatcong is from the lake. Lake Hopatcong Cruises on the Miss Lotta (a tour boat named for the lake’s most famous resident, early 20th Century entertainer Lotta Crabtree) take visitors around the lake. Specialty cruises include cocktail cruises, music, trivia, lip synching, lunch cruises, chocolates, wine and cheese and dessert cruises. The booking is through Lake Hopatcong Cruises, 37 Nolan’s Point Park Rd., Lake Hopatcong, NJ; 973-66-5000; or book through tripleseat.com.
The view of the lake from the boardwalk at The Windlass restaurant is also phenomenal and there are rocking chairs and tables to enjoy a cocktail as well as the view. As a bonus, the miniature golf course is a mini history tour of the lake.
Culver Ridge Tower (formally Normanook)
Culver Ridge is accessible from the Appalachian Trail. The AT is not a tough hike in that section of Stokes State Forest, but the additional hike up Culver Ridge is tougher and can be dangerous in the winter months. The top of the tower affords views of the Pocono Mountains and the Delaware River Valley.
Sunrise Mountain
The Sunrise Mountain Loop off the Appalachian Trail is an 8.4-mile moderate to difficult loop through some dense forest. At the top the views of the Upper Delaware region are spectacular.