Skylands Region

Floating down the Delaware River enjoying the gentle mountains, hiking the Appalachian Trail, horseback riding, golfing, skiing in the winter, or touring one of the 10 wineries can all happen in the Skylands Region of New Jersey.

It's true - all of this and more can be found less than an hour's drive from New York City. The endless recreational opportunities of the Skylands Region have always been one of New Jersey's best-kept secrets.

By land, sea and air, there's plenty for visitors to do here all year long. Swimmers, boaters and fishermen will find a haven at Lake Hopatcong, the state's largest lake, or at the Delaware Water Gap; and hot-air-balloon enthusiasts can enjoy the region from another perspective: floating through the skies high above a quilt of emerald fields. The Skylands Region is home to the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning where balloon rides, headliner bands, fun food, and kids' activities can all be found. If you like to keep your feet on the ground you can head 1,803 feet above sea-level when you visit High Point State Park where you can enjoy panoramic views of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.

If it's amusement park fun you seek, check out Mountain Creek in Vernon. Somewhat more genteel diversions can be found during the region's numerous wine festivals or at the New Jersey State Fair and Sussex Farm and Horse Show in August. Or hit the links and enjoy one of the many scenic golf courses, including the highly acclaimed Crystal Springs Golf Course in Hamburg.

In late summer hikers can find fall sneaking into the Skylands Region early, painting the foliage of the Kittatinny and Watchung mountains in bright oranges and yellows. Autumn is a perfect time to tour a local winery or visit the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia.

Winter's arrival could find you schussing down the slopes, or gliding cross-country at one of the regions popular ski areas.

But you don't have to be the outdoors-type to enjoy all the Skylands Region has to offer. Cultural experiences also abound here. Take a seat at one of the region's most popular playhouse - the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey at Drew University in Madison. Head underground with a mine tour at the Sterling Hill Mine & Museum in Ogdensburg or the Franklin Mineral Museum. Visit Lambertville, the antiques and flea market capital of the region.

History runs deep in the Skylands Region. George Washington truly did sleep here, he and his Continental Army spent the winter of 1779-80 in Morristown. Today, you can stop at the Rockingham Historic Site in Rocky Hill, where General Washington penned his "Farewell to the Armies" address in 1783.

For cultural experiences or just plain fun, the sky's the limit in the Skylands Region - indoors, outdoors, any time of year.