Western Highlands Scenic Byway

Pinwheel Vista in Vernon, one of the most spectacular views on the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia, is on the Western Highlands Scenic Byway. The Western Highlands Scenic Byway is in its entirely within the New Jersey Highlands Region and is of national significance. This view overlooks all of the byway's recreational features and amenities.

Beautiful wildflowers, such as these cardinal flowers, a variety of waterfowl and bird species, and wildlife landscape the trails of the Newark Pequannock Watershed.

The forests of the Newark Pequannock Watershed are prime for a wilderness experience for hikers, birders, and anglers.

Hamburg Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers numerous hiking trails traversing through rugged and wilderness terrain. Recreational opportunities for day trippers include hiking, biking, boating, fishing, hunting, and bird watching.

This hemlock tree in the Hamburg Mountain Wildlife Management Area is the oldest and biggest hemlock. Called the Speiser Tree, named after U.S. Forester Bob Speiser, it was discovered it in 1988. The Hamburg Mountain wildlife management area is home to many hemlock groves.

Beautiful Lake Wawayanda offers kayaking, boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming for day-trippers or overnight campers with reservations.

In addition to boating, swimming, and fishing, Wawayanda State Park has many serene and beautiful spots for hiking, cycling and picnicking.

The Black Creek New Jersey and National Historic Site uses this arrow logo for marking its site which is located within the Wawayanda State Park. In addition to hiking trails and other recreational activities, the site offers interpretive signage and cultural events throughout the year.

Directional signage markers to watch for on the Appalachian Trail are a bright blue sign with white lettering. The A is set onto the T, forming the appearance of an arrow with a hiker traveling across the bottom of the sign.

From the Pinwheel Vista, visitors can see to the northwest as far as the High Point Monument in High Point State Park and as far to the North as Mounts Adam and Eve and the Catskill Mountains in New York State.

The wooden boardwalk elevates this section of the Appalachian Trail over an extraordinary wetlands that was once a prehistoric lake between the Pochuck and Wawayanda Mountains.

The suspension bridge sits atop an exceptional wetlands that are home to many species.

Thousands of through hikers and day-trippers, including Vernon’s Mayor Howard Burrell and his wife, Reba, enjoy the magnificent views from the boardwalk and the suspension bridge. The suspension bridge overlooks Wawayanda Mountain.

The wide expanse of Hamburg Mountain and the Mountain Creek Resort on the Western Highlands Scenic Byway offers a variety of recreational activities for all ages: skiing, a water park, hiking trails, boating, camping, birding, crosscountry skiing, downhill mountain biking, an annual biking tournament, and many seasonal special events.

Downhill mountain biking across rugged terrain and forest trails for seasoned cyclists starts in late May at Mountain Creek and extends until September.

The TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park is a unique blend of wooden platforms built high into the trees with moderate to difficult skills for all ages.

The panoramic views and landscape of the Ballyowen Golf Course on Hamburg Mountain are habitats to many species of flora and fauna.

Ballyowen is one of the New Jersey Highlands Regions largest golf courses. There are 6 premier golf courses on the Western Highlands Scenic Byway or within a mile from the byway.

The Crystal Springs Resort showcases the beauty of Hamburg Mountain and the Vernon Valley, offering a plethora or recreational activities and amenities for day trippers or overnight guests.