What are the most stunning views in New Jersey? Check out our top picks
The Garden State is filled with scenic destinations like this, and so much so that five locations throughout the state were named among USA Today's Most Treasured Views in America.
This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking — and perhaps, under-appreciated — views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure in your area.
[ Most Treasured Views in America: National | West | South | Middle America | Northeast ]
And these sites highlight the diverse range of scenery New Jersey has to offer, ranging from rich historical sites to impressive natural spots. Here are five of the Most Treasured Views in New Jersey, with tips for getting the best experience at each site.
Paterson Great Falls is home to one of the nation's most spectacular waterfalls, featuring a grand 260-foot wide, 77-foot high drop that rushes into the Passaic River. The site has existed since the beginning of time, with Paterson being established around it in 1792, and is both a National Natural Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
While the best view of this iconic landmark — which is free to visit — is the walking bridge that goes over the Great Falls, it is closed indefinitely due to safety concerns and is pending replacement. But you can still get a great view from either Overlook Park or Mary Ellen Kramer Park.
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And while you're there, you can also go down the block to the Paterson Museum at 2 Market St. Here, you can explore Paterson's history as the nation's first planned industrial city through interpretive exhibits. The museum is free to visit, but donations are recommended.
Go: 72 McBride Ave. Extension, Paterson; 973-523-0370, nps.gov/pagr/index.htm.
Located at the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs — just one mile south of the New York State border — State Line Lookout at Palisades Interstate Park offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. It is a particularly popular spot for bird watching, as it's one of the state's 14 official hawk-counting sites.
This area is also home to the Lookout Inn, a refreshment stand that boasts a breakfast, lunch and snack menu for those visiting State Line Lookout. And beyond this, the park also offers more than 30 miles of trails with everything from easy strolls to challenging rock scrambles.
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Metered parking is in effect year-round for the lot at State Line Lookout, but the first hour of parking is free. A list of other metered parking areas, as well as days where parking is free, can be found on the park's website.
Go: Access the parking lot from the northbound side of Palisades Interstate Parking, just north of Exit 2, Alpine; 201-768-1360, njpalisades.org/stateline.
Why travel to Washington, D.C., when you can get a better view of dazzling cherry blossoms right here in New Jersey? Branch Brook Park, which spans 360 acres and was the nation's first county park, is known for having among the largest and most varied collection of cherry blossom trees in the country.
During peak blooming season, typically within the second and third week of April each year, the park has 5,300 cherry blossom trees with 18 different varieties bursting with color. These trees are located all throughout Branch Brook Park, but most are concentrated in the northernmost part of the park. You can also find the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center here, which features galleries and exhibits that highlight the history of cherry blossoms in Newark.
As for parking, there is a free lot at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center and several others around the park. You can also find free street park throughout the area.
Go: Lake Street and Park Avenue, Newark; 973-268-3500, essexcountyparks.org/parks/branch-brook-park.
The Red Mill Museum Village, located on the South Branch of the Raritan River in Clinton, is an iconic piece of New Jersey history that combines cultural heritage with scenic views. It is home to 12 buildings on its 10 acres.
At the heart of this complex is the circa-1810 Red Mill, which appropriately sports its signature bright red color. The historic site has lived many lives, serving as a grist mill, wool processing plant, a peach basket factory and a textile mill before it was restored into a museum in the 1960s.
Buy a photo: Purchase select prints of Red Mill Museum Village and other treasured views
You can get the most picturesque view of the Red Mill by walking along the iron bridge on Main Street, overlooking the waterfall that powered the Red Mill for more than 200 years. Many recommend visiting the site during the fall, when it's set to a backdrop of bright fall foliage, or during the winter when there's a blanket of snow.
General admission to Red Mill Museum Village is $12, or $10 for seniors and children ages six to 12. For parking, there is a limited amount of spots available in front of the museum for visitors, but there are parking lots or on-street parking available nearby.
Go: 56 Main St., Clinton; 908-735-4101, theredmill.org.
First lit in 1859, the historic Barnegat Lighthouse — known locally as Old Barney — has been a pillar of Long Beach Island for more than a century. It's situated on the northern tip of the island, which was once regarded as one of the most important navigational points for ships traveling to and from New York Harbor.
The site's most stunning view comes from climbing the 217 spiral steps of the lighthouse, where you can get a panoramic view of Island Beach State Park, Barnegat Bay and Long Beach Island. But if you can't make the trip up the lighthouse, you can stop by the adjacent Interpretive Center to see the view from four live cameras.
Parking is free for Barnegat Lighthouse visitors, but there is a $3 fee per person to climb the lighthouse from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Go: 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light; 609-494-2016, nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/barnegatlighthousestatepark.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Best scenic views in NJ: Our top picks
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