About The Warren Highlands Trail

The Warren Highlands Trail highlights the natural, scenic, and cultural beauty of Warren County, New Jersey, which is nestled within the majestic Highlands Region.

A Local, National Treasure

Encompassing over 1.5 million acres in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, the United States Forest Service recognizes this region as nationally significant for its large tracts of public open space, quality drinking water for millions of residents, large areas of wildlife habitat, relationship to the Appalachian Mountains, and its historical links to both the American Revolutionary and American Civil Wars. Within New Jersey alone, the Highlands Region contains nearly 860,000 acres of rolling hills, pastoral valleys, steep ridges, diverse forests, numerous water bodies, and critical wildlife habitats that serve as a significant green belt along the East Coast’s metropolitan areas.

Easily Accessible

Located in Northwestern New Jersey, Warren County has become a key gateway into the Highlands Region. With over 170,000 acres of land in the Highlands Region, nearly 53,000 acres of public open space, more than 22,000 acres of preserved farmland, dozens of historic villages and charming downtowns, and some of the best hiking, biking, and paddling found anywhere in the state, Warren County is a popular regional destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Less than a 2-hour drive from Philadelphia and only about a 1-hour drive from New York City, the Warren Highlands Trail is not only easily accessible from Interstate Routes 78 and 80, but offer millions of east coast residents the opportunity to explore the beautiful Highlands Region and enjoy New Jersey’s friendly countryside.

Spectacular Features

Showcasing the exceptional Highlands Region and pleasant Warren County countryside, the Warren Highlands Trail extends over 52.4 miles from the Delaware River in the west to the Musconetcong River in the east. From its western terminus at the iconic Northampton Street Bridge in Phillipsburg, hikers can connect with the Morris Canal Greenway Trail on the New Jersey side or with the Delaware and Lehigh Trail (D&L Trail) across the bridge in Easton on the Pennsylvania side. From its eastern terminus at the historic Lock 4 West along Waterloo Road in Allamuchy, hikers can again connect with the Morris Canal Greenway Trail or with the related 150 mile multi-state Highlands Trail.

Over forested hilltops, through pastoral valleys, across tranquil rivers, around historic landmarks, and past charming villages, the Warren Highlands Trail highlights the county’s many treasures while meandering its way through the countryside. Along the way, visitors can immerse themselves in over 22,700 acres of preserved natural areas, including:

(The trail and features are described from West to East)

Visitors can also enjoy numerous breathtaking overlooks along the trail, including views of:

  • The Delaware Water Gap and Kittatiny Ridge from atop Scott’s, Jenny Jump, and Allamuchy Mountains
  • The Delaware River and St. Anthony’s nose from atop Marble Hill, and
  • Warren County’s bucolic Lehigh Valley (part of the Great Appalachian Valley) from atop Oxford Mountain

Traveling through a variety of wildlife habitats including meadows, forests, and wetlands, the trail also visits several beautiful water bodies including:

  • The Delaware, Musconetcong, and Pequest Rivers,
  • The Lopatcong, Brass Castle, Buckhorn, Bear, and Merrill Creeks,
  • The Mountain Lake, Jenny Jump, Beaver, and Trout Brooks,
  • The Mountain, Furnace, and Ghost, Lakes,
  • The Allamuchy and Deer Park Ponds, and
  • The Merrill Creek Reservoir

Please Note: Check local park or preserve rules regarding swimming, fishing, paddling, or boating.

Visitors are also invited to explore several fascinating historic sites along the trail, including:

Charming villages and inviting downtowns can also be found along the trail or just nearby, including:

Simple to Navigate

The Warren Highlands Trail is a combination of new trails, co-alignment on existing trails, and road walking. The trail is marked with a rectangular blue blaze or official Warren Highlands Trail emblem where further clarification is needed. Hiking is of course permitted along the entire trail route, but biking, horseback riding, motorized vehicles, and other trail uses are prohibited, unless specifically allowed by local regulations. Be sure to follow any local rules and kindly carry out any trash.

Please Note: Check local park or preserve rules regarding biking and horseback riding.

For those visitors hiking sections of the trail, please use only the following designated parking areas:

Please Note: Overnight parking is prohibited without special written permission from the proper land manager.

Thru-Hikers Welcome

Thru-hiking is permitted along the trail, but camping, fires, and alcohol are prohibited. Restaurants and food stores can be found in the Phillipsburg, Washington, Oxford, Hope, and Hackettsown downtown areas. Thu-hikers must stay at State Park Campgrounds, Bed-And-Breakfasts, or Hotels/Motels along the route or nearby.

Bed and Breakfasts

Campgrounds

Hotels/Motels

*Official Warren Highlands Trail Guide Coming Soon!

This Trail Needs Your Help!

If you’re like to volunteer along the Warren Highlands Trail, please contact the Warren County Land Department of Land Preservation for more information. We can always use help with:

  • Trail Building & Clearing
  • Invasive Species Removal
  • Construction & Maintenance
  • Cleanup & Recycling
  • Special Events and more

A Collaborative Effort

The Warren Highlands Trail is a collaborative effort between the following groups and organizations:

Governmental Entities

  • The New Jersey Division of State Parks and Forestry
  • The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
  • The New Jersey Natural Lands Trust
  • The Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders
  • The Warren County Board of Recreation Commissioners
  • The Town of Phillipsburg
  • The Township of Lopatcong
  • The Township of Harmony
  • The Township of Washington
  • The Township of Oxford
  • The Township of Allamuchy

Nonprofit Organizations and Other Groups

  • The Metro Trails Hiking Group
  • The New Jersey Conservation Foundation
  • The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
  • The Highlands Project
  • The New Jersey Youth Corps
  • Merrill Creek Reservoir

On behalf of the Warren Highlands Trail collaborative, thank you for visiting and enjoy the trail!