Explore Sussex County Towns & Community

There are few areas left where you can completely immerse yourself in the simple, natural beauty of the changing seasons. One such place is the beautiful rolling hills and majestic mountain ridges of scenic Sussex County. This area is dotted with world-class mountain vistas full of foliage, beautiful farm-scapes that remind us of our farming heritage and our connection to nature, and various ever-changing "magazine worthy" scenes around every bend of the open, winding back-roads. No matter the season or weather, the views and scenery you get to experience every day living in Sussex County are truly a blessing that you can make your own. Whether it's the fresh sprouting buds and wildflowers in spring, the endlessly rolling sea of green in the summer, the ever changing array of colors in autumn, or the peaceful and gentle blanket of snow in the winter, it will never cease to impress even a lifelong resident such as myself.

Come experience all this area has to offer from hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding to hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and more. After visiting, you will be ready to make this paradise your home.

Sussex County offers some of the best golfing opportunities in the state. There are public golf courses to choose from including: award winning Ballyowen in Hardyston Township.; Black Bear Golf Club in Franklin Boro; Wild Turkey, Crystal Springs, Cascades at Crystal Springs - all in Hamburg Boro; family friendly 9-hole Minerals in Vernon Township; Culver Lake Golf Club in Branchville Boro; Farmstead in Andover Township; and Rolling Greens Golf Club in Newton. Sparta Township is home to a semi-private course, Skyview Golf Club. And for those seeking private facilities, Lake Mohawk Golf Club in Sparta, and the Newton Country Club in Newton.

Sussex County has so much to offer! There are many lakes, hiking trails, 2 local ski resorts, numerous parks, and a community college. Don’t forget Action park (water park) opens in June for a ton of summer fun!

It is 61 degrees to start this morning. You look in your backyard and see the deer sunning on the lawn. Spring is here!

Even though it doesn't feel like spring these past few days, I know it is around the corner. I have seen the forsythia starting to bloom. It is a beautiful time of year.

When we discuss our "local bears" up here in Sussex County, one would never entertain the idea that Kodiak Bears would be mentioned. This morning's NJ Herald ran the story about the Spring 2015 surprise arrival of the Kodiak Cubs.

Space Farms/Zoo is a great place to take the kids or grandkids for a day long visit. So many things to see and do, not to mention their special days, like Junior Zookeeper. Log onto the link below for their full website, directions and events schedule. A day at Space Farms will become a cherished memory for all.

The days are getting longer and warmer - time to come to Sussex County and enjoy a bit of mother nature. Hiking, fishing, biking, walks on the boardwalk. This county has so much to offer you wouldn't want to miss it. Wonderful year round and vacation homes - take a ride and see what New Jersey is really all about!

Bundle up, stay in, sit by the fire, pray for spring. It was 2 below zero this morning without the wind chill. A little cold for me, but never too cold for Reflections Spa in Crystal Springs or Minerals Spa at Mountain Creek. Since this is Valentine's and a 3 day weekend for many, you may want to check in for a day or two, enjoy the couples' massages or a room with its own fireplace. You could always go skiing or sledding if you are dressed properly, but I would prefer to stay in, glass of champagne and a massage. Will I see you there?

A very long time ago, when my three sons were young, I decided we needed to have "Holiday Adventures" that didn't cost a lot of money. At that time we lived in Bergen County and would take the 165 bus into NYC to see all the holiday decorations - the big treat was a hot pretzel from a street vendor. We all enjoyed those moments & have lovely memories. Then, the weekend before Christmas I would bring them to Sussex County and we would cut down our own tree.

Well, what I have learned from the boys and their families is the very best memories and stories they have about Christmas from their youth are the trips to cut down the tree. The stories they tell are filled with love and laughter. Their favorite holiday tale deals with measurement errors - they still swear that one tree grew two feet as we drove it home.

What I didn't realize is we weren't only making new memories for us, but we had started a holiday tradition that they carry on with their own families every year. None of them live close enough to NYC to make the day trip for decoration viewing, but they all live in areas where they can cut down their own tree. Every year my grandchildren call to remind me how smart they are to bring a tape measure and pre-measure the space reserved for the tree - oh, they are so smart!

Sussex County has several great tree farms. You don't need to know anything that first time out - I didn't and it was just the three boys and me (oh my!). Grab the kids and drive to the tree farms. You will be so happy you did. Memories remain even as life changes. Come, make great memories and start new traditions.

I thought it was cold when I left my home this morning at 19 degrees, but as I traveled across the county to my office (16 miles in total), I watched the temperature drop to a truly frigid 13 degrees. Now that is bone chilling! I have to say it was a beautiful drive, as the super cold has kept most of the Thanksgiving snow on the trees, making it look like a winter wonderland with dry road.

I saw that Mountain Creek is blowing some serious snow now and it looked like all the guns were going when I passed at 8:00 am. I am thinking they may actually be able to open a little early for the 2014-15 season. If you are a skier or snow-boarder get ready for an awesome season.

Come one, Come all! The New Jersey State Fair is almost here in Sussex County, August 1st-10th. There is something for everyone from the rides to gyros to 4-H competition to the Crowning of Miss Sussex County or simply walk around and do some people watching. So much to do and see. Check out the discounted times for rides and Senior Day. Come on and join the fun. See you at the fair!

Not so long ago the Trout Season opened in Sussex County, New Jersey. I have been fishing the waters of Sussex County, New Jersey since my escape from the island of Manhattan and the Borough Brooklyn many years ago when my wife and I first moved to lovely Lake Mohawk.
I have an old friend that I first met at a Grateful Dead concert many years ago who taught me how to fish. I remember my first experience in fishing was at Prospect Park in Brooklyn for fierce sunnies. My friend later became my neighbor and took me on many fishing adventures to secret spots throughout Sussex County. When we first started he had an old aluminum canoe that he had installed Adirondack’s chairs in with a small electric motor.
Years went by and one day my friend Mick said to me that he had studied and become a Master Fly Fisherman. I was so enthralled because he had taught me how to fly fish previously and we would fly fish on one side of that old canoe and spin cast on the other. I felt like I was his disciple.
Mick turned around and told me that he had just purchased a new rig for fishing. Well it turned out that that new craft was a River JON Boat with a jet engine. Mick had started a business that specialized in prepping folks for Bone fishing and Deep Sea Fly fishing on the magnificent Delaware River. Mick would help them get their casting out there so they did not waste any time when they got to their expensive fishing vacation times.
Mick asked me if I would like to go out with him. So, I dropped everything I was doing and the next day we headed out to fly fish the Delaware River in Sussex County. Our drop-in point along Old Mine Road was easy access and we were on our way. We headed north along the river and I was transfixed by the absolute majesty of raw and powerful nature. The 8 and 10 pointed bucks were on the river, along with a large male black bear, while the hawk and the eagle soared above crystal clear waters. The fish were biting and Mick was expanding my fishing technique. I truly could not believe what my eyes were seeing just a scant 47 miles from the center of NYC.
This feeling of nature abundant seemed to increase as we headed passed the Minisink and Namonick Islands up to where the Small Flatbrook and the Flatbrook enter the Delaware, near the Walpack Bend to enjoy our day of fly fishing. I don't think that I have ever felt more privileged to enjoy the sights and fishing that I experienced that day. I can only say that I thought this must be how the Leni Lenape saw this great river. The "Great Spirit" was there with us that very day. Truly it was something special even though my friend Mick to this day lectures me on my technique, because I really had a big fish on the line that day, but I could not bring it up because the line was too light (or as was my defense to MIck). Mick laughed and said to me "Practice your technique". I have held those words close to my heart in all that I do and hope that someday you have an opportunity to see the Magnificent Delaware in its raw power. It is something "not to be missed" even if you don't catch the big one.

The area areas surrounding near High Point, Stokes Forrest and the borders of Northern Sussex County and New York State is an area that time has forgotten. The land is wild and the forests are abundant with game. Truly the rivers run through this land with spring peeking its eye today the concept of rare solitude is present. My explorations have been a wonderment for me. Vast stretches and tracts of land not occupied by a human soul waiting for discovery. I walked a piece of land with permission that had 175 acres and had been in a family for generations.The land was returning to it roots of natural being and as I walked, the story of this generational family farm which was now replaced with the running of deer, bear, raccoon,bobcat and uncountable acres of our fine feathered friends including a sighting of an American eagle. Nature was taking back the work of this farm that now was in neglect waiting for a new caretaker. The sun was high in the sky and I recognized the true beauty that this earth gives to us. We just need to stop and feel the land. I marvel that just a short distance away is the Modern Rome. As I stand here and breathe the clean air. This land is still the wilds with natural life abundant. Leave that city and that couch and come explore some of the most beautiful areas you will ever see.

Who knew? The School of Conservation is now accepting applications for the Jun, 2014 session for kids between the ages of 11 and 14. So if you know a budding ecologist or think it might just be something different and fun for a child, please use the links provided here and check it out.
There are a limited number of open places, so be sure to get the application in no later than
Apr 1st.

Good Luck, and let me know if you are going and how you like the program.

Our county hospital joined Atlantic Health System about a year ago, and all were nervous as to what the system would be to work for (and as we all know "...happy employees make for a better consumer experience..."). How delightful it is to see that the Atlantic Health System is ranked #25 out of 100 in Forbes' 100 best places to work. Please take a moment and read the full article linked here. Congrats Atlantic Health Systems.

A great place to learn to ride!!! English or Western, group and private lessons are available at moderate rates. They have a very friendly staff and family friendly horses. If you really are a horse enthusiast, you can purchase and board here as well. Spring Valley Equestrian Center has clean, lovely facilities.
Located at:
56 Paulinskill Lake Road
Newton, NJ 07860
Telephone#: 1-973-383-3766
Fax#: 1-973-383-7660

Want to ride along the trails of beautiful countryside and soak it all in on a well trained family freindly horse? Well then, Top View Riding Ranch is the place! A full day ride travels along the beautiful Paulinskill Trail. Enjoy a stop midway through the ride at the Blairstown Airport for a lunch break. You can pack a lunch or eat at the Runway Café your choice.Call Patrick, 862-266-3667 for information and reservations. They can accommodate all riding levels. Located 36 Hess Road Blairstown NJ 07825 US or email @ [email protected]

Yes, have a real life moment with wolves.One of the most wonderful experiences was taking the kids to the Lakota Wolf Preserve! Jim and his wife maintain this amazing place that you can visit. They take the time to educate you about their animals in their natural habitat. They are very patient and very informative.The animals are well tended to and the preserve is spectacular. You can see the bobcats and foxes, too, and get closer than you ever thought possible. If you can, make sure to sponsor an animal at Lakota Wolf preserve. You will feel great about doing so and you can keep in touch with your sponsor. Located at 89 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832.(908) 496-9244

No other place in NJ is like Sussex County. See all that you can do If you move here. Summer winter, spring or fall you can't beat all that that this county offers to do and see. This is one of the best places to raise kids if you want to keep them from being bored or sucked into technology. The whole family can go outside and play, play, play. There's Appalachian Trail, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, golfing, skiing, and so, so much more. You will be surprised at the amazing lifestyle you can have here while being completely commutable to NYC, from as little 60 minutes to 1 1/2 hours away You really can have the absolute best of both worlds. Watch this 8 minute video to see the Seasons of Sussex County

I live in here in beautiful tranquil Sussex County. Coming from the city, it was a change for sure, but a gorgeous one at that. With all the natural lakes, ponds and streams, the majestic mountains at the Gap, the lush countryside, farms and wildlife, picturesque is the only way to describe it here in our county. If you are considering moving to Northwest NJ, take four minutes to watch this video so you can get a feel for what its like for us here in paradise. This truly is the part of the state for which I believe we got our name " The Garden State!" From Lake Hopatcong to High Point to the Pennsylvania border, if you love nature and an active lifestyle full of outdoor activities or you just like to soak up the feeling and the view, Sussex County is a special place to live!

Well, here we go, the first snow storm of 2014 looks like it will be a true winner. Countywide we are expecting 6-10"+. Get your skis & snowboards ready. Did you know that you can go cross country skiing in the state parks? Wawayanda & Stokes are just two of the many we have right here in Sussex County. See the link below for a full list of State Parks.

Welcome to Sussex County. If you don't already know where we are, close your eyes & picture the shape of New Jersey, We are that top left corner of the state. Sussex County offers many different lifestyles, from the $1m+ properties to the little summer cabin. From farming and horse properties to formal living. Sussex County really has something for everyone.

At the crack of dawn..... literally!!! My husband and his friends get up suited up and rush to be the first ones to "grab the glass" as they call it. Early morning I'm told is the best time to water ski because the water is like glass and these are the best conditions. While there is no wind, no other boats making waves, and others are sleeping - they are out there enjoying the lake! This goes on into the fall with a wet suit for the truly dedicated. I'm happy in the summer to push the snooze, wake up, have my coffee, and watch them pull in asking" how was it?" Life in the summer on Lake Hopatcong...AWESOME!!!

A great pleasure on Lake Hopatcong besides the boating, fishing, and Jetskiing is wake boarding!! Each year there is a wake board competition at The Lake Forrest Yacht Club. Wake Boarding is great fun for all ages. Get the idea of how its done by checking out the video below.

From my window each winter, I am amazed at the braze and insane men who Ice Fish on Lake Hopatcong each year. While I'm comfortable and warm inside, I watch as these avid anglers stay out there for hours doing what they love best. They must LOVE it!! Its the only explanation! Watch the video and you'll see what I mean