Official Site of The State of New Jersey

This Byway passes through thousands of acres of protected open space as it travels through the Newark Pequanock Watershed, hugs the Hamburg Mountain Wildlife Management Area and continues along the Wawayanda State Park. It is situated in the northwest corner of the New Jersey Highlands which lies in portions of Hunterdon, Somerset, Sussex, Warren, Morris, Passaic and Bergen counties and was created to protect the watersheds and environmentally sensitive areas of this region of the state from the pressures of overdevelopment.

The Western Highlands Scenic Byway travels north through Hardyston and Vernon Townships from Route 23 to the New Jersey/New York border. The Appalachian Trail crosses the route north of Vernon and there are spectacular views along this hiking trail. The Black Creek National Register Indian Site is one of only six Native American sites in New Jersey listed on the historic registers and is also located north of Vernon within the corridor. Several other historic sites are located along the Byway as well.

The Western Highlands Scenic Byway offers great active and passive recreational opportunities. For visitors interested in a getaway with amenities, resorts along the Byway route offer golfing, skiing, snowboarding and spa-related fitness; for those who want to spend their time in a more basic getaway, camping sites are available at the Wawayanda State Park and there are wonderful opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and birdwatching along the Byway corridor.

Western Highlands Scenic Byway fast facts: Intrinsic qualities: Historic Recreational Length: Approximately 23 miles - main spine: 13 miles, loop: 10 miles (pdf 1.8m) Route: This Scenic Byway travels north through Sussex County from Route 23 to the New Jersey/New York border.

• Travel north on Vernon/Stockholm Road/Route 515 from Route 23/Route 515 intersection.
• At lighted intersection Route 515 merges with Route 94. Continue straight and take Route 94 north to the New Jersey/New York border.
• To travel loop, make a left at the intersection of Route 94 north and Vernon Crossing Road/Route 644 in Vernon.
• Take to "T" intersection and turn left onto McAfee Glenwood Road/Route 517.
• Remain on Route 517 as Route 517 veers off at Sand Hill Road/Route 517 intersection.
• Continue on Route 517 until intersection with Route 94.
• At intersection with McAfee Vernon Road/Route 94 turn left onto Route 94.
• Take Route 94 north back into Vernon.