Exploring New Jersey by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Travelers seeking a fresh way to discover New Jersey often find that moving through the Garden State by train reveals a uniquely intimate perspective on its diverse landscapes. The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, located near Princeton about an hour southwest of New York City, offers a scenic trail that parallels the historic canal once vital to 19th-century commerce. Riding the New Jersey Transit train to the Princeton Junction station, visitors can access the park’s towpath, a flat, easy trail ideal for hiking or biking. The shaded path runs alongside calm canal waters framed by weeping willows, historic stone locks, and occasional glimpses of herons and kingfishers. This blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage makes it a serene but telling way to connect with New Jersey’s past and present. Spring and fall, with their mild temperatures and changing foliage, provide especially enchanting conditions for this outing.
For those drawn to the water’s edge, the New Jersey Shore offers charming boat excursions that highlight the state’s maritime roots. Cape May, positioned at the southern tip of New Jersey roughly two hours from Philadelphia, is a particularly inviting spot. From its harbor, visitors can embark on a dolphin-watching cruise or take a leisurely sail around the scenic bay. Cape May is distinguished by its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and vibrant bird migration corridors, making any boat trip here a dual opportunity for wildlife viewing and admiring the historic skyline. Summertime brings the best chances for calm seas and warm breezes, while autumn’s cooler air sharpens the clarity of the sky and water. The gentle rocking of the boat combined with panoramic views of the Atlantic coast creates a soothing escape from urban bustle.
In contrast to these ground and water-based adventures, soaring over the state in a hot air balloon offers an unrivaled vantage point. The Skylands region, including areas near nearby Morristown about an hour west of New York City, is a favored launch site for balloon rides. Ascending above the rolling hills of South Mountain Reservation, pilots and passengers drift over dense forests, winding creeks, and historic estates in the sprawling nature preserve. The views stretch for miles, showcasing a patchwork of autumnal colors in fall or the lush greens of summer. The peaceful silence of the balloon ride, broken only by occasional bursts from the burner, delivers a contemplative experience unlike any other mode of travel. Early morning flights are ideal, as the winds are calm and the sunrise bathes the landscape in golden light, highlighting the intricate patterns of rivers and ridges below.
The light rail system around the Meadowlands near Secaucus, approximately 15 minutes west of Manhattan, offers a modern urban contrast to the rural charms elsewhere. A ride on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park immerses visitors in stunning views of the Manhattan skyline framed by the New York Harbor. Liberty State Park itself is a sprawling green space where visitors can stroll or bike along the waterfront promenade, with sweeping vistas of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This blend of transportation and open space makes it a popular destination for both commuters and tourists seeking a breezy, scenic escape close to the metropolis. Spring and early summer are particularly pleasant here, when the park’s gardens bloom and the weather invites long walks beneath open skies.
Another evocative boat journey can be found on the scenic Delaware River near Lambertville, about an hour north of Philadelphia. Lambertville, renowned for its artsy vibe and antique shops, serves as a gateway to river cruises that navigate the calm waters of the Delaware and offer views of the nearby Delaware and Raritan Canal as well as the lush forested banks. The river’s gentle currents provide an ideal setting for kayaks, canoes, and small sailboats to explore quiet coves and wildlife-rich shores. In autumn, the surrounding trees blaze with fiery reds and golds, reflecting brilliantly in the water and creating a kaleidoscopic spectacle. This stretch of river captures a blend of natural beauty and historic charm few other places in New Jersey can match.
For those interested in the balloon experience but seeking a different landscape, the Jersey Shore Balloon Festival often takes off near Ocean County, about 90 minutes southeast of New York City. While the festival itself is a special event, smaller hot air balloon operations in the region launch from local fields and farms, offering flights over coastal plains, pine forests, and quaint beach towns. From the air, the Atlantic Ocean appears as a shimmering ribbon, while inland, marshes and barrier islands spread out in delicate patterns. Summer evenings are a popular time for these flights, with the sun setting over the water and casting a warm glow on the sand dunes and salt marshes below.
A final train journey worth mentioning is the historic Morris & Essex Line, which connects Newark to points west like Dover, situated about 30 miles west of New York City. Riding this line allows travelers to hop off near the South Mountain Reservation in Millburn, an extensive park known for its rugged hiking trails and the dramatic Hemlock Falls. The water cascades down 25 feet over layered rock formations, creating a refreshing oasis just a short trek from the train station. The diverse ecology of the park, along with the ease of access from the urban core, makes it a favorite spot for day hikers and nature lovers. Late spring through early fall is the best time to see the falls at their fullest, when recent rains have swelled the streams and the surrounding woods are alive with songbirds.
Each of these experiences—whether gliding along a canal trail, cruising the Atlantic coast, or floating high above the state’s varied terrain—offers a different lens through which to appreciate New Jersey’s rich geography and history. The state’s transportation networks and natural features come alive when approached from these unique vantage points, inviting travelers to see the Garden State in ways that linger long after the journey ends.