This Quiet New Jersey Town Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

Hardwick Township sits in New Jersey's far northwestern corner with a population of around 1,600, no large hotels, and large stretches of land locked inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. That means 40 miles of protected river corridor, forested ridges, glacial valleys, and quiet farmland that have stayed largely unchanged since the township was established in 1750. From here, you can hike to the summit of Mount Tammany for views down the length of the Delaware River, photograph wolves at a nearby preserve, or drive 40 minutes to stand at the highest point in New Jersey. In a state better known for density and development, Hardwick is a rare pocket where the land sets the pace.

A Historic Settlement Surrounded by Open Countryside

Hardwick Township sits in the northwestern corner of Warren County. Established in 1750, it was originally part of a much larger colonial township before later divisions created nearby municipalities. Most of its early development centered on small-scale farming and milling along local waterways in what was once considered the western frontier of the New Jersey colony.

Today the geography is still dominated by quiet farmland and protected landscapes, including large sections of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Forested ridges, glacially formed valleys, and the winding Delaware River shape most of the terrain here, limiting urban development and keeping the countryside character intact.

This combination of long-standing history and extensive conservation has left Hardwick with a sparse population and an atmosphere that feels largely unchanged from its colonial past. That's no small thing in a state as populous and developed as New Jersey.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Any visit to the area should start at this park. Straddling the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is what most locals and visitors consider the defining attraction around Hardwick.

This protected corridor follows the Delaware River for about 40 miles, combining tall ridges, dense woodlands, river access points, and historic landmarks. Hiking is the primary draw. Sections of the Appalachian Trail cross several of the key viewpoints near the river. The area is also popular with paddlers, anglers, and wildlife photographers, with black bears, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer all regularly present. You can learn more about the area's early settlement at the Millbrook Village Historic Site (a partially restored 19th-century farming community inside the recreation area) and at heritage farmsteads scattered throughout.

Other must-see stops in or near the park include Raymondskill Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania at about 150 feet across three tiers, and Bushkill Falls, a privately operated series of eight cascades connected by a network of trails just south of the recreation area.

Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail

Climbing steeply from the Delaware Water Gap, the Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail is among the most demanding short hikes in the region and one of the most rewarding. The 3.6-mile loop gains a little over 1,200 feet in under 1.5 miles, following a rocky path with sustained elevation and often uneven footing.

It sees heavy use thanks to direct access from I-80 and the clear payoff at the summit. From the top, views extend down the Delaware River and across the surrounding ridges of the Water Gap. Most experienced hikers descend via the longer Blue Dot Trail to make a loop without backtracking.

High Point State Park

In the Kittatinny Mountains, High Point State Park marks the highest elevation in New Jersey at 1,803 feet. It sits about 40 minutes northeast of Hardwick Township. The park's centerpiece is the appropriately named High Point Monument, a 220-foot granite obelisk with views across three states from the observation level. Reaching the top requires a 291-step climb up the interior staircase. Surrounding terrain includes ridge-top forests, glacial lakes, and steep slopes that draw hikers year-round.

Like the Water Gap, segments of the Appalachian Trail pass through the park, linking it to the broader regional network. In warmer months, Lake Marcia inside the park is open for swimming and picnicking, while fall brings some of the most colorful foliage in New Jersey. The park's height and exposure also make it a reliable stop for hawk migrations during autumn, drawing birdwatchers from across the region.

Camelback Mountain Resort

Set in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania just across the Delaware River from New Jersey, Camelback Mountain Resort is a year-round recreation area within easy driving distance of Hardwick Township. In winter it operates one of the larger ski areas in Pennsylvania, with a mix of beginner slopes, steep runs, and terrain parks, plus extensive snowmaking that keeps it open even in low-snowfall years. The resort lists 166 skiable acres and an 800-foot vertical drop. It also includes a 42-lane snow-tubing park, billed as one of the largest in the country.

Outside ski season, Camelback shifts to warm-weather activities including mountain coasters, zip lines, and the Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark. For hikers, the Camelback Mountain Loop Trail is a popular choice, a roughly three-mile route past much of the area's best scenery. Cyclists can also try the resort's mountain bike trails when open.

Lakota Wolf Preserve

Just southwest of Hardwick, the Lakota Wolf Preserve is a privately run wildlife facility focused on education and conservation. The preserve houses several packs of wolves including Arctic, timber, and tundra subspecies, along with foxes and bobcats. Visits are structured as guided "wolf watches," where staff explain wolf behavior, pack hierarchy, and historical range across North America.

Photography is a major draw. The animals are often visible from the viewing area in large naturalized enclosures. Unlike a typical zoo, access is limited and controlled to keep group sizes small, and the experience is more personalized as a result. Booking in advance is recommended.

Staying in Hardwick Township

Given its remote character, accommodations in Hardwick Township itself are limited, with no large hotels inside its borders. Most visitors stay in nearby towns such as Blairstown or Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, where small inns, motels, and short-term rentals are more common. Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco in Hardwick is a long-running Boy Scout summer camp (and the original filming location for the 1980 film Friday the 13th). Rustic cabins and campgrounds within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provide closer access to the trails and river sites.

Peak season typically runs from late spring through fall, when hiking, paddling, and foliage are the region's biggest draws. Summer weekends are the busiest, so a weekday visit is the better option for a quieter outing. Early fall offers the most consistent conditions, with cooler temperatures and clearer views, while winter is the most peaceful season, though heavy snowfall often limits access to some facilities and trails.

An Untouched Corner of New Jersey

Hardwick doesn't rely on built-up attractions or modern development. Its appeal is the surrounding terrain, including long stretches of protected riverway, ridge hikes, and various wildlife sites that remain accessible throughout the year. Within a short radius, options range from steep hikes to top-tier ski hills and guided conservation experiences, making this spot a practical base for exploring one of the least altered landscapes in all of New Jersey.