Pohatcong New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pohatcong, New Jersey.
1. Pohatcong Native Arboretum
NATIVE BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Pohatcong Native Arboretum is a botanical garden featuring displays of native wildflowers, shrubs, and understory trees in a beautifully constructed setting. Visitors can explore the ever-expanding collection of over 150 species of native trees and shrubs within the Pohatcong Creek Natural Area. The arboretum provides a peaceful environment for nature enthusiasts and educational opportunities about local flora.
2. Morris Canal Greenway
HISTORIC CANAL ROUTE
The Morris Canal Greenway offers visitors a chance to explore the historic 109-mile canal that once required 34 locks and 23 water-powered inclined planes to overcome the greatest elevation change of any canal in the world. Designated as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the canal's remnants include towpaths, boat basins, and related structures at several locations within the Warren Heritage Scenic Byway corridor. Visitors can witness this impressive feat of 19th-century engineering while enjoying scenic views along the recreational trail.
3. The Concrete Mile
HISTORIC ROADWAY LANDMARK
The Concrete Mile is marked by a historic marker on Route 57 in New Village identifying it as the first concrete highway in New Jersey and one of the first in America. Built of Edison Portland Cement in 1912, this one-mile segment represents a significant milestone in American transportation history. Visitors can drive along this historic stretch of road and appreciate its connection to local industrial heritage.
4. Thomas Edison's Portland Cement Company
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SITE
Thomas Edison's Portland Cement Company remnants can be found on Edison Road in New Village, representing an important chapter in the famous inventor's diverse business ventures. The site is historically significant as it produced the cement used for the first concrete highway in New Jersey. History enthusiasts can explore the area to understand Edison's contribution to industrial development beyond his electrical innovations.
5. Musconetcong River Resource Center
LEED PLATINUM GREEN BUILDING
The Musconetcong River Resource Center serves as the headquarters for the Musconetcong Watershed Association in a LEED Platinum certified green building completed in 2010. The center provides educational resources about the National Wild and Scenic Musconetcong River and its watershed. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts, sustainable building practices, and the ecological importance of the river system.
6. Bowerstown Historic District
CANAL ERA VILLAGE
Bowerstown Historic District preserves the site of former Plane 7 West and adjoining boat basin along the Morris Canal. An old canal aqueduct passes over Pohatcong Creek in this historic area that showcases 19th-century transportation infrastructure. History buffs can explore the well-preserved remnants of canal-era architecture and engineering in this charming district.
7. Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden
TRANQUIL NATURE RETREAT
The Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden is a quarter-acre garden located at Memorial Elementary School that attracts butterflies, artists, photographers, and nature lovers. The garden provides a peaceful retreat with native plants specifically chosen to support local butterfly populations. Visitors can enjoy the colorful display of butterflies and flowers while taking a moment to reflect in this serene setting.
8. Washington Borough Downtown District
SHOPPING AND DINING HUB
Washington Borough's downtown district, under the direction of the Washington Business Improvement District, offers a flourishing array of highly rated restaurants, cafes, and diverse shopping opportunities. The district hosts special events throughout the year including the Rock 'n Roll Steampunk Fair in May, a Green Festival in June, and the expansive Festival In The Borough street festival in September. From June to September, visitors can purchase fresh, locally grown produce at the weekly Friday farmers market.
9. Hunt's Meadow
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITE
Hunt's Meadow is a significant Revolutionary War site located in Pohatcong that preserves an important piece of American history. The site offers visitors a glimpse into New Jersey's role during the American Revolution and the local events that contributed to the nation's founding. History enthusiasts can explore this historic location while learning about the Revolutionary War's impact on the region.
10. Seigletown
HISTORIC SETTLEMENT AREA
Seigletown is a historic Revolutionary War site in Pohatcong that stands as a testament to early American settlement in the region. The area preserves architectural elements and layout patterns typical of colonial-era communities in New Jersey. Visitors interested in American history can explore this historic settlement to better understand life during the Revolutionary period.
11. Washington Township Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Washington Township Park is part of the Pohatcong Creek Natural Area where the creek crosses through on its journey toward the Delaware River. The park provides recreational opportunities alongside the scenic Pohatcong Creek with access to natural landscapes and walking paths. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities while appreciating the natural beauty of the Pohatcong Watershed.
12. Allamuchy Mountain State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Allamuchy Mountain State Park spans 8,461 acres including the 2500-acre Deer Lake Park and offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The park features mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through diverse terrain and ecosystems, providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and wildlife observation in this expansive natural preserve near Pohatcong.
13. Waterloo Village
RESTORED CANAL TOWN
Waterloo Village is a restored 19th-century canal town located within Allamuchy Mountain State Park that offers visitors a glimpse into life during the industrial revolution. The historic site features preserved and reconstructed buildings including a working gristmill, blacksmith shop, and general store. Visitors can experience living history demonstrations and special events that bring the canal era to life in this picturesque setting.
14. Red Mill Museum Village
ICONIC HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Red Mill Museum Village features the landmark Red Mill, perhaps the best-known symbol of western New Jersey, located just below the confluence of Spruce Run and the South Branch of the Raritan River. This distinctive red mill building houses a museum with exhibits on local history, industrial development, and rural life in the region. Visitors can explore the mill and surrounding historic buildings while learning about the area's industrial heritage and enjoying the picturesque setting along the river.
15. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area covers a 40-mile stretch from the Delaware Water Gap to Port Jervis, NY, offering breathtaking natural scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore interesting and scenic old roads throughout the area, including the legendary Old Mine Road with its mystery and historical significance. The recreation area provides hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and camping facilities amid stunning landscapes of forested mountains and the scenic Delaware River.