10 Easy Road Trips Near Newark, NJ (That Take You Out of Essex County)
If you live in or near
Newark, New Jersey and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in luck. Within an hour’s drive, you can hit mountains, rivers, lakes, and some of the best small-town food in the state – without hopping on a plane.
Below you’ll find
10 short road trips from Newark that take you into nearby counties:
- Bergen County
- Hudson County
- Morris County
- Passaic County
- Union County
All of these spots are
outside Essex County, but still close enough for a quick escape. Most drives are around 20–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
1. Hike and Picnic at South Mountain Reservation (Morris County Side)
Did you know this huge park stretches into
Morris County, not just Essex? If you enter from the western side near Millburn and Chatham, you’re in Morris County territory.
Why go:
- Miles of easy to moderate hiking trails
- Wooded paths, small waterfalls, and scenic overlooks
- Perfect for families and casual walkers
From Newark, it’s usually under a 30-minute drive. Pack sandwiches, toss a blanket in the trunk, and turn it into a relaxed afternoon picnic. When I went on a weekday morning, the trails were quiet enough that I could actually hear the leaves crunch under my boots – a nice change from city horns and sirens.
Road trip tip: Go early on fall weekends; the parking lots fill up fast when the leaves change color.
2. Explore the Waterfront in Hoboken (Hudson County)
If you want something low-key and walkable, head to
Hoboken in Hudson County. It’s one of the easiest
Newark day trips you can take.
What to do in Hoboken:
- Stroll the Hudson River waterfront walkway
- Take in postcard-worthy views of the Manhattan skyline
- Grab pizza, coffee, or Italian pastries on Washington Street
The city has a relaxed, neighborhood feel but still feels lively and energetic. On a nice day, you’ll see joggers, kids on scooters, couples snapping photos, and plenty of dogs.
Road trip tip: Street parking can be tricky. Look for garages near the waterfront or consider parking a few blocks uphill.
3. Ride the Coasters at American Dream (Bergen County)
Looking for something over-the-top? Head to
American Dream in East Rutherford, Bergen County. It’s about a 20–25 minute drive from Newark if traffic behaves.
Inside this massive complex, you’ll find:
- An indoor amusement park
- An indoor water park
- An indoor ski slope (yes, really)
- Shopping, dining, and mini-golf
It’s a fun option for a rainy day or when you just want an “I can’t believe this is in New Jersey” kind of experience. Families, friend groups, and even date nights can all work here.
Road trip tip: Check ticket prices and hours for the attractions before you go; they can change by season and day of the week.
4. Get Outdoors at Ramapo Valley County Reservation (Bergen County)
If you’d rather trade roller coasters for real hills, head a bit farther north to
Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah, Bergen County.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Well-marked hiking trails
- A small lake and streams
- Scenic overlooks if you don’t mind some uphill climbing
It’s usually under an hour from Newark, and the change in scenery is dramatic. One minute you’re on the Parkway, and the next you’re looking out over tree-covered ridges that feel a world away from the city.
Road trip tip: Wear proper shoes; some trails get rocky and muddy after rain.
5. Step Back in Time in Morristown (Morris County)
If you’re into history, or just like pretty downtowns,
Morristown in Morris County is an easy win.
Things to do:
- Visit sites related to George Washington and the Revolutionary War
- Walk around the Green (the town’s central square)
- Grab lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants
Morristown has that classic small-city feel with old buildings, tree-lined streets, and a mix of shops and cafés. It’s about 30–40 minutes from Newark, depending on the route you take.
Road trip tip: If you’re a history buff, look up the local historic parks and museums before you go so you don’t miss the good stuff.
6. Wander the Trails of Watchung Reservation (Union County)
Just southwest of Newark, in
Union County, you’ll find
Watchung Reservation, a large green space with tons of trails and nature areas.
Highlights:
- Wooded hiking paths with gentle hills
- A nature center (check hours) and lakeside areas
- Playgrounds and picnic areas for families
I like Watchung for those days when you want to feel “far away” without actually driving far. Once you’re deep in the trees, it’s easy to forget how close you are to major highways.
Road trip tip: Cell service can be spotty on some trails – download a map or take a photo of the trail map at the parking area.
7. Enjoy the Riverfront in Hackensack (Bergen County)
If you want a quieter alternative to the Hudson River views, try
Hackensack along the Hackensack River in Bergen County.
What you can do:
- Walk along parts of the riverfront
- Explore the downtown area, which is slowly being revived
- Try one of the many local restaurants – everything from diners to global cuisine
This is a low-pressure day trip. No strict schedule, no huge crowds, just a casual place to explore a different side of North Jersey.
Road trip tip: Pair Hackensack with a visit to a nearby mall or park if you want to fill a full day.
8. Find Waterfalls in Paterson (Passaic County)
Yes, there are real waterfalls in North Jersey. The
Paterson Great Falls in Passaic County are one of the state’s most dramatic sights and a very doable trip from Newark.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Views of a powerful waterfall in an urban setting
- Short walks and overlooks – no major hiking needed
- Plenty of history tied to early American industry
When I first visited, I was surprised by how loud the water was and how close you can get to the falls. It’s one of those places that looks good in photos but feels even better in person.
Road trip tip: Check weather beforehand—after heavy rain, the falls can be especially impressive.
9. Take a Scenic Drive Toward Greenwood Lake (Passaic County)
If you enjoy driving almost as much as the destination, point your car toward the
Passaic County section of the Greenwood Lake area.
What makes it special:
- Winding roads with a more rural, “up north” feel
- Access to lake views in nearby towns
- Small spots to stop for a bite or a coffee along the way
This is best on a sunny day when you can roll the windows down and just enjoy the ride. Think of it as a mini version of a road trip to the mountains, without the long haul.
Road trip tip: Pick a loose route ahead of time so you’re not glued to GPS the whole time.
10. Food Crawl in Union County Towns (Union County)
Sometimes the best road trips from Newark are really
food trips. Union County is packed with interesting little downtowns and great eats.
You can build your own mini tour by stopping in towns like:
- Westfield – charming main street, cafés, dessert spots
- Cranford – walkable downtown with bars and restaurants
- Rahway – growing arts scene and some solid dining options
Make a loose plan: coffee in one town, lunch in another, dessert in a third. It turns the drive itself into an adventure.
Road trip tip: Leave some flexibility in your schedule so you can spontaneously hop into any place that looks interesting.
Making the Most of Your Newark Road Trips
A few quick reminders before you head out from Newark, NJ:
- Check traffic: North Jersey highways can back up fast, especially on weekends and during rush hour.
- Pack the basics: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger go a long way.
- Have a backup plan: If one spot is too crowded, know a second option nearby.
Whether you want hiking trails, river views, shopping, history, or just a different place to grab dinner, these short
Newark road trip ideas give you plenty of options in Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Union Counties.
Share Your Favorite Spots Near Newark
Have you taken a great
day trip from Newark that others should know about?
Did I miss your favorite hiking trail, park, or small downtown in these nearby counties?
Drop your suggestions in the comments and help other travelers discover new places.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun things to do near Newark, NJ. Your share might be the nudge they need to finally take that little road trip they’ve been talking about.
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