10 Easy Road Trips From Paterson, NJ: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Passaic County
If you live in or around Paterson, New Jersey and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got mountains, lakes, malls, museums, and even a tiny slice of “upstate” New York. The best part? These are short, out-of-county road trips, so you can leave in the morning and be back home by dinner. Below are 10 easy day trips from Paterson that take you into nearby counties like Bergen, Essex, Morris, Sussex in New Jersey and Orange and Rockland in New York.1. Hike and Picnic at Ramapo Valley County Reservation (Bergen County, NJ)
About 25–30 minutes northwest of Paterson, Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah is a local favorite for easy-to-moderate hikes. You’ll find:- Wooded trails that loop around a pretty lake
- Views of the Ramapo Mountains
- Plenty of spots for a picnic blanket
Tip: Go early on sunny weekends. The parking lot can fill up fast, especially in fall when the leaves are turning bright red and orange.
2. Shop, Eat, and People-Watch at Garden State Plaza (Bergen County, NJ)
Need a change of scenery but don’t really want the “great outdoors”? Head about 20–25 minutes east to Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus. This massive mall is perfect for:- Rainy-day fun with friends or family
- Grabbing lunch at the food court or sit-down restaurants
- Shopping for just about anything you can imagine
Local note: Paramus has some of the strictest “blue laws” in the country. Most retail stores are closed on Sundays, so plan your road trip for another day if you want to shop.
3. Explore Downtown Montclair & Its Food Scene (Essex County, NJ)
Just 20 minutes south of Paterson, Montclair has a lively downtown with a little bit of everything. You’ll find:- Independent coffee shops and bakeries
- Global restaurants (Ethiopian, Italian, Japanese, you name it)
- Small boutiques and bookstores
Want to make it a full day trip? Pair your visit with a walk through the Montclair Art Museum or a slow drive through the tree-lined streets full of old homes.
4. See the City Skyline From Eagle Rock Reservation (Essex County, NJ)
For one of the best free views of the New York City skyline near Paterson, head about 30 minutes southeast to Eagle Rock Reservation on the border of West Orange and Montclair. From the overlook, you can see:- Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center
- Midtown’s famous skyscrapers
- The Hudson River in the distance
Tip: Bring a light jacket, even in summer. It can get breezy up on the ridge.
5. Walk, Bike, or Paddle at Lake Hopatcong (Morris County, NJ)
If you’re in the mood for water views, drive about 40–45 minutes west to Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest lake, in Morris County. Depending on the season, you can:- Rent a kayak or paddleboard
- Enjoy lakeside restaurants with outdoor seating
- Take a relaxing walk by the water
6. Step Back in Time in Morristown (Morris County, NJ)
About 35–40 minutes southwest, Morristown mixes American history with a modern downtown vibe. Highlights include:- Morristown National Historical Park, where George Washington once camped
- Tree-lined streets with shops and cafés around the Green
- Plenty of lunch and dessert options (yes, there’s ice cream)
Think of it as a mini history lesson that comes with good food and a nice walk.
7. Chase Views at High Point State Park (Sussex County, NJ)
Ready for a slightly longer drive? Head about an hour northwest to High Point State Park in Sussex County, near the New York and Pennsylvania borders. Here, you’ll find:- The highest point in New Jersey (1,803 feet above sea level)
- A massive stone monument with sweeping views
- Lakes, picnic areas, and hiking trails
Tip: Bring snacks and water. Once you’re in the park, you won’t find as many food options as you do closer to Paterson.
8. Go “Upstate” for the Day in Warwick, NY (Orange County, NY)
About an hour north of Paterson, Warwick in Orange County feels a world away, even though it’s still a simple day trip. Depending on the season, you can:- Pick apples or pumpkins at local farms
- Stroll through a small, charming downtown
- Enjoy farm-to-table cafés and country markets
9. Spend a Relaxed Day in Nyack by the Hudson (Rockland County, NY)
Head about 40–45 minutes northeast from Paterson and cross into New York for a visit to Nyack, a riverfront village in Rockland County. Nyack offers:- Beautiful views of the Hudson River and the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Art galleries and quirky shops
- Cafés with outdoor seating in warmer months
Parking tip: Watch for meters and signs. Some spots are time-limited, especially close to downtown.
10. Hike and Climb at Harriman State Park (Rockland County, NY)
If you love trails and don’t mind a bit of climbing, take a 45–60 minute drive to Harriman State Park, one of New York’s largest state parks, reaching into Rockland and Orange Counties. There you’ll find:- Over 200 miles of hiking trails
- Lakes for kayaking, canoeing, or just relaxing on the shore
- Rocky viewpoints with wide, open vistas
Planning Your Paterson Road Trips
To make the most of these quick getaways from Paterson:- Check travel times: Most of these are within 20–60 minutes, but traffic can stretch it, especially on weekends.
- Look up parking rules: Some parks have small fees or limited spaces.
- Pack basics: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket can make a big difference.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip From Paterson?
Have you tried any of these spots near Paterson, NJ? Do you have your own favorite out-of-county road trip—maybe a hidden trail, a small-town diner, or a quiet riverside park?- Drop a comment and share your go-to getaway.
- Ask a question if you’re planning a weekend and want ideas tailored to your style—family-friendly, budget, or romantic day out.
- Share this post with friends and family in Paterson who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” Now you’ve got 10 easy answers.
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