Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in a NJ Highlands Countryside Excursion!

Start a family tradition this year and come out to the countryside of New Jersey to cut your own Christmas Tree. For a full list of Christmas Tree Farms in NJ consult the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association website.

Here we have put together a nice little trip out to the country where you can find the perfect Christmas Tree and all the other items you will need to deck the halls.

County Route 519 is a long and winding country road that starts around Frenchtown, Hunterdon County, through Warren County, and all the to the New York State line in Sussex County. There is a portion of the highway that is easily accessible from Interstate 80 and Route 78. It is on this section of the highway that we invite you to experience the countryside of New Jersey with your family in a Christmas Tree outing.

If coming from metro New Jersey or New York City you can make a giant loop. We are going to start you on Interstate 80 (but if you want to take Route 78, just reverse these directions.)

First stop off Interstate 80 is Exit 12, where you will bear left and by continuing straight through the town of Hope you will automatically pick up County Route 519. Hope is a small, historic town that has several fine eateries and also several antique shops. If you plan your trip on the first weekend in December you can hit the Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market, with over 200 juried artisans throughout the entire town.

Continue on County Route 519 South on your way to Belvidere and you will come across Four Sisters Winery, celebrating 25 years of wine making in New Jersey.

Down the road a piece you will discover Wyckoffs Christmas Tree Farm. Winners of the 2007 & 2008 New Jersey Grand Champion Christmas Tree honors. Chose from Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Canaan Fir or Blue Spruce. Take a ride to the hill for a tree. The hill offers a 20 mile view of the beautiful countryside and Delaware Water Gap.

More wreaths and garland can also be found at nearby Mackey's Orchard.

Time for a quick bite to eat at the Red Wolfe Inn. Heading home you can either enjoy a little bit more of the countryside and continue South on County Route 519 to Route 78/Route 22 (about another 15 minutes) or backtrack and catch Interstate 80 back home. If you decide to head south on County Route 519 the highway takes a left in the town of Harmony. Harmony Barn, an antique barn, is located right at this intersection.

Travelling south again, towards Route 78/Route 22 you will pass the Fairgrounds in Harmony Township, where each year the Warren County Farmers' Fair featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival take place.

Keep an eye out on the left hand side for the Jim and Mary Lee Morris Canal Museum. While the museum is only open select Sundays between April and October, you can pull into the drive and to your right, see where Plane 9 West of the Morris Canal was located. Plane 9W was the longest of the inclined planes and also had the highest change in elevation. It was also one of only 3 double-track planes of the Morris Canal. (A trip for another day!)

And after that small detour off of Interstate 80 takes you through rolling hills and beautiful countryside, we have no doubt you will be back for other seasons of pick your own fruits and vegetables, pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and of course, our County Fair and Balloon Festival!