Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chatham, New Jersey and Clifton, New Jersey
Overview
Road trips are a great way to explore the endless possibilities of the United States. With its vast landscapes, beautiful sceneries, and rich history, this country has a lot to offer. Chatham, New Jersey, is a quaint suburban town nested in Morris County, while Clifton is a city located in Passaic County, both in the state of New Jersey.
Embarking on a road trip from Chatham, New Jersey, to Clifton, New Jersey, can be a thrilling adventure that packs a whole lot of experiences. With a distance of approximately 24 miles between these two destinations, travelers can quickly cover the route while exploring unique and exciting places that fall along the way.
One of the highlights of this road trip is the halfway point at Kearny, NJ. This town boasts of different food varieties that could make the perfect pit stop for any traveler.
Top 5 Things to do
1. Montclair Art Museum
The Montclair Art Museum, located in Montclair, NJ, should be the first stop for any art lover. It boasts of an extensive collection of American and Native American art dating back to the 18th century. The museum prides itself on being one of the first museums in New Jersey to grant Native American artwork and artifacts proper recognition.
Interesting Fact: The Montclair Art Museum isn't just into contemporary or traditional art but promotes a mix of both.
2. Eagle Rock Reservation
Eagle Rock Reservation is a beautiful park situated in West Orange, NJ. This reserve covers 408 acres of land and is home to a diverse range of birds and wildlife. The park offers multiple hiking trails, picnic areas, and a challenge course for thrill-seekers. Visitors can also catch an incredible view of the New York City skyline from the park viewpoint.
Interesting Fact: The reserve has well-kept walking trails that could guide hikers through the lush forest.
3. Lambert Castle
Lambert Castle is a 19th-century architectural masterpiece located in Paterson, NJ. The castle was built by silk importer Catholina Lambert and is now home to the Passaic County Historical Society Museum. This museum showcases artifacts that remind visitors of the English and Victorian era.
Interesting Fact: The architectural design of the Lambert Castle was inspired by the style of French castles.
4. Branch Brook Park
Branch Brook Park is situated in the North Ward section of Newark, NJ, and is one of the oldest and largest parks in the county. The park boasts over 5,000 cherry blossom trees and is home to various recreational facilities available to the public, such as hiking trails, tennis courts, and a roller-skating rink.
Interesting Fact: In April of every year, the park hosts an annual cherry blossom festival, drawing thousands of visitors from all over.
5. Great Falls
The Great Falls, located in Paterson, NJ, is a scenic wonder that never fails to captivate visitors. The waterfall is 77 feet high and is at the center of a 35-acre national park. Great Falls was once a prominent source of power for Paterson, and visitors can witness the remnants of the factories that were powered by the falls.
Interesting Fact: Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the USA, saw the potential of the falls as a source of power to fuel factories.
Conclusion
This 24-mile road trip from Chatham, NJ, to Clifton, NJ, is packed with endless excitement and adventure. It would take about half an hour of driving time to get from one location to the other with Kearny, NJ, serving as an ideal pit stop for a quick bite.
From visiting the Montclair Art Museum to taking a stroll in the Eagle Rock Reservation, exploring the Lambert Castle and Branch Brook Park, and marveling at the beauty of the Great Falls, this trip offers something unique for everyone. With such an array of activities, it's safe to say that this road trip is one every adventure-loving traveler should take.