Do you like to go snowmobiling? If so, you may want to consider planning a trip to New Jersey this winter.
You may opt to rent a snowmobile or bring your own. The nice thing about snowmobiling in New Jersey is that you don’t need to have a license to do so. If you do opt to bring your own snowmobile, you’ll need to register it. Be prepared to pay $14 or more in registration fees. Riders must also wear a helmet and be at least 14 years of age if they plan on taking the wheel. I have gone snowmobiling there many times and have a few places that I can recommend.
Here they are:
High Point State Park
High Point State Park is located in Sussex and is open daily from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Snowmobiling is permitted there on select, multi-use trails. You’ll need to verify with the park office which ones are open. If given the option, I’d suggest that you take one of trails that run past the lakes or the monument. The park’s vehicle entrance fee is typically waived after Labor Day.
Wawayanda State Park
Wawayanda State Park is located in Hewitt and it is open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. There are well over 40 miles of trails located within the confines of the park, but not all are open to snowmobiling. The Appalachian, Pump House, Terrace Pond, Yellow Dot and Cedar Swamp Trails are normally off limits for snowmobilers. The Double Pond Trail is usually open and goes past Wawayanda Lake and the remnants of an old iron furnace. It is one of my favorites. Admission is gratis during the winter months.
Stokes State Forest
Stokes State Forest is located in Branchville. It is open daily in the winter from sunrise until sunset, and there’s no admission fee. There are over 30 miles of trails, some that are open to snowmobiling. You’ll need to check in with the park staff at either the toll booth (8 a.m.) or office (9 a.m.) to verify which ones are open. If possible, you may want to try the trails near Stony Lake.
Ringwood State Park
Ringwood State Park is located in Ringwood and features snowmobiling trails in the Skylands section of the park. It is open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and the entrance fee is waived during the winter. You can pick up a trail map at the park office upon arrival.
My family enjoys winter sports and has traveled extensively.
More from this contributor:
Family’s Guide to Snowboarding at Mountain Creek in New Jersey
Where to Go Ice Skating in the New Jersey Skylands
Best 5 State Parks to Go Ice Fishing in the New Jersey Skylands
Top 5 Ski Areas in New Jersey to Spend Christmas 2011