Any avid fans of exploring the great outdoors followed by an excellent meal, can hike and dine through New Jersey on one of the best day trips in the state. Starting with one of more than 14 marked trails or going rogue on some of the 20+ miles of unmarked trails, the Allamuchy Natural Area in Allamuchy Mountain State Park offers a variety of recreational activities for everyone’s ability level. The trails here are also used by bicyclists, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers. Stanhope began in the late 1700s as a small iron forge town and in 1904, by an act of the state legislature, it was formed from portions of Byram Township where the featured trail in this article is located. Today, the approximately 3,300 people living in this community enjoy the wild resources the area offers, in addition to shopping, and dining in some pretty fantastic restaurants.

Start a golden, misty good morning with a hike on the Highlands, Yellow, and White Trail loop. The Highlands viewpoint definitely makes this trip worthwhile.

Debora Oliveira/AllTrails

The approximately 5.6-mile trail is a moderately challenging route, requiring at least a couple of hours to finish. 

Manda Riley/AllTrails

This rugged trail has a decent variety of terrain from rocks to a good climb, and then some tranquil water crossings, offering pastoral views.

Manda Riley/AllTrails

Whether you find it at the beginning — going counterclockwise — or the end, the view is breathtaking and something to behold.

Manda Riley/AllTrails The parking area is located off of Waterloo Road, down a dirt road ending in the parking lot. While you are there, check out the interesting Waterloo Village Historic Site. Waterloo Village Historic Site, Waterloo Rd, Stanhope, NJ 07874, USA

After your hike, renew your energy at this historic Bell’s Mansion. Its hilltop location in Stanhope, New Jersey, offers gorgeous views of the Morris Canal, in its specially-designed window-lined Canal Room. Sit awhile and appreciate the gorgeous scenery.

Bell’s Mansion/Facebook The mansion was built between 1835 and 1840 by Robert Bell, a well-known businessman. Some antique elements enhance the mood including the large, mirrored, oak bar originating from the 1880s.

Enjoy a special cocktail outdoors when seasons permit. The Sunday brunch menu, alone, offers an extensive “brunchtail” list of unusual and refreshing cocktails, wines, and beers.

Bell’s Mansion/Facebook

You’ll find the thoughtfully-crafted cuisine offered here is a collection of New World and European recipes inspired by the seasons. For example, the Oktoberfest, which is held in the fall, has autumn-inspired specials. For starters — how about a warm pretzel with mustard? And bite into the Szarlotka, which means apple pie and happiness, topped with house-whipped cream for a well-deserved dessert.

Bell’s Mansion/Facebook As you can see, the chef is not short on original ideas. The summer’s intense heat inspired this cool, chilled mango soup.

If you are looking for something more usual, hang out on Pizza Friday and give this delicious snack a try.

Bell’s Mansion/Facebook Nothing is better than the purity of fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, and basil.

And if your hike has worked up a heartier appetite, order this Mansion Ribeye topped with house-cut onion rings, braised carrots, and carefully garnished with salsa verde.

Bell’s Mansion/Facebook

Are you ready to hike and dine through New Jersey on this fantastic trail and historic restaurant? If you are planning to stay the night, the nearby Whistling Swan Inn is one of several top-rated bed and breakfasts in The Garden State. You might also explore more hikes in the lovely Allamuchy Mountain State Park. If you visit, please let us know how your trip went in the comments section.

Debora Oliveira/AllTrails

Manda Riley/AllTrails

The parking area is located off of Waterloo Road, down a dirt road ending in the parking lot. While you are there, check out the interesting Waterloo Village Historic Site.

Waterloo Village Historic Site, Waterloo Rd, Stanhope, NJ 07874, USA

Bell’s Mansion/Facebook

The mansion was built between 1835 and 1840 by Robert Bell, a well-known businessman. Some antique elements enhance the mood including the large, mirrored, oak bar originating from the 1880s.

As you can see, the chef is not short on original ideas. The summer’s intense heat inspired this cool, chilled mango soup.

Nothing is better than the purity of fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, and basil.

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Address: Allamuchy Mountain State Park, Waterloo Rd, Stanhope, NJ 07874, USAAddress: Bell’s Mansion, 11 Main St, Stanhope, NJ 07874, USA