Greater Blairstown Area – Warren County, N.J.

Connecting Town and Trail

As New Jersey’s first A.T. Community, the Greater Blairstown Area (including Knowlton, Blairstown, Hardwick, Hope and Frelinghuysen Townships of the County of Warren) is an inviting gateway into the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Worthington State Forest, and National Geographic’s “Scenic, Wild Delaware River Region” – all of which are home to a remarkable section of the Appalachian Trail that is heavily visited.

Warren County and the municipalities included within the Greater Blairstown Area support the protection of the Appalachian Trail, its adjoining open space buffers and view-sheds, surrounding nature corridors, and recreational trail connections. To date, the county has helped preserve more than 23,000 acres of farmland, 2,000 acres of parkland, and has assisted in the preservation of over 130 municipal and nonprofit projects preserving both natural and historical resources.

As an A.T. Community, the Greater Blairstown Area Community Partnership participates in various seasonal events and festivals, including the annual Blairstown Fourth of July Celebration, held at Footbridge Park, adjacent to the Paulinskill River and the Paulinskill Trail; the spring Warren County Preservation Day; and the eight-day Warren County Farmers Fair, held every summer. Community representatives educate visitors about hiking basics, safety, and the importance of Leave No Trace ethics, as well as lead hikes on the A.T.

Plan Your Visit

Nestled along the foothills of the Kittatinny Mountain, the Greater Blairstown Area features a welcoming environment with small towns and historic villages that boast many locally owned businesses like restaurants, shops, farm stands, wineries, breweries and theaters that share local arts, culture and history.

Historic downtown Blairstown lies at the heart of the Greater Blairstown area and is a popular weekend destination for those visiting the Appalachian Trail and surrounding area. First settled in the 1700s, Blairstown is a charming small town whose downtown commercial center is on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information about Historic Downtown Blairstown and to plan your visit, click here.

Just a short drive outside of Blairstown, the Appalachian Mountain Club operates its one-of-a-kind Mohican Outdoor Center, which is located along the A.T. overlooking a beautiful glacial lake in the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Visitors can stroll by nearby wetlands to spot the local wildlife, hike the A.T. to magnificent views, or splash or paddle in Catfish Pond. AMC volunteer-led guided programs are offered year-round and provide an opportunity for visitors to hone their outdoor skills or develop new ones.

For those looking to experience the A.T., the Greater Blairstown Area is easily accessible via three exits off Interstate Route 80 and State Highways 46 and 94. Within Warren County, Route 80 also offers visitors two scenic overlooks (Allamuchy and Knowlton) that boast stunning vistas of the Delaware Water Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses the Wild and Scenic Delaware River and a Tourist Welcome Center in Knowlton Township.

For more information about Historic Downtown Blairstown go to www.blairstownmuseum.com and to plan your visit, www.facebook.com/GBACPartnership.

Get Involved

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a volunteer-powered organization that builds, maintains, and protects public trails. Together with our partners, we strive to ensure that the trails and natural areas we share are sustainable and accessible for all to enjoy for generations to come. For more information and to get involved today, www.nynjtc.org.

ATC Volunteer Program

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.