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Q: Where is Vernon located?
- A: Vernon is located about 1 hour from New York City and is considered part of the New York Metropolitan Area.
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Q: What is the main attraction in Vernon?
- A: Most people visit Vernon to enjoy the wide variety of outdoor recreational facilities available at the Mountain Creek Resort.
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Q: What activities can visitors enjoy at Mountain Creek Resort in winter?
- A: In winter, the resort offers excellent skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
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Q: What outdoor activities are available in Vernon during the summer?
- A: In summer, visitors can take on challenging hikes, enjoy excellent mountain biking, or try the canopy zip tour and the ropes course.
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Q: Is there a golf resort in Vernon?
- A: Yes, there is a golf resort where visitors can tee off surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
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Q: What family-friendly activities are available in Vernon?
- A: Children will enjoy a visit to the Heaven Hill Farm to meet the animals, while adults can stock up on farm-fresh produce.
Best Time to Visit Vernon, New Jersey
- December to March – Peak ski season with snow-covered slopes and winter activities.
- April & May – Mild temperatures, ideal for hiking and exploring local trails.
- June to August – Warm weather, great for water parks, golf, and outdoor adventures.
- September & October – Beautiful fall foliage, perfect for scenic drives and apple picking.
- Late November – Enjoy early holiday festivities and quiet mountain escapes.
Getting to Vernon, New Jersey
- By Air
- Fly into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 60 miles away.
- Smaller regional options include Stewart International Airport (SWF) in New York.
- By Car
- Drive from New York City in about 1.5 hours via I-80 and NJ-23.
- Scenic routes available from Philadelphia and other nearby cities.
- By Bus
- Limited bus service available from nearby towns and major transit hubs.
- By Train
- Nearest NJ Transit station is in Suffern, NY or Wayne, NJ.
- From there, drive or take a taxi to Vernon.
Hotels in Vernon, New Jersey
- Minerals Hotel – Upscale resort with a spa, golf course, and indoor pool.
- Mountain Creek Resort – Perfect for ski-in/ski-out access and seasonal outdoor adventures.
- Alpine Haus Bed & Breakfast Inn – Cozy B&B offering charming accommodations and warm hospitality.
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1. Heaven Hill Farm
Pick pumpkins, explore hayrides, and enjoy fun family activities in every season.
Originally a modest road-side fruit and vegetable stand in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Heaven Hill Farm as grown by leaps and bounds. The road-side stand was replaced by a barn and a greenhouse and Heaven Hill Farm is now your top destination for fresh produce, a bakery and a garden store. Here you can stock up on the freshest local farm produce including naturally raised pork, beef and chicken and a wide variety of wholesome cheeses, pickles, pot pies and more. The farm hosts regular fun events including carnival rides and pig races during Fall Harvest weekends. Children will love the chance to meet the friendly farm animals.
Heaven Hill Farm, 451 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462, Phone: 973-764-5144
2. Mountain Creek
Ski or mountain bike and enjoy thrilling sights on an exciting weekend trip.
Mountain Creek is a popular Ski resort located in Sussex County. The resort covers more than 167 skiable acres spread across 4 mountain peaks. The resort has something for everyone – there are 43 trails, 7 of which are ideal for beginners. At the other end of the scale there are 8 advanced trails for the more experienced skiers. In addition the resort offers 63 acres of terrain parks and the Dropzone Snow Tubing Park which has its own lift and 30 tubing lanes. If the snows fail, you can rely on the snow machines to ensure you have a great day on the slopes. Summer activities include golf, hiking, biking, canopy zip tours and much more.
Mountain Creek Ski Resort, 200 State Route 94, Mountain Creek, Vernon, NJ 07462, Phone: 973-827-2000
3. Mountain Creek Water Park
Slide, splash, and cool off with the kids on a fun summer day.
Nothing beats a water park on a hot summer day. If you are spending time in Vernon during the summer months a visit to the Mountain Creek Water Park will provide hours of family fun. The park offers a wide variety of fun rides and slides for older children and teenagers – each of the rides is graded according to height. In addition to thrilling rides and body boarding in the wave pool, dare-devils can try the Canyon Cliff Jump. Younger children can enjoy floating around the gently-flowing Lost Island River, hopping around the Spray Ground or exploring the interactive Fishing Village. You and rent a pool side cabana and make a day of it.
Mountain Creek Water Park, 200 State Route 94, Mountain Creek, Vernon, NJ 07462, Phone: 973-827-2000
4. George Inn
Dine on hearty fare and savor a romantic evening in a historic tavern.
George Inn has been a local landmark in Vernon since 1872. The Inn suffered several damaging fires during its long existence and there have also been several renovations and additions to the original historic Inn and tavern. The restored tap room and dining room have a pleasant and relaxing ambiance enhanced by plenty of wood fittings and fixtures. The inn serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner daily and there is a very extensive menu with something to please even the pickiest eater. Breakfasts include a variety of Benedicts, omelets, eggs to order, waffles and pancakes. Lunch and dinner menus offer soup, salads, succulent Angus steaks, fish and seafood, burgers, sandwiches and much, much more.
George Inn, 84 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462, Phone: 973-827-5758
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Alpine Haus Bed & Breakfast – A charming and cozy stay near local attractions.
Visit the Appalachian Trail Boardwalk – Enjoy scenic hikes through wetlands and rolling hills.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor adventures.
Mountain Creek Resort – A great option for families with water park access.
Explore Wawayanda State Park – Hike, kayak, or swim in the pristine lake.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn foliage.
Crystal Springs Resort – A luxurious spa and golf resort in a beautiful mountain setting.
Take a scenic drive through the Sussex County countryside – Enjoy vibrant fall colors and farm stands.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and great for winter sports.
Grand Cascades Lodge – A cozy upscale lodge with fireplaces and a spa.
Go skiing or snowboarding at Mountain Creek – One of the best winter resorts in New Jersey.
Plan Your Trip
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