Go Hiking

The Paulinskill Valley Trail—a network of rail trails along abandoned railroad beds of the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad—have been transformed and maintained for hiking, horseback riding, and other recreational uses, stretches for 27 miles (43 km) from Sparta Junction in Sussex County to Columbia in Warren County, roughly following the entire length of the river. After the New York, Susquehanna and Western decommissioned the route in 1962, the right-of-way along this corridor was purchased by the City of Newark the following year. Newark hoped to use the bed for a water pipeline connecting to the proposed dam and reservoir project on the Delaware River. However, this project—controversial from the start because of environmental concerns and the federal government's abuse of eminent domain—was canceled during the 1970s. Newark sold their claim to the corridor in 1992 to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for $600,000, and the Paulinskill Valley Trail was created.[63] The Appalachian Trail follows the top of Kittatinny Ridge at the northern edge of the valley.

Established in 1914 as New Jersey's first state park, Swartswood is well known for its great fishing and tranquil surroundings. Little Swartswood and Swartswood Lake were formed by glaciers thousands of years ago and are now home to a variety of fish.

The park features fishing, hunting, boating/canoeing, trailer and cartop launch, boat and canoe rentals, swimming (Swartswood Lake), picnic and group areas, food concession and playground. Trails include Duck Pond Multi-Use Trail, Spring Lake Trail, Bear Claw Trail, Grist Mill Trail, handicapped accessible trail, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding. Winter sports include ice skating, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing (at own discretion), birding and observation facility.

Swimming is permitted at Swartswood Lake from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 am to 6 pm, while lifeguards are on duty. The beach complex contains changing areas, restrooms, showers, first-aid station, and concession with food and beach supplies.

Campsites: 73 tent and trailer sites, group sites and yurts with fire rings and picnic tables. Some camping areas available all year-round.

Fee: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Who We Are

As a Stillwater resident who loves Stillwater and dedicated many years to restoring and redeveloping the George D. Garris General Store, we love what we do and it shows. We spent 3+ years not only restoring the building but doing our best to help restore the community. There’s no challenge too big nor any detail too small to provide an efficient and warm operation. We commit our utmost energy to every person who walks through our doors, we treat you as you like to be treated, like the most important person in the world!

Our History - George D. Garris, originally from "over the Blue Mountain" in the Flatbrookville section of Walpack, fought in the Civil War. At the onset, he settled in the Village of Stillwater and opened up a general store. In 1874, with his "mustering out" money, he purchased a building lot in the village from William and Louisa Moore. For the next two years he and his father John Garris constructed the George D. Garris General Store which opened up in 1876. George then left the store to his son Charles who left the store to his son Harold. Although Harold sold the store in 1981, he was a personal friend of the restorer and present day owner, Dean Voris. Then and today, the store was and is the icon of Stillwater!

Learn all there is to know about this endangered species. We offer guided educational wolf tours of the preserve called a Wolf Watch. Once again, the howling of wolves echo through the mountains of the Delaware Water Gap in Knowlton Township, Warren County, NJ. Photo opportunities of a lifetime and the experience of watching and listening to packs of British Columbian, Timber, and Arctic wolves will be yours. View wolves here in the East in a natural surrounding for the first time in over a century. Bobcat, lynx, and foxes also reside at the preserve.

Tranquillity Farms, located in Allamuchy, NJ, is home to a diverse third-generation, family-run agriculture business. Set on 600 acres and farming 800 total acres, the farm prides itself on its registered holsteins and continual expansion of crops. We are keeping farming in New Jersey and supplying our customers with fresh, local produce!

Hyde-Away Restaurant & Tap Room features New World, Spanish, Italian & American cuisines. We have 16 rotating taps, an extensive beer list, daily new craft cocktails & wine. From exciting new diverse dishes to pub grub-- we've got you covered. We're family-owned and family friendly!

Perched on the edge of Swartswood Lake, North Shore House beckons its guests with dazzling waterfront views, spectacular sunsets, and sprawling, picturesque grounds.