White Lake Natural Resource Center, Photo Courtesy of warrenparks.com
Hardwick Township
New Jersey's Best Towns For Families 2017 Warren County
Population: 1,538
Average Home Price: $279,769
Hardwick Township is the epitome of rural beauty. With just 1,696 residents and tons of open land, it’s a bucolic vision that stays true to the Garden State name. White Lake Natural Resource Area is a gorgeous place to hike, bike and fish in town. The 394-acre preserve is home to wildlife, forests, meadows and a 69-acre spring-fed lake. Visit the lime kiln on site, or what’s left of the stone wall that once held an ice house/marl facility.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of the town's most popular attractions. For fun outside of town, Hackettstown, Morristown and the Poconos are all within driving distance. In a nod to its natural beauty and wide open spaces, Mayor Jim Perry likes to refer to Hardwick as the Jersey Poconos. Warren County as a whole is also famous for being the backdrop of the movie Friday the 13th, and even more so Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco in Hardwick. Every Friday that falls on the 13th, residents can head to Roy’s Hall in nearby Blairstown for a special movie screening of the film. – by Taryn Pire
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