An Hour From NYC Is An Outdoorsy Town With Local Eats And Easy Access To Both The Big City And Mountains

Mahwah, a suburb in northern New Jersey, sits near the Ramapo Mountains, with the Ramapo River winding through its scenic landscape. Just an hour from New York City, it's an ideal place for a quick weekend trip, especially if you want to get away from the crowds and the urban bustle. Wooded trails, multiple waterways, and snowy peaks make the town perfect for year-round adventure. Outdoorsy visitors can easily kick off their day with a refreshing hike, then head to town to unwind at a local cafe or restaurant.

Spend a little time in Mahwah, and you'll soon realize why Niche ranks it as one of the best places to live in New Jersey. Some of the 25,500 residents of this Bergen County suburb praise its schools, restaurants, and its easy access to nearby towns. Others appreciate Mahwah's recreation opportunities like Ramapo Valley County Reservation and Darlington County Park, two of the main recreational spots in town.

Perhaps one of the most appealing things about Mahwah is that it borders New York, giving visitors access to the best of both worlds: big city action and mountain vistas. After stopping by a trendy NYC coffee shop, you can cross the Hudson and be in Mahwah by noon. Because you'll need a car to get around, consider driving here. Public transportation can be convenient, too, with connections between New York Penn Station in Midtown and NJ Transit trains, while buses offer direct routes to NYC's Port Authority Bus Terminal. If you're flying in, the closest international airports are LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International, both within an hour's drive. Planning on staying overnight? You'll have several hotels to choose from, including Homewood Suites by Hilton Mahwah, a favorite for many visitors.

There's no denying that NYC is a top foodie destination, but New Jersey owns bragging rights as the "Diner Capital of the World." With that in mind, start your day at State Line Diner, described as a "diner to die for!" by a recent patron on Google, who went on to say, "Great food with large portions at a reasonable price." Open 24 hours, this classic joint has been dishing up meals for Mahwah and neighboring towns since 1976, and is often voted New Jersey's best diner. Patrons love the wide selection of fluffy buttermilk pancakes and French toast. 

When it's lunch or dinner time, Mahwah has everything from casual eats to fine dining options. Mahwah Bar and Grill is a neighborhood spot serving classic pub fare, including their famous 8-ounce burgers, wings, and rotating specials. "I've come here many times for lunch and dinner. The food has always been so good! I highly recommend their sandwiches, salads, and burgers, but their "main entrees" are good as well," remarked a regular patron. In the mood for pizza? Visit Roxanne's for freshly baked pies from the fiery brick oven, or opt for one of their classic pasta dishes that often get high marks for huge portion sizes.

For a special occasion, RP Prime Steakhouse offers an upscale menu of dry-aged cuts, with standouts like the 22-ounce bone-in prime rib eye and filet mignon. Many satisfied patrons praise the restaurant for its cuisine and exceptional hospitality, with a recent guest saying, "I highly recommend this steakhouse to anyone looking for great food, excellent service, and a memorable dining experience." Another reviewer commented that the restaurant "deserves a Michelin star!" If you visit on the weekend, consider making a reservation, although walk-ins are welcome, too.

Outdoorsy travelers will find plenty to get their blood pumping around town. Boasting roughly 5,000 acres of recreational playgrounds, Mahwah earned its nickname as "Bergen County's Parkland." Here, visitors can enjoy everything from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing, and winter guests can bring their skis or snowboards to hit the slopes at Campgaw Mountain Ski Center.

Tripadvisor ranks Ramapo Valley County Reservation as one of the 15 top things to do in Mahwah. At this 4,000-acre park, you can hike woodland trails, chase waterfalls, paddle, and drop a line in the Ramapo River or multiple ponds. "Ramapo Reservation really has it all, whether you're looking for a quick walk or a challenging uphill hike," said a Tripadvisor user. "I like this particular park because it has beautiful lakes, views, waterfalls and pet-friendly paths," they continued. Standing at the overlooks while gazing at the NYC skyline is always a favorite memory for hikers. Just keep in mind that this park gets busy on the weekends.

Summer is peak season at Darlington County Park, offering swimming and a kiddie splash zone. Visit in the shoulder season for hiking, biking, BBQs, picnics, or catch-and-release fishing. Families particularly enjoy this park with views of the Ramapo Mountains. "Darlington County Park in Mahwah is easily one of the best spots in Bergen County (and beyond) for a family day outdoors," commented a Google user. If you prefer to see Mahwah's surrounding hills by car, take the scenic drive along Ramapo Valley Road, where you can eventually connect to Ramapo Mountain State Forest, with more opportunities for outdoor fun. When you're ready to head back to the city, check out these NYC top budget-friendly attractions, Times Square not included.