We LOVE New Jersey! (Visiting the state’s BEST nature spots)

We hopped onto a ferry from Delaware to our 46th state…New Jersey! New Jersey is a beautiful and heavily underrated state. With a gorgeous coastline, plus mountains, rivers, forests, and wildlife, it's a dream for outdoor lovers like us!
🔗Links
Get 30% off AllTrails+ with ur code aplusk30 or by clicking this link: tidd.ly/3Idy0W8
⌚Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Ferry from Lewes to Cape May
02:33 We’re not staying in Cape May
03:12 Kayaking the Pine Barrens
07:03 Toll roads tip!
07:33 Trying a Taylor Ham Sandwich
09:16 We went to NYC!
09:33 Tubing the Delaware River
13:15 Exploring Frenchtown
14:39 Fly Fishing
16:32 Hiking Mount Tammany
20:40 Visiting High Point State Park
22:36 Hiking the Stairway to Heaven Trail
📍Locations in this vlog
Mick’s Canoe and Kayak: goo.gl/maps/yaor2zTCLhGVbgqK8
Olde Towne Deli: goo.gl/maps/gzcdzgUnTXWFXmAn8
Big Bear Gear Tubing: goo.gl/maps/6PKzZj4ydWjfERYT7
Early Bird Espresso and Mercantile: goo.gl/maps/RgbsnCWbtGBmKJbHA
Mount Tammany (Red & Blue Dot Trail): tidd.ly/3NiQq94
High Point State Park: goo.gl/maps/b8x42LqzTTCQ2Ujp7
Stairway to Heaven and Pochuck Valley: tidd.ly/3Jptt2T
__________
📷 See ALL of our gear: adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/
🚐 Our Van Life products: adventuresofaplusk.com/blog/v...
💻 Follow us on social media!
Instagram / adventuresofaplusk
Facebook: / adventuresofaplusk
Pinterest: / adventuresofaplusk
🌎 See everywhere we have been + view our blogs and travel guides:
adventuresofaplusk.com/
__________
👋🏼 About us
Hi y’all! We’re Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) living on the road in our self-converted sprinter van! You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (we're a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature.
We help travelers spend less time (and stress!) planning their trip and more time enjoying it! Our detailed travel guides, KZbin videos, and travel resources share the must-visit local eats, popular and off the beaten path sights, and tons of tips to make planning your next adventure a whole lot easier.
Note: We’ve linked a handful of items so you can see exactly which products we take with us. Full disclosure--if you click on these links and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

📅 This video was filmed in mid to late May 2023 and may not reflect current conditions. Get 30% off AllTrails+ with ur code aplusk30 or by clicking this link: tidd.ly/3Idy0W8 See ALL of our gear here: adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/ Keep New Jersey beautiful and PLEASE follow Leave No Trace principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles/

[@heatherlittleeagle3551]

Thank u so much for stopping in at South Dakota 💞 I love the traveling videos safe travels on your many adventures 🚐👫🐕

[@ianstephenson9721]

New Jersey is my home ❤ And it's called Taylor Ham. We in the North choose to honor the man who gave us the gift rather than listen to the feds.

[@Darksurfr]

Thank you for pointing out what am amazing state New Jersey is. As a native who has lived here all my life, I'm happy to see the two of you highlighting the beauty that most people around the country don't know about. Most fly into the NYC area and dismiss our state as the urban suburbs of NYC and the chemical plants on the Northeast of the state. They never get to see our divers landscapes and biomes. We have great food, great beaches, great culture, great history, etc. And we pack it into a small package. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking your time to enjoy our wonderful, and often misrepresented, state.

[@joes6525]

You guys plan out your adventures better than anyone else on KZbin. Your editing is also top notch!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to us!

[@stefanswanson874]

Wow, you guys really did my home state justice! If I had to recommend "stuff to do" in NJ, my list would be almost identical to this. Tammany, Cape May, and pork roll would be expected, but the fact that you threw in tubing down the Delaware and Stairway to Heaven (two of my all-time favorite activities) gets a huge round of applause. Well done!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Woohoo! Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@ianstephenson9721]

Taylor Ham

[@shirleebusch1459]

Most people dismiss New Jersey as a travel destination, but you showed us what a unique and beautiful place it is. Thank you.

[@ni12907]

Nothing unique about NJ honestly

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We had such a great time in NJ! It really surprised us. Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@jerseydrillmovement8235]

❤

[@Piterdeveirs333]

@@ni12907 that's not what your mom said

[@uzin0s256]

@@crapcutter956 LOOOOOOOLLLL. NJ HATER GOT DESTOYED😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@colleenwall1277]

I'm so happy to see a lot of the places I sent in as recommendations made it into your video!! When I first moved here, I was struck by how geographically diverse NJ is for such a small state. You did not disappoint in showing that :)

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Woohoo! We were pleasantly surprised with NJ! Had a fantastic time!

[@jamesslate6664]

I follow several other KZbin travel couples, but I must say that your videos distinguish themselves by being more informational. It's obvious you've done the research to become knowledgeable about the places you visit. Thank you for sharing your discoveries with us.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you! That means a lot to us!

[@cashstt716]

I had absolutely no idea New Jersey had so much nature and beauty.......thanks for the eye opening video!

[@andrewknechel6475]

I live in Lambertville and loved this video!! We go tubing right in the same area you were tubing in and often see bald eagles, wood ducks and other amazing wildlife, and the rivers and streams in the area a great for fishing. We love to hike at the Water Gap and have done Mt Tammany and Mt Minsi many times, and the dunnfield creek trail to sunfish pond is simply amazing. So glad you loved our state and we really enjoy your videos!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We had a great time in NJ and Lambertville was a highlight. It's a cute little town. NJ is underrated in our eyes! Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

I love how you two always show how much nature you can find in other states. I'm not sure why, but I have never thought of NJ as an amazing nature state. Looks like I was completely wrong 😅 Wonderful video as always, nice to see you all back on the road 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

JOY! That defines this episode. We've never heard you both laugh so much. Made us both smile... especially the joy over the fish. Thanks for the smiles.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

😊 thank you!

[@Kopakola732]

24:25 helloooo folks!

[@robcrilley592]

Nice! My home state of NJ is often the butt of lazy jokes, so I felt some trepidation about this episode, but you guys did a great job showing the "true" Jersey we residents know! Glad you enjoyed the outdoors, got to see a lot of wildlife, and even caught a couple of trout (I guess Adam CAN fish after all...jk). As much as I love to travel the country and the world, there are worse places to call home than New Jersey, where you're never too far from anything...chaotic or bucolic. Anyway, well done...onward to hitting all 50!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much! We had a fantastic time and was pleasantly surprised. You summed it up perfectly! I was so lucky to catch those fish! 😂

[@NorthToSouthChannel]

Adam lit up like a kid at Christmas when he caught those fish! haha I love it. Never been to New Jersey but had no idea it had such beautiful places. Love this series!!

[@bradgingerich6814]

Yay for more A+K!!! Absolutely fantastic vlog guys! New Jersey has a lot more to offer than I would’ve imagined! Kudos to you both for all the hard work you put into planning and filming these adventures! As always I’m giving an extra point for the word “pillowy” making its way into the vlog. 😁😁😁 Love you both!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you, Brad!

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

I was born and raised in the Garden State and I still live here. I grew up in the rural north of the state but now live in central NJ. I've never been tubing on the Delaware, but I have gone canoeing on it.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Very cool! We had a wonderful tiime!

[@micalebgoeswest]

We have watched (and loved!) your channel for over 3 years now. You both have a super power, and that power is the ability to travel to every place with a positive attitude and open mind, and to find the most incredible hidden gems. It’s quite a super power. We have added so many states and towns to our list after watching your videos. Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your travels and positivity!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much for that comment and for watching! It means a lot to us!

[@ariesmooncrystals479]

OMG! You guys were filming in Morris County!! How nice! you did an amazing job capturing our state. Thank you for sharing!!!!

[@Eventurefamily]

I love how you got in so many of the best parts of our state! I'm a transplant from PA but have lived here 15 years now and you saw pretty much all of the biggest highlights in a few days that it took us 15 years to explore! Thanks for sharing some great ideas of activities and places we will definitely revisit soon with our kids now to help them expand their pride of our great home!

[@patandruskiewicz358]

Hey guys this was pretty awesome to see you having such a good time here in New Jersey. Thanks for the glowing review of our deli and talor ham. Glad you guys enjoyed it. Can’t wait to see what comes next on your adventures

[@patdandrea1941]

How wonderful to see you enjoying my home state! Thank you for sharing the beauty and diversity of things to see and do here. I am so happy to see your excitement.

[@joycemoses2411]

Beautiful! So different than what is shown on TV.

[@ryancconnely]

Awesome! I have always thought Delaware would be under the radar beautiful and wondered the same about New Jersey in it’s nature, and you guys have affirmed both in your wonderful way. Just goes to prove about everywhere on God's earth there's amazing nature if you take the time to find it. Great work!

[@williamthawley9251]

french town is a great place to walk around, and walk the canal trail.

[@matthewkhan5192]

Ah! I'm from New Jersey and feel like I am always defending the fact that we have green space. You two nailed the itinerary, and I was so excited to see some of my favorite hikes and small towns featured in this episode. 🙌🏽 Also, had to pop back on here to thank ya'll for the Alabama caving trip. I just snagged a permit for my girlfriend's birthday!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you! NJ was so fun and diverse! Awesome! We hope y’all have a fun time!

[@nwdixieboy]

What a beautiful state and all those cute towns. Lucky for you you didn't see one of the huge bears in NJ. NJ and PN have the biggest black bear- up to 500 lbs!!!! Thank you

[@marshasamuelcom]

I've really enjoyed watching your content and was so stoked to see your take on my home state. Thank you for showing some of the best of what New Jersey has to offer--they don't call it The Garden State for nothin'!

[@jorgemarroquin17]

Welcome to my beautiful Garden State home, the State of New Jersey. JERSEY STRONG!!💪 😎

[@KylePezzolla]

Plain bagel on the taylor ham egg and cheese is my default! so pumped you tried it!

[@Godsloveneverfails222]

Hey, I grew up near Lambertville NJ..back in the 80’s we used old tire tubes to go tubing.. looks like you ended up near Bulls Island. We always went to Dilly’s on the PA side across from Stockton NJ for an ice cream treat after our tubing adventures. Shame you missed Washington Crossing.. NJ and PA side. Love all that you show in your travels. Showing the world that NJ is not all cities.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Tubing was a ton of fun! Ice cream is a perfect treat after tubing! We do and see as much as we can with the time we’ve got and what we’re interested in seeing. Always more to see and do than time available 😊 Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@Godsloveneverfails222]

I thoroughly enjoy traveling the world through your videos, great job..keep it going

[@crimsonwring2723]

I actually I’ve in the very area where John Taylor was born (Hamilton Square), so I HAVE to call it Taylor Ham. The whole area was actually originally called New Nottingham until the War of 1812 when the residents gave England the “Jersey Bird” and renamed the whole area after Alexander Hamilton.

[@carlalong1369]

omg i'm from Bucks County PA and we tube in the Delaware all summer long! Its so fun watching you guys in our towns, I know exactly where you were on the river. thanks for continuing your incredible content. My husband and i married last September and i used your videos and blogs/itinerary to help plan our honeymoon to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks!

[@mrrestsyoutubechannel800]

Glad you enjoyed your stay in the state! I love how you guys incorporated the history behind the food, trails, etc. great watch 🎉

[@guadalupeknippen528]

I also was surprised by all the beautiful mountain scenes of New Jersey. Thanks for the fun video. 🌻🐕🥰

[@suzanneaydelotte801]

New Jersey is GORGEOUS! Your adventures in this video were spectacular! Adam, yay on your two fish…what a beautiful location to fish! Loved seeing Kona…she walked on the log really well! You all are infectious with your enthusiasm! Also loved your dancing! Miss you three❣️😘❤️❤️❤️🐶🥰

[@TheStormyDebris]

I'm a local for 40 years in Delaware Water Gap Region for both PA and NJ sides, I wished I had known this before hand, I'm an encyclopedia of knowledge, I would have made this video twice as long, I would give the Jersey Shore a bad bad name......LOL😁😁😁😁😁😁 Just like their Pork Roll sandwiches......

[@cassiesommers7976]

I live in Philly and have done Lewes, Cape May and Mt Tammany all within the last month so it's been so cool to see you guys visit the same places. Can't wait for you to hit 50 states!

[@dscarnes1]

Wow! Congratulations on those trout. That looked awesome.

[@jerseydrillmovement8235]

Appreciate this video about my state ❤

[@akfasso]

Loved the video! It’s funny… I’m a born and raised New Yorker, but now live in Jersey. I try to explore as much as I can and I was super curious to see what you identified as the state’s staple food, because I haven’t been able to figure it out. 😂 There’s a lot of great food here. I’m glad y’all enjoyed your time!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We had a blast in Jersey! One of our favorites of these last new states for us!

[@katkg7129]

You guys are great. Glad to see you back in the van traveling the US. I wont lie, we've hijacked a few of your trip itineraries.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That’s what we like to hear! Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@graceb4732]

Wow, I have enjoyed your videos since you started van adventures earlier in this year. I had not realized that NJ was that beattiful. The movies and shows did injustice to NJ for sure. Thank you so much! Im a Canadian that visited a lot of the states including New York and I am just enjoying your videos .... the beauty of nature in all the states that you have visited so far as been wondeful!!

[@liamirelander4221]

the nj devil is a hammerhead bat

[@karinmoore894]

We really enjoyed this video! You covered so many unexpected and beautiful sights in New Jersey. Loved it! We are from rural NY state, attended college in Pennsylvania and have never been to New Jersey. We will add it to our list for sure! By the way, encountering a thin fox during the day is typically NOT GOOD! Their normal behavior would be to run away. He possibly may have been sick. Fox are known rabies carriers. Glad both of you and Kona remained safe!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you! We’re glad you enjoyed it! NJ was a fun surprise for us and is a must visit! Oh good to know about the fox! Interesting!

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

24:28 WOW! I paused and zoomed in, that was incredible! ~Cara

[@sheafan1971]

And another great adventure, thank you for sharing

[@wildeone1636]

Congratulations on the fishing😀

[@2ndGear-]

Awesome video

[@mariamjehn7071]

Who knew !! Parts of Jersey is gorgeous!! Thanks!

[@rudyhachey7440]

much enjoyed the trek, thank you for sharing impressive views and scenery. another great adventure

[@michaelbecnel63]

Never thought of NJ that way...Happy Trails 🐕

[@MrSloika]

The only parts of the state that most people see are the bits next to NYC, which are admittedly not very nice. Once you get away from the NYC area, it's can be quite nice.

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

Great tour of Jersey guys! Always love the bloops too! ~Cara ❤

[@joyouslily2982]

Love the shadow dancing 🕺🏼 💃 😂

[@KandiceChavous]

Welcome to the Garden State!!

[@fishing4claimers0622]

very awesome video..im from NJ and im glad yall got to enjoy it as well

[@samappling7933]

I had no idea jersey had all this. Thanks

[@user-me3np9cx2d]

This is great. I am going to check some of these areas out next time I am on the east coast

[@jettybetty6]

I enjoy your videos so much!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much!

[@brunnie]

Thanks for the quick look at NJ, it all looked very interesting. Until next time... travel safe.

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

LOVED SEEING KONA CATCH THE WATER DROP.

[@danielcargill8019]

Looks like I might have to explore Jersey

[@jackfrost413]

Great video! That fishing spot looked like Ken Lockwood Gorge. Was it?

[@elizabethescher5445]

I had no idea NJ is so beautiful. BTW, that might have been a Black Rat snake you saw. Harmless, although really big!

[@babyjki444]

hey, my state! can't wait to see what you did, and i'm sure i'll learn from you guys stuff i didn't know lol.

[@BubbasBigAdventures]

Great video. We tubed the Caddo river in Arkansas our first time. It’s been way too long.

[@c.alcazar2584]

Such a beautiful place, love Cape May, NJ has a lot o f beautiful places

[@gundg2204]

As usual very nice! Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work! 🙂

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you very much!

[@janethmcphie9358]

You guys are very adventurous, the rivers that you were on looked so intimidating. Katherine you are amazing. Picturesque scenery which I enjoyed. Thanks for sharing the fun and adventure with us.😊

[@deanchapman1824]

Excellent video!!! There's a ton of natural beauty within the New York Metro area!!!

[@CamboSoup87]

Great job guys, love the video. If you guys ever find yourself in jersey again I recommend buttermilk falls, patterson falls, and round valley reservoir. Round valley reservoir is gorgeous on a clear sunny day.

[@debrabalawajder2617]

Fantastic!! You really shared a lot of wonderful places, activities and food!! Loved Adam’s fishing segment!

[@misstickletheivories]

I love your videos but I'm not gonna lie, the outtakes are my favorite lol

[@MegansiCast]

I'm Pennsylvanian but I love Taylor ham

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

16:24 Good for you Adam!!!

[@j6sj7]

Nice perspective on my state that you don't often get to see. I canoed the rivers in the pine barrens many times when I was in scouts. I'm thinking I need to go back! -Burt in NJ

[@dennismacdonald2003]

Another state cool 🎉

[@AzulFyre]

Yes! Adam got a bunch of fish! Huzzah! Love all the towns you stopped in and I definitely want to check out the Pine Barrens.

[@bobyonker8642]

We enjoyed your laughter on your float down the Delaware. A snake and a black bear, really cool. I hiked there a long time ago and saw a momma bear and 2 cubs. Thank you for sharing your adventures. Looking forward to your explorations in Connecticut.

[@christinep3262]

You guys are so awesome!! I love the adventures you two do, so envious!! Thank you for bringing us along...only 3 states to go, let's gooooo!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@williamthawley9251]

glad you enjoyed NJ, my former home state, we live in bethlehem, and love visiting frenchtown, only about 45 minutes away.

[@maiaohe]

Loved seeing all the nature in NJ. I’m looking forward to Connecticut. My daughter hiked to the high point there but I went part way due to a large rock wall.

[@ermankarli]

Guys you are amazing 🎉 I just explored your page and I love that your being always in nature 😍🫶

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you!

[@BillyHoward423]

My home state ❤ New Jersey is so underrated and we get a bad rep…but we have it all!!! Glad you had fun!!

[@mbrooks5555]

Adding the Pine Barrens to my list - something new - thank you! So glad you caught some fish, Adam!! Glad y'all were ok with that snake, and that it wasn't venomous! So, did you encounter any thru or section hikers on the AT, besides that bear? :) Thanks for throwing in the shadow dancing - love that!! Starting to look a bit hazy in the sky there at the end....wondering how your next two states (and Canada!) turned out, considering what was down the road. Guess we'll have to wait for the next ones to find out - safe travels and thanks again for sharing!

[@PM2024-]

📺 Been recently watching your videos (New Brunswick & New Jersey). Initially I thought “these two are way too goofy!!” 🤔 Now I think, “y’all are awesome!!” Love your enthusiasm!! ❤️ 🚐

[@1gandhipuram]

Another fun video! Never been to New Jersey. Guess it is on my list now! I wait for Adam to say “ pillowy” every time he bites into a sandwich and he never fails 😂. Love it.

[@robertpannullo6723]

So glad you enjoyed NJ. I live near the water gap so it was nice to see you out this way. I'm also looking foward to your trip to Newfoundland. My Mom is from a small town near Clarenville, about 2 hours from St Johns. The whole island is so beautiful. Hope you can go jigging for cod. Enjoy! All the best.

[@stevedietrich8936]

Seeing that black bear on your hike had to be really cool. I was surprised by the scenery of NJ. I didn't realize that so much of it was forested.

[@alteshaus5627]

Drove with the ferry from Cape May to Lewis Last September 😉👍 You have to visit the Allegheny National Forest with the Kinzua Dam an the old railroad Bridge....

[@mow4it]

Great, I have a new view of new jersey. Just thought it was beaches and city life.

[@michellerichardson4200]

Hubby and I really enjoyed watching your NJ adventures! We spent several weekends in Cape May & loved it. I was so excited to see y’all kayak the Pine Barrens; we had planned to do that, but moved before we got the chance. Fun getting to watch y’all though! NJ gets a bad wrap; however, it has so many amazing and beautiful places to visit! Princeton is one of my favorite Ivy League campuses! Julie is drooling over the Taylor Ham! She misses those so much! Tubing the Delaware & all the cute small towns we enjoyed…I miss NJ!! Yay Adam for catching your 2 fish!!!! Oh my word & now y’all are hiking the same DWG trail we’ve done several times!! We’ve also hiked High Point & seen the monument! The hike is awesome!! Seriously, y’all are killing me!! ❤the AT!!!

[@johnlenart597]

New Jersey is the only eastern state I have never been to. Surprised at seeing the mtns. and rivers-so beautiful.!! Spiders and snakes, eeek!! So glad i could see a part of your trip. Kona looked happy to be back hiking America with you. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋‍♂️

[@Stevin523]

You guys road the famous Ben Gravy ferry! That ferry puts off a wave that Ben surfs for his KZbin channel and made him popular. Crazy watching that spot from a different perspective.

[@betteandlinuskuboushek409]

Well I learned something new from this video. I had no idea that NJ had so much natural beauty.

[@nicholasdessaint3197]

If you like travelling by ferry, you should look into the ferry from Campobello island via Deer island to mainland New Brunswick, you will travel next to Old Sow whirlpool, largest in the western hemisphere.

[@MajorAddiction]

Holy ----That snake was huge!

[@Tommyramma]

Great video! New Hope, across the river from Lambertville is my hometown, hopefully you saw some of it. Frenchtown is really nice, great places to eat. Tubing on the Delaware is a classic.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We saw it from across the river! 😄 such a beautiful area! Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@williamthawley9251]

good for you for pork roll, delicious.

[@Ostrom38]

Thanks for showing us New Jersey! Such an underrated state! Good call on going to the mountains, rivers and forests! You guys got me thinking when you were on the ferry. It would be cool if you took brisket on the Alaska Highway Ferry system and show us that journey! Journey to Alaska 2.0!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We’d love to take that ferry but there were some logistics of the ferry (mostly for dogs) that weren’t going to work for us. Maybe one day! Thanks and thanks for watching!