Vernon, New Jersey has always attracted people looking to get outside. The area has hills, lakes, forests, and a growing number of outdoor activities that pull visitors from nearby cities and towns. Whether you live here or you’re just passing through, here are five outdoor activities near Vernon worth checking out in 2026.
1. Play park golf at 1Club Vernon
If you are looking for something both outdoors and social, park golf at 1Club Vernon is a standout choice. This activity is a game that anyone can enjoy. There is no need for special equipment or prior experience. Visitors show up, grab a ball and a club, and play through a course that blends naturally with the landscape of Vernon Valley.
Park golf offers the kind of relaxed, outdoor fun that encourages conversation, laughter, and shared moments with friends or family. The wide, open spaces and gentle terrain make it accessible and enjoyable, no matter your skill level.
After your round, you can unwind at the on-site spots to eat and drink. Just steps from the park golf course is Hef’s Hideaway. At Hef’s Hideaway you can enjoy a drink anytime during your visit, whether you’re craving a cocktail, a mocktail, or just something cold and fizzy, they’ve got something for everyone. And with beautiful views of Vernon Valley, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to stick around to soak it all in.
The combination of fresh air, scenic views, and a laid back pace makes this more than just a game. It is a way to slow down, connect, and enjoy being outside together.
To learn more about park golf and what to expect, visit the 1Club Vernon location page or read through the FAQs.
2. TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park
If you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, TreEscape offers a mix of ropes courses, climbing elements, and tree‑to‑tree challenges tucked right into the forest canopy. It’s the kind of place where you can push yourself just enough to feel proud afterward, without needing any special skills to get started. Whether you’re out with friends, family, or on a date, the mix of fresh air, movement, and a little adrenaline makes it a genuinely fun way to spend a few hours outside.
3. Great Gorge Golf course
For a more traditional outdoor experience, Great Gorge delivers scenic fairways and rolling terrain that feel miles away from everyday noise. The course is approachable for casual players but still interesting enough for golfers who want a bit of challenge. Even if you’re not chasing a perfect score, the views alone make it worth the trip. It’s a relaxed, open‑air way to enjoy Vernon’s landscape at your own pace.
4. Hiking the Appalachian Trail access points near Vernon
Vernon sits near several Appalachian Trail access points, making it easy to hit the trail without driving hours. The full AT runs over 2,000 miles, but you don’t need to thru-hike to enjoy it – local sections range from flat, easy morning walks to steeper climbs that earn you legitimate views.
Hiking here puts you directly in the seasons. Spring brings new growth and wildflowers. Fall turns the hills into layers of red, orange, and gold. Even summer mornings feel cooler under the tree canopy.
If you enjoy moving at your own speed and getting away from noise for a few hours, the trails deliver. Bring decent shoes, pack water, and pick a route that matches your energy level that day. The path will be there waiting.
5. Mountain biking at local trails
For those who prefer wheels to walking, mountain biking near Vernon offers another way to enjoy the outdoors. There are several trail systems in the region that range from beginner to more advanced terrain. Whether you rent a bike or bring your own, the winding dirt paths, forest edges, and rolling hills make this a lively adventure.
Mountain biking is a great way to get your heart rate up while still being surrounded by nature. Pick routes that match your skill level and you’ll find trails and paths that feel less crowded and more tucked away. Local riders often meet up on weekends and share route recommendations – good way to connect with people who actually ride instead of just talking about it.
6. Scenic Lakes and Paddle Sports
Vernon and the surrounding area have several lakes and reservoirs. On warm days, these calm waters work well for kayaking or paddleboarding. You don’t need to drive far to find a quiet spot to launch and spend a few hours on the water.
Kayaking and paddleboarding give you gentle movement without requiring athletic commitment. Works for people who want outdoor time without dedicating their entire day to it. Bring a picnic, let the sun warm your shoulders, and take in the reflections on the water.
For families or small groups, this makes a simple but meaningful day out.
7. Seasonal outdoor events and local experiences
Vernon hosts seasonal events worth timing your visit around. Farmers markets, festivals, craft fairs, and community gatherings run throughout the year. You’ll find local vendors, live music, food stands, and get a real sense of what the area’s about beyond just tourist spots.
These pair well with outdoor activities if you want to fill a whole day. Summers have evening concerts and local celebrations. Fall brings harvest festivals and peak foliage crowds. Winter’s quieter but still has smaller events scattered around.
Worth checking what’s happening before you drive up – saves you from just wandering around hoping something’s going on.
Planning your outdoor day near Vernon
Many visitors find that combining two or more activities in a single visit makes for a richer experience. A morning hike followed by a round of park golf at 1Club Vernon fills a day without overpacking it – some movement, fresh air, and a chance to actually relax instead of rushing between activities.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or live nearby, Vernon gives you enough outdoor options to build a solid day without needing an elaborate itinerary.
Conclusion: Enjoy the outdoors in Vernon
Vernon has quietly become a go-to spot for outdoor activities in northern New Jersey. Park golf, paddling, hiking, seasonal markets – there’s enough variety here that different types of people find something that works for them.
The approach that seems to work best: pick one or two activities, don’t overplan, and leave room to adjust based on weather or how you’re feeling that day.
Ready to get outside near Vernon? Start with whatever activity sounds appealing and let the day develop from there.