Major city · United States
HackettstownHackettstown, New Jersey
One night, or a half-day stop on Route 80: Main Street, a diner and Stephens State Park. Not a destination on its own.
Hackettstown is a small Warren County town of about 9,700 people on the Musconetcong River, an hour west of New York by car and the last stop on NJ Transit's Montclair-Boonton line. It is a practical overnight on a Route 80 drive or a base for Stephens State Park and the surrounding Skylands townships, not a place to build a trip around. Main Street has the eating and the antiques; the Mars factory is closed to visitors.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (ice, closed trails), Jul–Aug humidity
- Airports
- EWR · N05
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Hackettstown911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Hackettstown, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA low-crime small town; the real issues are driving Route 80 and Route 46 at night, deer on the road, and ice in winter.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEWR Newark Liberty International (About 1 h 15 min by car via I-80; the usual gateway for this area.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights sit in Hackettstown and the surrounding townships of Mansfield, Independence, Allamuchy and Washington…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–5
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$10–18
- BeerDraught beer in a bar$6–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–30
- Budget bedStephens State Park campsite (minimal facilities), a night, per personUS$20
- Mid-range bedRoute 57 chain motel room, a night, per roomUS$140
- High-end bedRoute 57 chain motel room, a night, per roomUS$220
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$110 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EWR Newark Liberty International (About 1 h 15 min by car via I-80; the usual gateway for this area.) · N05 Hackettstown Airport (Private planes only; no scheduled service.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C) low), wettest Apr (11 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Hackettstown: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
10 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
9 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
9 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights sit in Hackettstown and the surrounding townships of Mansfield, Independence, Allamuchy and Washington, and Route 80 exits 19, 25 and 26 are 5–10 min north. NJ Transit's Wheels 973 shuttle loops the town Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00, and a Warren County bus runs to Washington hourly Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00. Taxis are local and few.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Stephens State Park
goDoor to door: 15 min
Drive or taxi to 800 Willow Grove St, about 5 min from Main Street
Sunup to sundown; hiking, river fishing, a historic lime kiln. Office hours vary by season.
Land of Make Believe, Hope
goDoor to door: 20 min
Drive via Route 611, about 10 mi
Summer-season family park, roughly 10:00–18:00; check dates before driving out.Summer-season family park, roughly 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; check dates before driving out.
Washington, Warren County
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Warren County bus, hourly Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00Warren County bus, hourly Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Weekday-only link; from Washington another bus continues to Phillipsburg.
Blairstown (Friday the 13th filming locations)
cautionDoor to door: About 35 min
Drive via Route 94, about 24 mi
Private buildings, no set tour: look from the street only.
New York City
cautionDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
NJ Transit from Hackettstown to Dover, then change for Hoboken/Newark and New York
About 7 trains a day and a change at Dover; by car it is about 1 h to the city line, longer with traffic.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Route 57 west (near I-80 exit 19)
Chain motels and the Comfort Inn; easiest with a car and for Route 80.
Main Street / centre
Walkable to dinner and the antiques shops; very few beds, so book ahead.
Panther Valley / Route 517
Quieter, close to I-80 exit 19; the old inn is now an assisted-living facility, so check what is actually open.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $100–170 excl. bed
- High
- $170+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Route 57 chain motel room1 × 1 night × US$140 | US$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$110 | US$220 |
| Car rental, one day1 × US$70 · check | US$70 |
| NJ Transit Hackettstown–New York, one way2 × US$18 · check | US$36 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$50 |
| Trip total≈ US$273 per person per day, bed included | US$546 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at the till. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–5 |
| Diner breakfast | $10–18 |
| Pizza or a pasta plate | $14–24 |
| Fried-chicken plate | $10–16 |
| Draught beer in a bar | $6–9 |
| Car rental, one day | About $45–110 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Mars/M&M factory is not open to the public — no tours, no visitor centre.
- Trains are limited to about 7 a day and Hackettstown is the end of the line: check the last departure before you plan a return.
- Summer trails at Stephens State Park mean ticks and mosquitoes: bring repellent.
- Most of the area is car-dependent; without a vehicle your options are the weekday shuttle and taxis.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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HackettstownHackettstown, New Jersey
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No consulates in town; nearest are in New York City. US visitors: your own embassy is in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- NJ Transit Hackettstown → New York (change at Dover): about $18 one way, 2.5–3 h (check)
- Taxi in town: $10–20 for a short hop (check)
- Car rental, one day: about $45–110 before fuel (check)
Say or show
- Where is the train station? — Where is the train station?
- A table for two, please — A table for two, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is it far to walk? — Is it far to walk?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Hackettstown. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (ice, closed trails), Jul–Aug humidity · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for EWR: NJ Transit vs drive times, last-train fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster on Main Street: dinner, coffee, antiques, with a rescue anchor at the Route 57 motels.
- Place pages with verified hours for Stephens State Park and Land of Make Believe, plus eat pages with last orders.
- Weekday-only transport fixtures so the shuttle and county bus are flagged as Mon–Fri.
Sources
- officialHackettstown official site
- officialNJ Transit
- officialNew Jersey State Parks — Stephens State Park
- officialLand of Make Believe
- secondaryWikivoyage: Hackettstown, revision 5244004 (CC BY-SA 4.0)