Road Trips from Paterson, NJ
You're looking for a quick escape from Paterson, NJ. The options here lean towards day trips, with most routes under 2 hours and a drive score of 7 or 8, meaning they're generally straightforward drives. You can hit three different national historical parks, including Paterson Great Falls, on most of these routes. The terrain is mostly flat, making for easy cruising whether you're heading south towards the Delaware River or exploring closer to home. There are no overnight recommendations, so these are perfect for a spontaneous getaway.
Total Routes
52
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
51
Under 2 hours
36 total in this range
Riverton, NJ
1h 58m88.5 mi one way
This 88.5-mile drive to Riverton, NJ, is a solid day trip option at 2 hours. It features a mostly highway profile and flat terrain, with access to three national historical parks along the way. It's a good middle-ground option for distance compared to the shorter Hewitt trip.
Hewitt, NJ
31m21.3 mi one way
For the shortest drive, head to Hewitt, NJ. At just 21.3 miles and 0.5 hours, this is your quickest option. The drive is a mix of highway and surface roads, with gently rolling terrain. You'll still have access to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park, and Morristown National Historical Park.
Rutherford, NJ
15m9.5 mi one way
Lambertville, NJ
1h 27m65.7 mi one way
Lambertville, NJ, is a 65.7-mile, 1.5-hour drive. This route is mostly highway with flat terrain. Like many options, it includes access to Paterson Great Falls, Morristown, and Thomas Edison National Historical Parks. It offers a longer drive than Hewitt but is closer than the longer southern New Jersey destinations.
Cherry Hill Mall, NJ
1h 57m91.3 mi one way
This 91.3-mile trip to Cherry Hill Mall, NJ, takes about 2 hours. It's primarily a highway drive over flat terrain. You'll pass by opportunities to visit Paterson Great Falls, Thomas Edison, and Morristown National Historical Parks. It's one of the longer day trips available.
Full-day getaway
16 total in this range
Harmony, NJ
2h 50m128.4 mi one way
Harmony, NJ, is the longest drive on this list at 128.4 miles, requiring about 2.8 hours. It maintains a mostly highway profile over flat terrain. You'll have access to Paterson Great Falls, Thomas Edison, and Morristown National Historical Parks. This is a significant drive for a day trip.
Glassboro, NJ
2h 20m107.7 mi one way
This 107.7-mile drive to Glassboro, NJ, will take around 2.3 hours. The route is mostly highway and covers flat terrain. You'll have the option to visit Paterson Great Falls, Thomas Edison, and Morristown National Historical Parks. It's a longer option, similar to other southern New Jersey destinations.
Linwood, NJ
2h 39m128 mi one way
Linwood, NJ, is a 128-mile drive that clocks in at 2.7 hours. Expect a mostly highway route with flat terrain. The parks accessible include Paterson Great Falls, Thomas Edison, and Morristown National Historical Parks. It's one of the longer excursions available from Paterson.
Whitesboro, NJ
3h 7m153.8 mi one way
Whitesboro, NJ, represents a longer day trip at 153.8 miles, requiring about 3.1 hours. The drive is predominantly highway over flat terrain. You'll have access to Paterson Great Falls, Thomas Edison, and Morristown National Historical Parks. This is one of the furthest destinations listed.
Erma, NJ
3h 13m158.2 mi one way
The longest drive is to Erma, NJ, at 158.2 miles, taking approximately 3.2 hours. This route is mostly highway with flat terrain. Similar to other southern New Jersey destinations, it provides access to Paterson Great Falls, Thomas Edison, and Morristown National Historical Parks.
Browse by Mood
Harmony, NJ
2h 50m128.4 mi one way
Glassboro, NJ
2h 20m107.7 mi one way
Linwood, NJ
2h 39m128 mi one way
Whitesboro, NJ
3h 7m153.8 mi one way
Rutherford, NJ
15m9.5 mi one way
North Wildwood, NJ
3h 13m157.8 mi one way
Lambertville, NJ
1h 27m65.7 mi one way
Lincoln Park, NJ
2h94.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
The mostly flat terrain and accessibility to multiple national historical parks make spring a good time for these straightforward drives.
Summer
With mostly highway routes and flat terrain, summer drives are easy, and parks like Paterson Great Falls offer outdoor activities.
Fall
Flat terrain and highway routes are ideal for fall drives, with historical parks providing an opportunity for exploration.
Winter
The straightforward, mostly flat highway drives are suitable for winter travel, though park accessibility might vary.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Paterson, NJ city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.