Origin
Lake Mohawk, NJ
Morning in Lake Mohawk on Sunday
Local time
6:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lake Mohawk, NJ to Middletown, NJ
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 43m
Distance
72.4 mi
117 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 36m
★
6 AM
1h 43m
8 AM
1h 59m
10 AM
1h 49m
12 PM
1h 47m
3 PM
1h 49m
5 PM
1h 58m
8 PM
1h 39m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lake Mohawk, NJ
Mathias Reding
Middletown, NJ
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Lake Mohawk to Middletown is 72.4 miles and takes about 1 hour 43 minutes via Garden State Parkway, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New Jersey, moving from the Northeast region to the Northeast region. It's a straightforward drive that focuses heavily on highway travel, making it a convenient option for a day trip. Given its relatively short duration and primarily highway nature, it's a practical choice when you need to get from point A to point B efficiently without extensive planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
36.2 miles from Lake Mohawk, NJ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 53m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 17.9 mi | 22m |
| NJ 15 | 10 mi | 14m |
| NJ 24 | 9.3 mi | 10m |
| Christopher Columbus Highway | 8.6 mi | 9m |
| Garden State Parkway Southbound | 6.2 mi | 8m |
| NJ 35 | 5.3 mi | 8m |
| Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway | 3.4 mi | 3m |
| I 287 | 3.4 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Garden State Parkway
— 17.9 mi, about 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Mohawk, NJ and Middletown, NJ.
1
Start on West Shore Trail
1.1 mi
·
4 min
·
West Shore Trail
2
Continue on West Shore Trail
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West Shore Trail
3
Continue on West Shore Trail
425 ft
·
20 sec
·
West Shore Trail
4
Continue on North Shore Trail
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North Shore Trail
5
At end of road, turn right onto CR 517
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Sparta Avenue
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward NJ 15 South
7
Merge onto NJ 15
10 mi
·
14 min
·
NJ 15
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 80 East: New York
9
Merge onto I 80
8.6 mi
·
9 min
·
Christopher Columbus Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 43
Toward I 287: Morristown, Mahwah
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Somerville
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 287
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
I 287
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 37
Toward NJ 24 East: Springfield
Use the slight right lane.
14
Continue on NJ 24
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
NJ 24
Use the straight lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 78 East: Holland Tunnel, New York City, Newark
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 78 East Local: Newark
Use the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto I 78
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 52
Toward GSP: G.S. Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward GSP South
20
Merge onto GSP
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on Garden State Parkway
6.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Garden State Parkway Southbound
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
0.7 mi
·
49 sec
·
Garden State Parkway
23
Keep slight left at fork onto GSP
6.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Garden State Parkway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 117
Toward NJ 35, NJ 36 South: Hazlet, Keyport
Use the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
165 ft
·
4 sec
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward NJ 35: Hazlet
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto NJ 35
5.3 mi
·
8 min
·
NJ 35
28
Turn right onto CR 50
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
New Monmouth Road
29
At end of road, turn right onto CR 50
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Kings Highway
30
Arrive at destination
CR 50
Trip Plan
For this 1-hour 43-minute drive, leaving early can help you avoid any potential traffic buildup, especially as you approach the Garden State Parkway. Since the total distance is only 72.4 miles, you won't need to worry about extensive stops for rest or fuel, though it's always wise to check your gas gauge before departing. The $12 fuel cost estimate suggests a budget-friendly trip. Keep an eye on your GPS for the most efficient transitions between NJ 15, NJ 24, and the Garden State Parkway to maintain your momentum.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 36.2 miles from Lake Mohawk, NJ, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 17.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 16 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 36.2 miles or 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Middletown, NJ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lake Mohawk, NJ so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lake Mohawk, NJ
This is one driving day of about 72.4 miles and 1h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Lake Mohawk, NJ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Garden State Parkway for about 17.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 36.2 miles from Lake Mohawk, NJ, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 235 decision points cluster between mile 1.9 and 66.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1.9 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
CR 517 / Sparta Avenue
At end of road, turn right onto CR 517 / Sparta Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
23.2 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Take the exit toward I 287: Morristown, Mahwah
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 43
Toward I 287: Morristown, Mahwah
9
23.3 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 287 South: Morristown, Somerville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 287 South: Morristown, Somerville
8
65.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m in
Take the exit toward NJ 35, NJ 36 South: Hazlet, Keyport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 117
Toward NJ 35, NJ 36 South: Hazlet, Keyport
8
66.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 33m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 35: Hazlet
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 35: Hazlet
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.00 one way
$24.01 round trip
$4.21/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $13.15 | $26.29 |
| premium | $4.93 | $14.04 | $28.08 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $15.99 | $31.97 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.45
Garden State Parkway
(24.1 mi)
$1.45
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.7 | 0 | $7.60 | $3.48 |
| Efficient EV | 18.1 | 0 | $6.34 | $2.90 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 29 | 0 | $10.14 | $4.63 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Middletown, NJ
Morning in Middletown on Sunday
Local time
6:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
11 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 43m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Today, the brick buildings on Main Street in West Orange, NJ seem quiet, betraying little evidence of the research, development, and innovation of their heyday. Visitors can step back in time to Thoma...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
$10
near mile 40
Park Closure: Glenmont Mansion and Grounds Closed
Morristown National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Morristown National Historical Park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, where soldiers survived the coldest winte...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 27.5
View on nps.gov
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Silk cloth and steam locomotives; textiles and continuous paper rolls; firearms and aircraft engines. What do these things have in common? All were manufactured in the same place - Paterson, NJ. In 17...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 22.5
View on nps.gov
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 72.4
View on nps.gov
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
17 mi from route
~42 min detour
$10
near mile 2.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 77% of the route utilizing high-speed roads. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Garden State Parkway, experiencing one continuous stretch of 17.9 miles on this main artery. The journey involves segments on NJ 15 and NJ 24 as well, which connect you to the Parkway. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes speed and directness over leisurely sightseeing.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 17.9 mi on Garden State Parkway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Garden State Parkway and NJ 15. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in near CR 517 / Sparta Avenue.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 72.4 miles you will encounter 23 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles (CR 517 / Sparta Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lake Mohawk, NJ and Middletown, NJ, road signs point toward Mahwah, Somerville, New York City, Newark, Gsp South and Keyport.
Mahwah
23.2 mi in
|
~36m
Somerville
23.3 mi in
|
~36m
New York City
36.9 mi in
|
~54m
Newark
36.9 mi in
|
~54m
Gsp South
41.1 mi in
|
~59m
Keyport
65.9 mi in
|
~1h 32m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 43m. Total distance: 72.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 17.9 miles on Garden State Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.45 in tolls one way, starting with Garden State Parkway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Middletown, NJ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.9 miles (CR 517 / Sparta Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 23.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Morristown National Historical Park and Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Middletown, NJ before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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