Each September, Sussex, New Jersey, invites visitors to the Highlands Festival, an event that fuses the rugged charm of the region’s outdoors with vibrant community celebration. Located in the heart of the Sussex County Highlands, this annual festival draws adventurers and families alike to a weekend of hiking, live music, local food, and artisan crafts. The terrain demands respect: expect forested trails winding through oak and maple, with stretches of rocky inclines that test balance and endurance. The festival grounds sit near the scenic Wawayanda State Park, where gentle hills rise to offer sweeping views that reward the effort.

The hike is practical: roughly 4 miles, with an elevation gain of 700 feet, this route suits both casual walkers and experienced hikers looking to immerse themselves in the region’s late summer energy. The path's surface varies, from dirt packed by constant foot traffic to the occasional loose stone nudging your focus upward. The air carries the freshness of pine and the crisp promise of fall, as the festival unfolds beneath open skies daring new friendships and stories.

Prepare well: sturdy hiking boots will protect you from unpredictable patches, and a hydration system is key—water stations around the festival can't replace careful self-management. Morning arrivals catch cooler temperatures; afternoon heat asks for sun protection and layered clothing adaptable for shifting weather.

Beyond the trail, the Highlands Festival offers an interactive experience. Local brewers showcase their best, while musicians spin tunes that echo off the hills, creating a lively atmosphere where nature and culture negotiate space. Vendors sell handmade goods, reflecting the creativity rooted in the region’s ruggedness. The festival also emphasizes stewardship: educational booths highlight conservation efforts protecting the delicate ecosystems that shape this landscape's fierce personality.

For those captivated by the outdoors, this festival doubles as a chance to explore Sussex’s trails further. It’s not just an event—it’s a call to engage, respect, and celebrate wild spaces and the communities that thrive around them. Whether you come seeking physical challenge, cultural connection, or simply fresh air punctuated by laughter and music, the Highlands Festival anchors the season with grounded adventure and practical pleasure.