We picked the most beautiful place in each of N.J.'s 21 counties. Do you agree?

Kelly Roncace | For NJ.com

By Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Editor's note: A version of this story originally ran in 2016, but the post has been revised and updated.

They don't call New Jersey the Garden State for nothing. It's absolutely gorgeous. That's right, despite all the stupid jokes and cliches you've heard about New Jersey being an industrial wasteland or the nation's armpit, some of the most beautiful sights in the country can be found right here. Mountains. Beaches. Farms. You guessed it, gardens. New Jersey has it all!

But where are the most beautiful places of all? While everyone may have a different opinion and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we did our research to find the most beautiful place in each of New Jersey's 21 counties.

Did we get it right? Did we miss your favorite beautiful spot? Let us know what you think in the comment section.

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Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Atlantic County: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is absolutely massive — 47,000 acres — and 78 percent of the land is salt marsh, providing a home for fish and a nesting area for birds. Keep your eyes out for birds like piping plovers, the American black duck and Atlantic Brant. But even if you don't see any wildlife, the lush green of the marsh is absolutely stunning.

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Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Bergen County: The Palisades Cliffs

The cliffs rise more than 500 feet above the Hudson River in Bergen County, and provide some of the most stunning views of New York. Hiking in the area is excellent, especially at Palisades Interstate Park, and taking a date to the romantic cliffs is never a bad move.

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Burlington County: Chatsworth cranberry harvest

Even if you don't like how cranberries taste (a little to tart for you, maybe?) there's no denying the visual appeal of the reddish hue that fills the bogs in South Jersey during harvest season. New Jersey is the third largest producer of the berry in the country, and a drive down 563 in October during the harvest is truly a sight to be seen.

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Cape May County: Cape May Lighthouse

Just about all of Cape May is gorgeous. It's unlike just about any other beach town in New Jersey, and there's a reason it earned the top spot in our beach rankings this summer. But the town's lighthouse is especially beautiful. Built in 1859, more than 2.5 million visitors have made the climb to the top since it opened to the public in 1988.

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Camden County: Wharton State Forest

The largest state forest in the state encompassing nearly 123,000 acres, there is extensive hiking in the forest, giving you beautiful views of the pines that make up New Jersey's pine barrens. Camping near the lake at the Atsion Recreation Area is especially gorgeous, with the trees reflecting in the crystal clear water.

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Cumberland County: Historic Greenwich

A pretty community on the banks of the Cohansey River in the western region of the county, filled with quaint historic homes and buildings like the Historic Gibbon House as well as excellent bird-watching opportunities. The most beautiful site in the region, though? The chance to see bald eagles.

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Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Essex County: Eagle Rock Reservation

Eagle Rock Reservation was always stunning, with amazing views of New York City and the surrounding area from high atop the perch in West Orange. But the site has even more meaning now as it has become a somber memorial for Sept. 11. Do yourself a favor and take the winding scenic route for a chance to appreciate the woods and maybe even see some wildlife.

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Gloucester County: Two Bridges Wine Trail

New Jersey's wine country will never be confused for Napa, but the Two Bridges Wine Trail is as pretty as it gets for the Garden State. The wine is delicious, and the miles and miles of vines are visually captivating. You don't need to be sipping vino to appreciate these sights — though it definitely doesn't hurt.

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Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Hudson County: Liberty State Park

The best views of New York City aren't found in the Empire State, they're right across the Hudson River in Jersey City. Liberty State Park is perfect for a picnic in the shadow of the skyline, and there's a scenic four-mile loop for running (or walking) and you can even see all the way into Brooklyn from certain parts of the park. The view of Lady Liberty is stunning, and it's fun to see the different boats and ferries in the river.

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Hunterdon County: Musconetcong Gorge Preserve

There are few more scenic places to hike in New Jersey than Musconetcong Gorge Preserve, with trails ranging from 1.5 miles to a whopping 10. The views of the woods are gorgeous, but it's the streams and waterfalls that make the trip worth it. Watch out for poison ivy though — there ain't nothing pretty about that.

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Michael Mancuso | For NJ Advance Media

Mercer County: Grounds for Sculpture

It may not be Stormking in New York state, but Grounds for Sculpture is about as good as it gets in New Jersey. More than 40 acres of sculptures, art installations, lakes, lawns and orchard. The view from the Bamboo Observation Tower is amazing.

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Middlesex County: Rutgers Gardens

The official botanical garden of Rutgers University includes the Donald B. Lacey Display Garden, one of the largest collections of American hollies in the country, collections of shrubs and shade trees, a rhododendron and azalea garden, and a bamboo forest. Perfect for weddings and events, but just fine for a nice visit.

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Monmouth County: Twin Lights

The only thing better than one lighthouse? Two lighthouses! The Navesink Twin Lights might be nonoperational, but it doesn't make the light station that was constructed back in 1862 any less pretty. The beacons are 246 feet above sea level in the Atlantic Highlands overlooking Sandy Hook Bay, the entrance to the New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Tours of the lighthouse, climbing to the top of the North Tower and a trip to the museum in the facility make for a scenic day.

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Morris County: Alstede Farms

There are countless farms to visit in the Garden State. But Alstede Farms is as gorgeous as they get. It's 600 acres of farmland where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables, visit the farm store, go for hayrides at night and work your way through corn and sunflower mazes. Did I mention the animals? Oh yeah, they have animals. Goats, chickens, turkeys, horses and more. A visit to the farm is fun for the whole family and shows why we call New Jersey the Garden State.

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Ocean County: Barnegat Light

New Jersey's beaches are among the best in the world, and Long Beach Island is 18 miles of sandy beauty. At the northern tip of the island is Barnegat Light, which not only is an example of the quintessential natural New Jersey beach but also has Old Barney, one of the greatest lighthouses in all of the Garden State.

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Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Passaic County: Paterson Great Falls

Smack dab in the middle of one of New Jersey's biggest urban areas is one of its most beautiful natural sights. The Paterson Great Falls is absolutely breathtaking, standing at 77 feet tall and especially strong this summer after the incredibly rainy weather. Congress gave it protection as the Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park in 2009.

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Bill Gallo Jr. | For NJ.com

Salem County: Mannington Meadows Greenway

Hidden in the heart of Delaware Bay Watershed's farm belt region are 6,000 acres of wetlands and tidal waters that provide a migratory bird habitat with global significance. Tens of thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds and raptors can be seen there, along with bald eagles and American black ducks. The lush greenery combined with the wildlife makes this area incredibly scenic and peaceful.

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Somerset County: Washington Rock State Park

The view from Washington Rock State Park is so scenic that George Washington himself used it to monitor British troops in 1777. Nearly 250 years later, the view is just as stunning and the park has been named after the father of our nation. The panoramic views of the surrounding area are worth the trip, and picnic tables make it a perfect lunch spot.

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Sussex County: High Point State Park

The best view in the state of New Jersey? If not, it's certainly in the discussion. At 1,803 feet above sea, it's the highest point in the Garden State, with views of three other states, and is absolutely gorgeous for camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking and more.

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Union County: Watchung Reservation

Union County has plenty of beautiful sights. (Don't let anyone tell you different.) But the best place to go for a hike and take in nature's beauty is Watchung Reservation. Check out the Watchung Reservation History Trail, a 6-mile path that goes through much of the 2,000-plus acre preserve, which is designed by the Olmstead Brothers, who also designed New York's Central Park.

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Saed Hindash | For NJ Advance Media

Warren County: Mount Tammany

The hike up Mount Tammany might be just 3.5 miles, but it is not an easy path. Still, make the climb, especially on a fall afternoon when you can appreciate the leaves changing colors on the trees that cover the mountain. The view of the Delaware Water Gap is beautiful as well, and you may even see a hawk or two.

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Staff writer Brian Donohue contributed to this story.

Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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