Getting back to nature by exploring an NJ hiking trail is always a good idea, and lucky for us, there are plenty of accessible hiking trails all over the state. Whether discovering a new trail or trekking on an old favorite, we’ve rounded up several of the best hikes in NJ, so you’ll want to bookmark this page to get the lowdown any time the mood strikes. Scroll down to find one near you, and if you prefer to explore on wheels, there are bike paths in NJ with spectacular scenery, too. (featured photo credit: @dennismaidaphotography).

Grab your canteen—we’re going hiking around New Jersey

Atlantic County

Estell Manor Park
Estell Manor Park has 20 miles of family-friendly trails in Atlantic County. The level-packed sand trails wind around a scenic setting along the west bank of the Great Egg Harbor River. There is also a 1.8-mile boardwalk that begins at the Nature Center and is fully accessible to park visitors.
109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08830

Bergen County

Celery Farm Nature Preserve
Small and quaint, Celery Farm in Bergen County is a 107-acre freshwater wetland where you can find streams and meadows with all kinds of birds, animals, and insects—perfect for a game of I-Spy.
498 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ 07401

Palisades Interstate Park
Along the Hudson River, you can find the hiking trail section of the Palisades Interstate Park with beautiful views of Manhattan and the Hudson. Both trails are for hiking and biking.
State Line Lookout, Closter, NJ 07624

Burlington County

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Located in Burlington County, the State Forest is home to the Batona Trail, Cranberry Trail, and Mount Misery Trail. There are 3,000 miles of bogs, forests, and wetlands to explore with the family. The State Forest is 36,000 acres of pure and serene hiking areas.
Ranger Road, Vincentown, NJ 08088

Cumberland County

Maurice River Bluffs Preserve
Bring your binoculars and fishing pole for this hike because you can make plenty of pit stops for bird watching and fishing on the river. Dogs are allowed on this 5.3-mile loop—just be sure to keep them on the leash.
Silver Run Road, Millville, NJ 08332

Essex County

South Mountain Reservation
The South Mountain Reservation has 19 miles of NJ hiking trails and 27 carriage roads for jogging and horseback riding, leading deep into discovering a 25-foot NJ waterfall at Hemlock Falls. While there, don’t forget to check out the Fairy Trail NJ, where the tiny fairy houses will enchant your littles along the trail and in the trees.
11 Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ 07052

Hunterdon County

Teetertown Preserve
This Preserve is home to several miles of blazed trails, ranging from .6 to one mile, and all are open to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. One of the most notable aspects of the Preserve is the narrow dirt road that leads to a ravine, giving families a feeling of solitude and alone time.
30 Pleasant Grove Road, Port Murray, NJ 07865

Voorhees State Park
Located in the hills of Hunterdon County, Voorhees State Park consists of hiking trails totaling about 10 miles of rough and graveled to rocky and steep terrain. There are two overlook areas where families can stop and take in the scenic views of two reservoirs – Instagram, anyone?
251 County Road, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826

Middlesex County

Cheesequake State Park
Bring your four-legged friends to one of five trails available to hike or bike at Cheesequake State Park. The Yellow Trail may be the best option for families since it points out interesting sites and features along the way.
300 Gordon Road, Matawan, NJ7747

Monmouth County

Allaire State Park
Allaire is a historic place to take the family for a day, with walking trails, picnic areas, and a restored village. There are 20 miles of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking.
4265 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ 07727

Deep Cut Gardens
Explore 54 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and greenhouses filled with seasonal blooms and plants native to New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Your littles will also love watching the fish at Deep Cut Gardens’ Koi Pond. Be sure to check out our experience at Deep Cut Gardens for more ideas on what to see while you’re there.
152 Red Hill Road, Middletown, NJ 07748

Manasquan Reservoir County Park
Families can spend an entire day outside with marked and unmarked trails, canoeing, kayaking, and a playground. The park spans 1,204 acres and surrounds the Manasquan Reservoir, a peaceful spot to end an exciting (but exhausting) trek.
311 Windeler Road, Howell Township, NJ 07731

Morris County

Black River County Park
Part of the Morris County Park System, the Park is 510 acres and includes four marked trails, including a hiking trail with a waterfall. Black River County Park has cultural sites, making it a little different from most other trails. Hike in the Black River Gorge and stop by the ruins of Kay’s Cottage.
North Road, Chester, NJ 07930

Columbia Trail
This 16.5-mile trail is one of the best hikes in NJ, spanning both Morris County (8.2 miles) and Hunterdon County (8 miles.) It boasts a flat, multi-use linear trail with natural and gravel tread, good for many activities like bike riding, hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.
Columbia Trail, Long Valley, NJ 07853

Hacklebarney State Park
Cutting through the State Park is the freshwater Black River, and there are 9 trails – each differs in skill level. Some are narrow and rocky, while others are gravel. Hike and then stick around for some incredible views of Hacklebarney Falls.
119 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
The Reservation is home to about 10 blazed trails, including the picturesque Pine Swamp Loop Trail, which leads to the end of the Pine Swamp. The park spans 3,346 acres and allows families to hike, bike, and ski year-round.
157-137 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
Nestled in Morris County, the Natural Historic Area runs about 30 miles through Kinnelon, Montville, and Boonton. It’s got cool features like unusual glacial markings, dramatic rock outcrops, views of the Manhattan skyline, wetlands, and waterfalls. Your kids will love Bear Rock, one of the largest in the state, and Tripod Rock – a giant boulder resting atop three smaller boulders.
472A Boonton Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005

Ocean County

Cattus Island County Park
Cattus Island County Park is not your typical forest environment for hiking, and instead of woodsy wildlife, you might spot ospreys and reptiles who thrive in NJ’s watershed region. The park spans 530 acres with over 7 miles of trails lining Barnegat Bay.
1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753

Passaic County

Appalachian Trail
This Appalachian Trail in NJ spans 72 miles and begins at Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, heads west through Wawayanda State Park, High Point State Park, State Park, Stokes State Forest, and ends in New Jersey at Worthington State Forest, Hewitt, NJ 07421

Rifle Camp Park
Hike the yellow-blazed trail for picturesque views of the New York City skyline. Rifle Camp Park sits on the edge of Garret Mountain, a section of First Watchung Mountain. That means there’s plenty of space to spend time in nature and hike too.
395 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Ringwood State Park
Ringwood State Park has four parts – Ringwood Manor, the NJ State Botanical Garden, Shepherd Lake, and Skylands Manor. Don’t forget to check out the blooms at the Botanical Garden.
1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456

Somerset County

Lord Stirling Park
Lord Stirling Park offers boardwalk trails, two observation towers, two observation blinds, and over eight miles of trails. There are a variety of habitats, including streams, marshes, and meadows, so expect to see wildlife on the trails. 
190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Sourland Mountain Preserve
Located on a mountain, Sourland Mountain Preserve has something for everyone, including the 5-mile Ridge Trail, the 1.4-mile Maple Flats Trail, and the .5-mile Pondside Trail. Wear your hiking boots because these trails can get pretty rocky.
421 E Mountain Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Sussex County

High Point State Park
Looking for some incredible views? Look no further than High Point State Park, which promises stunning views at NJ’s highest point. Climb and explore the Atlantic cedar swamp or Lake Marcia. Visit the High Point Monument, a memorial to NJ veterans. Check it out to see why NJ natives say it’s one of the Garden State’s best hiking areas.
1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461

Wawayanda State Park
Explore the Stairway To Heaven NJ Trail at Wawayanda State Park, a 2.6-mile trail that boasts stunning wildflowers, scenery, and wildlife. Dogs are also allowed on this trail, so be sure to bring Sparky along for the ride.
885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ 07421

Union County

Hawk Rise Sanctuary
Once a landfill, NJ has reclaimed this area as a peaceful landscape for hiking with 1.5 miles of trails. With over 120 species of birds at the Sanctuary, kids will love stopping at the observation tower to see what birds they can find. The area feels incredibly remote once you enter the grounds.
1811 Lower Road, Linden, NJ 07421

Watchung Reservation
Family-friendly and historical, the Watchung Reservation is where you’ll see lots of wildlife, pristine nature spots, and areas where soldiers fought the Revolutionary War. There are four short trails and one trail 10.8 miles long, allowing everyone to hike, from hiking veterans to beginners.
452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092

Want to find a trail near you? Check out NY/NJ Trails to find hikes all over. 

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