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
North Jersey
Appalachian Trail
Take the famous Appalachian Trail in NJ, which spans 72 miles. You can get a good chunk of it along the trail, starting at Abram S. Hewitt State Forest. Other entry points include Wawayanda State Park, High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, and Worthington State Forest.
Hewitt, NJ 07421
Black River County Park
Part of the Morris County Park System, Black River County Park is over 500 acres and includes four marked trails, including a hiking trail with a waterfall. The Park also 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
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
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 biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.
Columbia Trail, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Hacklebarney State Park
The freshwater Black River cuts through the state park, and there are nine trails, each differing 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
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
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
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
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
The Reservation is home to about 27 miles of multi-use trails, including Headley Overlook, one of the highest points in Morris County. The park spans 3,500 acres and allows families to hike, bike, and ski year-round.
157-137 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
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
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.
472 Boonton Avenue, Montville Township, NJ 07045
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.
387 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
Sourland Mountain Preserve
This mountain trail has something for everyone, including the 5-mile Ridge Trail, the 1.4-mile Maple Flats Trail, and the Tributary Trail. But come prepared with the right footwear—some paths can be rocky.
421 E Mountain Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
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
Teetertown Preserve
This Preserve is home to several miles of blazed trails, ranging from .6 to one mile, all of which are open to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking (the Blue Trail is for hiking only). One of the most notable aspects of the Preserve is the narrow dirt road that leads to a ravine, which gives 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 is also an observatory administered by the New Jersey Astronomical Association.
251 County Route 513, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826
Watchung Reservation History Trail
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. The full trail is 6 miles and you can park at Trailside Nature and Science Center or the parking areas of the Deserted Village of Feltville and Lake Surprise.
452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092
Wawayanda State Park
Explore the Stairway To Heaven NJ Trail at Wawayanda State Park, a 2.8-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
Central Jersey
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, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Cattus Island County Park
Cattus Island County Park is not your typical forest environment for hiking. Instead of woodsy wildlife, you might spot ospreys and reptiles that thrive in NJ’s watershed region. The park spans 530 acres and has over 7 miles of trails lining Barnegat Bay.
1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753
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, NJ 07747
Clayton Park
In western Monmouth County, the 450 acres at Clayton Park are serene land perfect for hiking. There are a total of 6 miles of trails.
61 Emley’s Hill Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08626
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
Double Trouble State Park
Double Trouble State Park, with hiking trails, surrounds Cedar Creek’s waters. The park is also a great example of the Pineland’s pine-barren ecosystem.
581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
Island Beach State Park
Learn and discover all that Island Beach State Park has to offer as you explore the trails. There are a total of eight pretty easy trails to explore.
2401 Central Ave., Seaside Park, NJ 08752
Jakes Branch County Park
Visit “The Gateway to the Pines,” which offers 8+ miles of trails, a nature center, and informational exhibits.
1100 Double Trouble Road, Beachwood, NJ 08722
Manasquan Reservoir County Park
Families can spend an entire day outside with marked and unmarked trails, canoeing, kayaking, and a playground. The park spans 1,348 acres of land and water.
311 Windeler Road, Howell Township, NJ 07731
River’s Edge Trail
The swinging bridge on this trail is a must if you’re looking for a bit of adventure. Kids will like “walking the plank,” with ropes that line the edge while you cross. Park at the Princeton Battlefield State Park, and from there, turn off Mercer Road, walk past the Clarke House Museum, and then go down a few unmarked trails for about 1.3 miles until you uncover the secret bridge.
Park at 500 Mercer Road, Princeton, NJ 08040
Washington Crossing State Park
Visit this historically significant park and get some exercise. There are a total of 13 miles of trails.
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560
Wells Mills County Park
The newly remodeled nature center and hiking trails are worth visiting. Wells Mills is the largest park in the Ocean County Park system, and the trails vary in difficulty.
905 Wells Mills Road (Route 532), Watertown, NJ 08758
South Jersey
Bass River State Forest
Walk through the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey. Try the trail through the Absegami Natural Area, which goes through the woods and an Atlantic white cedar bog.
762 Stage Road, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Belleplain State Forest
Take the trails through the forest and explore about 23,000 acres of land. Hike along Lake Nummy or walk among the pine, Atlantic white cedar, and oak forest.
1 Henkinsifkin, Woodbine, NJ 08270
Black Run Preserve
Explore 1,300 acres of nature in Evesham Township, where you can hike and see over 100 species of birds, including the rare Black-capped Chickadee, Least Bittern, and Yellow-throated Warbler.
Kettle Run Road, Evesham, NJ 08053
Blueberry Hill Trail
Take the 1.8-mile loop near Gibbsboro, NJ, to hike, go birding, or even snowshoe in the winter.
1000 Pole Hill Park Dr., Gibbsboro, NJ 08026
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Located in Burlington County, the State Forest is home to the Batona Trail, Cranberry Trail, and Mount Misery Trail. This is the second largest state forest in New Jersey.
Mile Marker 1 Highway Route 72 East, Woodland Township, NJ 08088
Bunker Hill Trails
Take the 2.5-mile loop near Cherry Hill, NJ, which is in easy loop that takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Bobwhite Drive, at Blue Jay Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve
Check out the 1.6-mile trail near Egg Harbor Township for an easy route for the whole family. The trail loops around the water, offering great views and lots of picture-perfect moments.
317 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Estell Manor Park
Estell Manor Park has 27 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 Swamp Trail Boardwalk that begins at the Nature Center and is fully accessible to park visitors.
109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08830
Franklin Parker Preserve
Franklin Parker Preserve has 4 trails covering 21 miles, with paths for hikers and multi-use paths. This preserve in the Pine Barrens and a serene place for the whole family to hike.
1450 County Road 532, Chatsworth, NJ 08019
Historic Smithville Park
This Burlington County Park includes a mill and a village. It also has a butterfly garden, a floating walkway, and many trails for exploring.
803 Smithville Road, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060
Kresson Trails
Put on your hiking shoes and hike the 2.3. trail loop that takes around 40 minutes to complete.
1603 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
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 4.7-mile loop—just be sure to keep them on the leash.
Silver Run Road, Millville, NJ 08332
Parvin State Park
This Pittsgrove Park has 15 miles of trails that are open all year long. The trails are maintained by volunteers from Parvin State Park.
701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08313
Rancocas Nature Center
Visitors can enjoy three miles of hiking trails through wetlands, forests, and meadows. Make sure to visit the nature center while you are there.
794 Rancocas Mount Holly Road, Westampton, NJ 08060
Tall Pines State Preserve
Tall Pines State Preserve was once a popular golf course that nature has erased. The preserve has two marked trails that lead through trees and plants that have grown since 2006.
1705 Glassboro Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
Wharton State Forest
Visit New Jersey’s Pinelands and explore Batsto Village, a village that produced iron products for the Revolutionary War. Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System and offers a variety of hiking trails.
31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Want to find a trail near you? Check out NY/NJ Trails to find hikes all over.
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