Top Best Hiking Trails in New Jersey
Have you ever thought about why New Jersey is a hidden gem for hikers? It boasts stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The state has trails for everyone, from easy walks to tough climbs. Let me guide you through ten top hiking spots in NJ, each with its own charm and beauty. Get ready to see why New Jersey is a must-visit for outdoor lovers!
An aerial view of a winding trail nestled between vibrant trees in autumn foliage.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey features a rich variety of hiking experiences, perfect for all skill levels.
- The state's top trails include stunning natural landscapes such as waterfalls and glacial lakes.
- Counties like Morris, Burlington, Bergen, and Sussex host some of the best hiking trails in New Jersey.
- Trails are categorized based on preferences, including family-friendly hikes and challenging routes.
- The annual visitor rankings highlight the most popular trails, providing a guide to explore.
Sunfish Pond: A Scenic Glacial Lake Hike
The hike to Sunfish Pond is a captivating journey through New Jersey’s scenic trails. This glacial lake, in the Kittatinny Mountains, offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The 10.8-mile round trip takes you through rocky terrains and over streams, making it an adventurous trek.
Breathtaking Views Along the Appalachian Trail
Walking along the trail, I’m constantly amazed by the stunning views. These lookouts show off nature’s beauty. They refresh my spirit and prove why this trail is a top spot for hikers.
Diverse Landscapes and Wildlife
The hike’s varied landscapes add to its allure. I’ve seen deer, foxes, hawks, and robins along the way. Wildflowers line the trail, and in late summer, wild blueberries ripen on the fire road. Sunfish Pond, at 1,000 feet above the Delaware River, has a unique ecosystem with few fish species because of its acidic waters.
| Trail Length | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
7.8 miles |
Challenging |
1250 feet |
3 hours
|
|
11.3 miles (Mt. Tammany route) |
Very Challenging |
1250 feet |
4-5 hours
|
|
10.8 miles (total round trip) |
Moderate to Challenging |
N/A |
3-4 hours
|
Mount Tammany: Dramatic Delaware Water Gap Views
Mount Tammany is a top choice for challenging hiking trails NJ offers. The trail is 3.5 miles long and goes up 1,250 feet. It starts at an east side of I-80, with Dunnfield Creek parking often getting full early.
The hike begins with a 0.5-mile climb to a first vista. Here, you’ll see stunning views of the Delaware Water Gap. This view motivates you to keep going.
The red dot trail has a steep climb of about 1,200 feet in the first 1.5 miles. At the top, you get to see the Delaware River and Mount Minsi. It’s a great reward for the effort.
While hiking, you might see birds of prey flying above. When I reached the top, the view made all the hard work worth it. There’s also a 11-mile hike option along the Mount Tammany Fire Road.
This trail is perfect for those in places like New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania. It offers great Delaware Water Gap hiking experiences. The Blue Dot Trail on the way down is a nice change of pace.
Wyanokie High Point Loop: Waterfalls and Panoramas
The Wyanokie High Point Loop is a challenging yet rewarding hike in New Jersey. It’s a 7.6-mile trail that takes about 5 to 6 hours to finish. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views and waterfalls.
As I walked through, I saw some of the most beautiful parts of the state’s rugged landscape. It’s a top spot for those who love scenic hikes in New Jersey.
Chikahoki Falls and Otter Hole Highlights
Chikahoki Falls is a highlight of the Wyanokie High Point Loop. Its cascading waters create a peaceful setting. Otter Hole is also a sight to behold with its natural beauty.
These spots are perfect for taking photos and enjoying the moment. They make the trail a favorite among water lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Challenging Yet Rewarding Terrain
The trail is moderately to strenuously challenging. It has rocky paths and steep climbs that push my limits. At Wyanokie High Point, the view from the 1,276 feet elevation is breathtaking.
It offers a 360-degree view of lush greenery in Norvin Green State Forest. With over 5,400 acres of wild beauty, it’s a top hiking spot in NJ. You’ll see colorful birds and butterflies among the wildflowers.
The Wyanokie High Point Loop is a must-see for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Near Ringwood, there’s great dining at The Ringwood Manor Restaurant. It’s a perfect way to end a day of hiking.
Norvin Green State Park: Torne Mountain and Osio Rock
Norvin Green State Park is a top choice for hiking in NJ. The trail to Torne Mountain offers rugged terrain and beautiful views. It’s perfect for both new and seasoned hikers. The full trail is about 2.7 miles long, but there’s a shorter 1.6-mile option that skips Osio Rock for easier hiking.
The trail is a bit tough, with rocky paths and steep parts. You might need to scramble over some rocks. But, the reward is a 360° view from Osio Rock, where you can see the New York City skyline on clear days.
If you’re feeling tired, there’s a spot to stop and turn back. For those who want more adventure, you can connect with other trails in the forest. I found many beautiful spots to see the fall colors, making the hike peaceful.
The trail starts at N41.04583° W74.35045°, but don’t expect restrooms there. Norvin Green is great for family-friendly hikes. It has everything from wide views to exciting discoveries.
| Trail Feature | Details |
|---|---|
|
Full Hike Length |
2.7 miles
|
|
Shorter Option |
1.6 miles (skip Osio Rock)
|
|
Difficulty Level |
Moderate to challenging
|
|
Elevation Gain |
+845 feet
|
|
First Viewpoint Distance |
0.5 miles
|
|
High Sun Exposure Areas |
Yes |
|
Wildlife |
Various birds and small mammals
|
|
Trail Surface |
Rocky and rugged
|
|
GPS Waypoints |
Available throughout
|
|
Unique Features |
Stone Living Room, views of Lake Larriwien
|
Norvin Green is an amazing place for hiking in NJ. It suits those who love adventure and families looking for a fun day out. The park’s trails add to New Jersey’s great hiking spots.
Pochuck Boardwalk: A Unique Appalachian Trail Section
The Pochuck Boardwalk is a great spot for families and nature lovers. It’s a 2.0-mile trail along the Appalachian Trail that’s easy and fun. You’ll see beautiful wetlands and learn about local ecosystems.
As you walk, you might see turtles, frogs, and different birds. It’s a peaceful way to connect with nature.
Easy Stroll Through Wetlands and Wildflowers
The boardwalk is flat, making it perfect for families. It’s also great for those who want a relaxing hike. The wildflower meadows add colors to the scenery.
This trail is 1.8 miles round trip with little elevation change. It’s ideal for kids and anyone wanting a calm hike. You’ll get to enjoy New Jersey’s natural beauty.
Kid-Friendly and Accessible
Kids will love the easy hike without tough terrains. The trail is easy to get to, with many parking spots. There are restrooms nearby in Butler or Vernon.
This spot is perfect for a day outdoors. There are more hiking trails nearby for even more fun.
Best Hiking Trails in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to some amazing trails for all kinds of hikers. You can enjoy scenic hikes New Jersey with breathtaking waterfalls or tackle challenging climbs for stunning views. There are easy trails perfect for families too. Let’s explore the best hiking spots in New Jersey.
Scenic Waterfall Hikes
Buttermilk Falls is a top spot for waterfall hikes. The 2.8-mile trail takes you to one of the state’s highest waterfalls. The sound of the water adds to the peacefulness, making it a favorite in NJ.
Don’t miss Hacklebarney State Park for its 2.5-mile trail. It’s great for seeing fall colors.
Challenging Summit Climbs
For a workout, try Mount Tammany’s trails. The 3-mile hike rewards you with amazing views. It takes about 2 hours to complete.
The Stairway to Heaven trail is a bit longer at 7.3 miles. It offers diverse landscapes and views over 4 hours. It’s a must-do for serious hikers.
Family-Friendly Nature Trails
Family hikers will love the South Mountain Fairy Trail. It’s a gentle 1-mile walk perfect for kids. The Pochuck Boardwalk teaches about local plants and animals in a fun way.
These trails in NJ make hiking fun for everyone, from beginners to experts.
A winding hiking trail leading through dense green foliage, with glimpses of a shimmering lake in the distance and a mountain range looming in the background.
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty Level | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Buttermilk Falls |
2.8 miles |
Easy |
Scenic waterfall
|
|
Mount Tammany |
3 miles |
Challenging |
Stunning views
|
|
Stairway to Heaven |
7.3 miles |
Challenging |
Varied landscapes
|
|
South Mountain Fairy Trail |
1 mile |
Easy |
Family-friendly
|
Giant Stairs and Palisades: Rock Scrambling Adventure
The Giant Stairs hike is a thrilling adventure for those who love rugged trails. It’s about 4.3 miles long and combines challenging rock scrambling in NJ with amazing views. You’ll spend a lot of time scrambling over big boulders, making it a standout among New Jersey’s hiking trails.
Iconic Views of the Hudson River and NYC Skyline
Rock scrambling on this trail was both exciting and tough. The path has steep cliff drop-offs, so you need to be careful with every step. It’s best to avoid the trail when it’s wet or icy to stay safe.
There’s a café at the State Line that opens from 9:30 AM to 5 PM daily. After your hike, relax in the charming town of Fort Lee. It has great places to eat. The view from the top shows the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.
| Trail Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
|
Length |
4.3 miles (shorter options of 2.8 miles and longer options up to 10-11 miles)
|
|
Difficulty Level |
Challenging (rated as "eleven")
|
|
Scrambling Distance |
Nearly 1 mile of boulder scrambling
|
|
Restroom Facilities |
State Line Café (open 9:30 AM - 5 PM)
|
|
Best Views |
Hudson River and NYC Skyline from State Line Lookout
|
|
Parking Coordinates |
N40.98849° W73.90704°
|
The Giant Stairs hike is more than just a workout. It’s an experience that engages all your senses with stunning landscapes. It’s a top choice for hiking lovers.
South Mountain Reservation: Urban Oasis Near Newark
South Mountain Reservation is a great place for those who love nature and live in the city. It covers over 2,100 acres in Maplewood, Millburn, and West Orange. Here, you’ll find beautiful spots perfect for families and beginners.
Hemlock Falls and the Rahway River
The trail to Hemlock Falls is a 2-mile round trip, taking about 1-2 hours. You’ll see different landscapes and wildlife like deer and birds. At the end, you’ll find a beautiful stone bridge over Hemlock Falls.
The Rahway River adds to the peaceful feel. It’s a great spot for people of all ages.
A family holding hands while trekking on a peaceful trail surrounded by green trees and blooming flowers. The sun is shining bright above them, casting warm rays on their skin. They are smiling as they enjoy the gentle breeze and scenic beauty around them. In the distance, a serene lake can be seen, reflecting the mountains and blue sky above.
There are over 23 miles of trails at South Mountain Reservation. You can also see a unique “fairy house” trail. The Turtle Back Zoo, with over 500 animals, is fun for families.
After hiking, you can eat at one of the many restaurants in Maplewood. It’s the perfect way to end your day.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
|
Area |
Over 2,100 acres
|
|
Walking Paths |
23 miles including a "fairy house" trail
|
|
Turtle Back Zoo |
More than 500 animals
|
|
Ice-Skating Rinks |
Year-round at Richard Codey South Mountain Arena
|
|
Accessibility |
Family-friendly hiking trails NJ suitable for all skill levels
|
Conclusion
New Jersey is a paradise for outdoor lovers. It has trails for those seeking thrills, peace, or history. From Mount Tammany’s stunning views to Cheesequake State Park’s calm paths, every hike is special.
Walking the Appalachian Trail or Giant Stairs has given me more than exercise. It has deepened my love for New Jersey’s varied landscapes. I’ve seen untouched forests, beautiful waterfalls, and wide views that touch the soul.
New Jersey is perfect for your next outdoor trip. It has trails for beginners and experts. So, put on your hiking boots, get your gear ready, and explore the beautiful trails waiting for you.
FAQ
Need Some Answers?
New Jersey boasts top hiking spots like Sunfish Pond, Mount Tammany, Wyanokie High Point Loop, and the Giant Stairs. These trails offer scenic views for all hikers, from beginners to experts.
Yes, there are many trails great for families. The Pochuck Boardwalk and Hemlock Falls in South Mountain Reservation are perfect. They’re easy to get to and let families enjoy nature together.
For a challenge, try Mount Tammany and Wyanokie High Point Loop. They have steep climbs and tough terrain. But, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views at the end.
Definitely! You can explore beautiful waterfalls at Buttermilk Falls and Chikahoki Falls on the Wyanokie High Point Loop trail.
Time to finish a trail depends on the trail and your fitness level. Most trails are quick, taking 1-2 hours. But, some longer trails might take 4-6 hours or more.
You might see deer, foxes, birds of prey, and many plants and wildflowers. New Jersey’s diverse landscapes are full of wildlife.
Yes, towns like Delaware Water Gap, Knowlton, and Wanaque have great places to eat. They’re perfect for a meal after a hike.
For scenic hikes, check out the Appalachian Trail sections, Sunfish Pond, and waterfalls like Buttermilk Falls and Chikahoki Falls. They offer stunning views of nature and local ecosystems.