Best Hiking Trails in NJ for Scenic Views & Adventure!
Spending the week indoors working, running errands, or whatever else it may be often makes us forget the beauty and value of the natural world around us. Luckily, NJ is home to over 100 trails that you can hike on a beautiful day. Some are challenging and should be left to experienced hikers, while others have scenery just as stunning while being more leisurely. You can even bring the kids along so they can explore the outdoors. Included are some family-friendly hiking trails in New Jersey, from the most challenging hikes in NJ for adventure seekers!
Offering Full Moon Tours!
Explore the beautiful and mysterious night under a full moon as you paddle through the salt marsh waters. You will watch the sunset followed by the moonrise for an unforgettable experience!
Wetlands Wildlife Safari
609-898-3500 | Cape May CountyFor the best nature viewings on the Southern Jersey Shore, this is an attraction for you! View osprey, starfish, eels, and more on The Osprey or explore the wetlands on a kayak with the Wetlands Wildlife Safar... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsThe Wetlands Institute
609-368-1211 | Cape May CountyThe Wetlands institute in Stone Harbor overlooks 6,000 acres of awesome coastal wetlands. There is much to see and do at the Wetlands Institute including walking the nature trails or checking out the observation tower. Their Salt Marsh trail takes visitors into the marsh where you will witness views of migratory birds, fiddler crabs and other creatures th... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsRamapo Reservation Loop
201-336-7275 | Bergen CountyThis reservation has 10 marked trails with the longest reaching over 6 and a half miles! The entrance to the park is on Ramapo Valley Road (US 202) in Mahwah, just south of its intersection with Darlington Avenue, and about two miles south of route 17. If you're into hiking, this is about as good as it gets in NJ. See rushing streams, ruins, and incredibl... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsSomerset County Park Commission Hiking
908-722-1200 | Somerset CountyThe diverse 9.5 miles of trails is all that you need in Somerset County Parks. Enjoy the beautiful scenery in crisp, outdoor settings in the North Jersey area. You can walk, jog, and bike on specific trails for adventurers of all levels. Duke Island Park and Colonial Park are also great locations for those who enjoy biking on the pavement... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsHacklebarney State Park
908-638-8572 | Morris CountyWelcome to Hacklebarney State Park. It is unclear where this 465-acre park gets its name from. It is said that the word “hacklebarney” comes from the native American word “hakiboni,” which loosely translates to bonfire. Other lore states that the area, which was once an iron ore mine in the 19th century, was named after the Irish miners’ home vi... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsOffering Full Moon Tours!
Explore the beautiful and mysterious night under a full moon as you paddle through the salt marsh waters. You will watch the sunset followed by the moonrise for an unforgettable experience!
Wetlands Wildlife Safari
609-898-3500 | Cape May CountyFor the best nature viewings on the Southern Jersey Shore, this is an attraction for you! View osprey, starfish, eels, and more on The Osprey or explore the wetlands on a kayak with the Wetlands Wildlife Safar... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsThe Wetlands Institute
609-368-1211 | Cape May CountyThe Wetlands institute in Stone Harbor overlooks 6,000 acres of awesome coastal wetlands. There is much to see and do at the Wetlands Institute including walking the nature trails or checking out the observation tower. Their Salt Marsh trail takes visitors into the marsh where you will witness views of migratory birds, fiddler crabs and other creatures th... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsRamapo Reservation Loop
201-336-7275 | Bergen CountyThis reservation has 10 marked trails with the longest reaching over 6 and a half miles! The entrance to the park is on Ramapo Valley Road (US 202) in Mahwah, just south of its intersection with Darlington Avenue, and about two miles south of route 17. If you're into hiking, this is about as good as it gets in NJ. See rushing streams, ruins, and incredibl... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsSomerset County Park Commission Hiking
908-722-1200 | Somerset CountyThe diverse 9.5 miles of trails is all that you need in Somerset County Parks. Enjoy the beautiful scenery in crisp, outdoor settings in the North Jersey area. You can walk, jog, and bike on specific trails for adventurers of all levels. Duke Island Park and Colonial Park are also great locations for those who enjoy biking on the pavement... Read More
Visit Website View DetailsHacklebarney State Park
908-638-8572 | Morris CountyWelcome to Hacklebarney State Park. It is unclear where this 465-acre park gets its name from. It is said that the word “hacklebarney” comes from the native American word “hakiboni,” which loosely translates to bonfire. Other lore states that the area, which was once an iron ore mine in the 19th century, was named after the Irish miners’ home vi... Read More
Visit Website View Details
Explore These Stunning Hiking Trails in New Jersey
New Jersey offers breathtaking hikes for all skill levels, from serene woodland walks to challenging climbs with panoramic views. Here are some of the best trails to explore:
Northern & Northwest NJ Hikes
Stairway to Heaven Trail (Vernon Township) – A moderately challenging hike featuring a famous wooden boardwalk and sweeping views of the Kittatinny Valley.
Mount Tammany (Delaware Water Gap) – Tackle the Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop for a steep but rewarding climb with stunning views of the Delaware River.
Hacklebarney State Park (Chester Township & Long Valley) – Peaceful trails wind through forests and along rocky streams, perfect for all skill levels. The enchanting Black River gorge, nestled within Hacklebarney State Park, offers an idyllic retreat for walkers and anglers seeking respite from the bustle of everyday life. As the freshwater Black River swiftly carves its way through the picturesque landscape, visitors can marvel at the striking hemlock-lined ravine and the tributaries of Rinehart and Trout Brooks, adding to the park's natural allure.
Wawayanda State Park – (Hewitt) Hike around Wawayanda Lake or take on the rugged Bearfort Ridge Trail for a more adventurous trek.
Allamuchy Mountain State Park (Stanhope) – Explore serene paths around Allamuchy Pond or venture onto the Waterloo Trail for a longer hike.
Central NJ Hikes
South Mountain Reservation (Millburn, Maplewood & West Orange)—Discover waterfalls and shaded trails, including the picturesque Hemlock Falls Trail.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Basking Ridge) – Walk peaceful trails ideal for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in a protected wetland habitat.
Columbia Trail (High Bridge to Long Valley) – A scenic, 15-mile flat rail-trail perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying the countryside.
Western NJ Hikes
Sourland Mountain Preserve (Hillsborough & Hopewell) – A diverse landscape of rocky terrain, dense forests, and unique boulder formations.
Delaware Water Gap (Hardwick & Knowlton) – With countless trails, this area offers some of NJ’s best vistas overlooking the Delaware River and surrounding mountains.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk or an exhilarating climb, New Jersey’s trails have something for everyone. Lace up your boots and hit the trails!
State Parks!
If you can't choose just one, visit a state park that has several trails all in one location. You can bring friends and split up based on preference or even do a couple in one day. It's the perfect place to go during the weekend when the sun is shining with a light breeze.