New Jersey
Garden State
There are over 1,200 known hiking and trekking trails in New Jersey.
Most popular trails:
Mount Tammany Trail: This 4.6-mile trail in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers stunning views of the Delaware River Valley.
High Point Monument Loop Trail: This 3.5-mile trail in High Point State Park is the highest point in New Jersey, with views of four states.
Stairway to Heaven Trail: This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail in Wawayanda State Park features a series of steep steps that lead to stunning views of the Ramapo Mountains.
Hemlock Falls Trail: This 2.4-mile loop trail in the Stokes State Forest features a cascading waterfall.
Buttermilk Falls and Crater Lake Loop Trail: This 4.2-mile loop trail in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area features two waterfalls and a lake.
Sunfish Pond via Appalachian Trail: This 4.6-mile out-and-back trail in the Worthington State Forest climbs to Sunfish Pond, a popular swimming and fishing spot.
Best trails for certain activities:
Birdwatching: Sourland Mountain Preserve is a great place to see birds, with over 200 species recorded in the park.
Rock climbing: The Palisades Interstate Park has several popular rock climbing areas.
Mountain biking: The Jersey Devil State Forest has several trails for mountain bikers of all levels.
Hiking with dogs: The Ramapo Mountain State Forest is dog-friendly and has several trails that are perfect for hiking with dogs.
Snowshoeing: The High Point State Park is great for snowshoeing, with several trails that are groomed for snowshoeing.
Most challenging trails:
Batona Trail: This 215-mile trail is the longest trail in New Jersey and passes through some of the most remote areas of the state.
Highlands Trail: This 77-mile trail follows the ridgeline of the Ramapo Mountains, with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Appalachian Trail: This 2,190-mile trail passes through New Jersey for 70 miles, including Mount Tammany and High Point State Park.
Pyramid Mountain Wilderness Trail: This 7.4-mile trail is located in the Pyramid Mountain Wilderness Area and features a steep climb to the summit of Pyramid Mountain.
Ramapo-Dover Greenway: This 12.8-mile trail is a rail trail that runs through the Ramapo Mountains.
Most scenic trails:
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: This recreation area has several scenic trails, including the Mount Tammany Trail and the Buttermilk Falls and Crater Lake Loop Trail.
Stokes State Forest: This forest has several scenic trails, including the Hemlock Falls Trail and the Sunfish Pond via Appalachian Trail.
High Point State Park: This park has several scenic trails, including the High Point Monument Loop Trail and the Stairway to Heaven Trail.
Palisades Interstate Park: This park has several scenic trails, including the Palisades Cliff Walk and the Chimneys.
Cheesequake State Park: This park has several scenic trails, including the Cheesequake Green Trail and the Manasquan Reservoir Loop.
Most family-friendly trails:
Sourland Mountain Preserve: This preserve has several family-friendly trails, including the Sourland Mountain Loop Trail and the Sourland Mountain Discovery Trail.
Cheesequake State Park: This park has several family-friendly trails, including the Cheesequake Green Trail and the Manasquan Reservoir Loop.
Jenny Jump State Forest: This forest has several family-friendly trails, including the Jenny Jump Loop Trail and the Jenny Jump Falls Trail.
Round Valley Reservoir: This reservoir has several family-friendly trails, including the Round Valley Reservoir Loop Trail and the Round Valley Waterfall Trail.
Norvin Green State Forest: This forest has several family-friendly trails, including the Norvin Green Trail and the Norvin Green Lake Loop Trail.
Most accessible trails in the state:
High Point Monument Trail: This 0.4-mile trail in High Point State Park is paved and wheelchair accessible. It leads to the top of High Point Monument, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Sourland Mountain Loop Trail: This 1.2-mile trail in Sourland Mountain Preserve is paved and wheelchair accessible. It takes hikers through a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, and wetlands.
Sourland Mountain Discovery Trail: This 0.8-mile trail in Sourland Mountain Preserve is paved and wheelchair accessible. It is a great trail for families and those who want to learn about the natural history of the area.
Stokes State Forest Cannonball Trail: This 1.2-mile trail in Stokes State Forest is paved and wheelchair accessible. It follows an old railroad grade through the forest.
Round Valley Reservoir Loop Trail: This 1.2-mile trail in Round Valley Reservoir is paved and wheelchair accessible. It takes hikers around the reservoir, offering views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Norvin Green State Forest Lake Loop Trail: This 0.8-mile trail in Norvin Green State Forest is paved and wheelchair accessible. It takes hikers around Lake Hiawatha, offering views of the lake and surrounding forest.
Where to get permits for trails:
New Jersey State Parks: You can get permits for trails in New Jersey state parks here:(609) 292-6400
New Jersey National Parks: You can get permits for trails in New Jersey national parks here:(202) 426-1930
New Jersey County Parks: You can get permits for trails in New Jersey county parks here:(609) 530-4800
New Jersey Municipal Parks: You can get permits for trails in New Jersey municipal parks here:(609) 984-0330
Private Land: You will need to contact the private landowner directly to obtain a permit to hike on their property.
