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New Jersey
New Jersey delivers far more hiking variety than most people expect. In the northwest, the Kittatinny Ridge and Delaware Water Gap region offer rocky climbs, Appalachian Trail mileage, and major viewpoint hikes. In central New Jersey, rolling highlands and preserve networks provide accessible day hikes with forested ridges, glacial boulders, and reservoir scenery. Along the coast and Pine Barrens, you get flat sandy trails, cedar swamps, maritime forests, and wildlife-rich wetlands.
Best Seasons to Hike
- Spring: Strong waterfall flow in the north and excellent temperatures for longer ridge hikes.
- Summer: Best for shaded forest trails and early coastal walks before heat peaks.
- Fall: Peak season statewide with cooler weather and bright ridge foliage.
- Winter: Good for clear vista days on exposed routes; traction may be needed on icy rocky sections.
Trail Character
New Jersey mixes steep, rocky ridge trails in the north with smoother forest and coastal terrain farther south. Expect varied footing: rock slabs, roots, sandy paths, boardwalk segments, and occasional wet sections after rain.
Access, Permits, and Fees
Many trailheads are free, but some state parks and shore areas charge seasonal parking or entry fees. Busy destinations can fill early on weekends. Check closures, hunting notices, and park advisories before heading out.
Safety and Conditions Guidance
Carry extra water on exposed ridge routes. Ticks are common in warm months. Coastal and Pine Barrens areas can have limited shade and very warm summer conditions. Cell service can be inconsistent in deeper preserve and forest areas.
Regional Highlights
- Delaware Water Gap and Kittatinny Ridge (Warren, Sussex)
- North Jersey Highlands and Ridges (Passaic, Morris, Bergen)
- Central Jersey Preserves (Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer)
- Pine Barrens and South Jersey Forests (Burlington, Atlantic, Cumberland)
- Shore and Coastal Parks (Monmouth, Ocean)
Trail Locations in New Jersey
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Trails in New Jersey
Showing 24 of 105 trails
Allaire State Park Nature Trail
monmouth County
Easy pine-and-hardwood route through a historic park landscape.
Allamuchy Deer Park Pond Loop
warren County
Forest loop around Deer Park Pond with gentle elevation changes.
Allamuchy Highlands Trail Segment
warren County
Backcountry-feel highlands segment with varied terrain and solitude.
Appalachian Trail Culvers Gap Segment NJ
sussex County
Steadier Kittatinny AT section with elevation and long ridge walking.
Appalachian Trail NJ Delaware Water Gap Segment
warren County
Steep rocky AT miles above the Delaware River corridor.
Appalachian Trail NJ Vernon to Wawayanda Segment
sussex County
Ridge-and-valley AT segment with boardwalks, climbs, and broad scenic variety.
Appalachian Trail NJ Wawayanda to High Point Segment
sussex County
Long Kittatinny segment linking lakes, ridges, and high-elevation viewpoints.
Appalachian Trail Pochuck Mountain Segment NJ
sussex County
AT ridge segment with boardwalk approaches and broad valley views.
Apple Pie Hill Trail NJ
burlington County
Pine Barrens climb to fire tower views over expansive forest canopy.
Atsion to Quaker Bridge Trail
burlington County
Wharton forest route linking river, cedar swamp, and sandy trails.
Baldpate Mountain Red Trail NJ
mercer County
Central Jersey preserve loop with meadows, woods, and summit views.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Trail
ocean County
Easy coastal park walk around lighthouse and inlet viewpoints.
Batona Trail Ongs Hat Segment
burlington County
Pine Barrens long-distance segment through remote sandy forest terrain.
Batona Trail Wharton Segment
burlington County
Pine Barrens long-distance segment through cedar and sandy forest.
Batsto Lake Trail
burlington County
Wharton-area loop around Batsto Lake through pine and wetland habitat.
Belleplain East Creek Trail
cape may County
South Jersey forest and wetland trail with quiet wildlife habitat.
Black River County Park Trail
morris County
Shaded river corridor path with moderate rolling terrain.
Brendan Byrne Cranberry Trail
burlington County
Pine Barrens trail past cranberry bog landscapes and sandy paths.
Buttermilk Falls Trail NJ
sussex County
Short waterfall route to one of New Jersey's tallest cascades.
Campgaw Mountain Yellow Trail
bergen County
Short mountain preserve route with steady elevation change.
Cape May Point State Park Red Trail
cape may County
Coastal park route with dunes, marsh, and lighthouse-adjacent scenery.
Cattus Island Butterfly Trail
ocean County
Estuary nature trail through maritime forest and butterfly habitat.
Cedar Swamp Trail High Point
sussex County
Boardwalk and forest loop through high-elevation swamp habitat.
Cheesequake Green Trail
middlesex County
Mixed forest and marsh-edge loop in a classic central NJ park.