Top 20 Hiking Trails in New Jersey: Explore the Garden State's Best Paths
New Jersey, often celebrated for its bustling cities and scenic shorelines, also boasts some of the most diverse and beautiful hiking trails on the East Coast. From challenging mountain hikes to serene forest paths, New Jersey's trails offer something for every outdoor enthusiast. Here are the top 20 hiking trails you must explore in the Garden State.
1. Stairway to Heaven (Appalachian Trail Section) - Vernon
The Stairway to Heaven trail is a must-visit for hikers seeking stunning panoramic views. This 2.6-mile trail offers a challenging ascent with rewarding vistas of the Vernon Valley and Pochuck Mountain.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 889 Ft
Route Type: Out & Back
2. Buttermilk Falls Trail - Walpack Township
Buttermilk Falls is home to New Jersey’s highest waterfall. The 2.8-mile trail features a steep climb to the top of the falls and offers connections to longer trails in the Delaware Water Gap.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 2.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,118 Ft
Route Type: Out & Back
3. Mt. Tammany Red Dot Trail - Delaware Water Gap
The Mt. Tammany Red Dot Trail is a 3.5-mile loop known for its strenuous climb and breathtaking views of the Delaware Water Gap. Ideal for experienced hikers, this trail is a true test of endurance.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 3.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,213 Ft
Route Type: Out & Back
4. Five Ponds Loop - Ringwood State Park
Located in the scenic Ringwood State Park, the Five Ponds Loop Trail is a 5.7-mile loop through dense woodlands. It’s perfect for a peaceful and moderate hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 761 Ft
Route Type: Loop
5. Batona Trail - Pine Barrens
Stretching 52 miles through the Pine Barrens, the Batona Trail is a favorite for long-distance hikers. It offers a unique experience through one of the most extensive forested areas on the East Coast.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 52.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 974 Ft
Route Type: Point to Point
6. Sourland Mountain Preserve Ridge Trail - Hillsborough
The 5-mile Ridge Trail in Sourland Mountain Preserve features rocky terrain and scenic overlooks, making it a popular spot for both hiking and mountain biking.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 597 Ft
Route Type: Loop
7. Ramapo Valley County Reservation Vista Loop - Mahwah
This 3.5-mile loop trail offers stunning views of the Ramapo River and reservoir. It’s a great spot for a moderate hike with a mix of forest and water scenery.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 649 Ft
Route Type: Loop
8. South Mountain Fairy Trail - Millburn
A magical hike for families, the 1-mile Fairy Trail in South Mountain Reservation is dotted with whimsical fairy houses and offers a gentle walk through a picturesque forest.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1 - 4.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 298 Ft
Route Type: Out & Back
9. Jenny Jump Trail - Jenny Jump State Forest
The 8.1-mile Jenny Jump Trail offers rolling hills and scenic overlooks of the Great Meadows and Delaware Water Gap, perfect for a moderate day hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8.1
Elevation Gain: 1,197 Ft
Route Type: Point to Point
10. High Point Monument Trail - High Point State Park
At the summit of this 3.6-mile trail, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania from the High Point Monument.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 551 Ft
Route Type: Loop
11. Tillman Ravine Trail - Stokes State Forest
This 1.6-mile trail features cascading waterfalls and lush ravines, making it a serene and scenic hike in the heart of Stokes State Forest.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 278 Ft
Route Type: Out & Back
12. Cushetunk Mountain Preserve Trail - Readington
The 5.8-mile loop trail in Cushetunk Mountain Preserve offers steep climbs and beautiful views of Round Valley Reservoir, ideal for a challenging hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,1105 Ft
Route Type: Loop
13. Watchung Reservation Sierra Trail - Mountainside
The 9.3-mile Sierra Trail loop is perfect for a full-day adventure, offering diverse scenery including forests, streams, and historical sites.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 9.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 807 Ft
Route Type: Loop
14. Pyramid Mountain Loop - Boonton
Known for its unique rock formations like Tripod Rock, the 4.1-mile Pyramid Mountain Loop provides a moderate hike with interesting geological features.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 541 Ft
Route Type: Loop
15. Wyanokie High Point Trail - Norvin Green State Forest
This 5.6-mile trail offers challenging terrain and rewarding views of the Wyanokie Highlands, making it a favorite among experienced hikers.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,197 Ft
Route Type: Loop
16. Cattus Island Park Butterfly Bogs Trail - Toms River
The 2.4-mile Trail in Cattus Island Park offers a leisurely hike through coastal habitats with opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 13 Ft
Route Type: Loop
17. Hacklebarney State Park Black River Trail - Long Valley
A 2.5-mile loop trail following the Black River, this hike features picturesque river views, waterfalls, and a lush forest setting.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 374 Ft
Route Type: Loop
18. Franklin Parker Preserve Red Trail - Chatsworth
The 5-mile Red Trail offers a tranquil hike through pine forests and cranberry bogs, showcasing the unique ecosystem of the Pine Barrens.
Trail Map & Info
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 72 Ft
Route Type: Loop
19. Kittatinny Valley State Park White Trail - Andover
This 6.3-mile loop trail features scenic lake views, rolling hills, and historical remnants, offering a diverse hiking experience in Kittatinny Valley State Park.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,003 Ft
Route Type: Loop
20. Hartshorne Woods Laurel Ridge Trail - Middletown
The 2.5-mile Laurel Ridge Trail offers challenging terrain with steep ascents and beautiful views of the Navesink River and Atlantic Ocean.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 308 Ft
Route Type: Loop
