If There Are Only 3 Family Hikes You Ever Take In New Jersey, Follow These Easy Trails

Looking for some hiking inspiration for your family this year? Take a peek at three of our favorite family-friendly hikes below. Princeton Battlefield is an easy stroll, Baldpate is a little more challenging, and Mount Tammany might take you all day. All of these hikes are worth the effort, and they'll help foster your love of the great outdoors right here in New Jersey.

1. Princeton Battlefield State Park

There are miles and miles of hiking trails at Princeton Battlefield State Park, and most of them are easily graded and nice for even the youngest kids or unlikely hikers to enjoy. One of the most popular trails takes you right across a swinging bridge - not something we see too often in New Jersey! The park is also packed with history, as the Battle of Princeton followed the Battle of Trenton as an important American victory in the Revolutionary War. Read more about this swinging bridge hike in New Jersey.

2. Baldpate Mountain at Ted Stiles Preserve

Baldpate Mountain and the Ted Stiles Preserve is a hike that can be easily adjusted to your family's hiking skill level. If you just want a beautiful view and some time in the wildflowers, drive to the top of Strawberry Hill and park near the summit. For a more fun adventure, park at the Fiddlers Creek lot and hike the rocky Blue Trail to the top. Look for a fork in the trail to take you to the right and you'll discover an abandoned homestead! Then, head back to the left along an easily graded dirt trail that brings you to the summit. Baldpate Mountain is one of the most interesting family hikes in New Jersey thanks to the variety of terrain and sights to see.

3. Mt. Tammany

The hike to Mount Tammany via the Red Dot Trail is a legendary New Jersey hike. It's not an easy walk in the park, but many families make their way to the top by taking their time and taking lots of breaks. The first mile of the hike is the hardest, so luckily, that's when everyone will have the most energy, anyway! The views along the way keep you motivated, and the Blue Trail back down is a shady, cool way to make your way back down to splash and play in Dunnfield Creek.

What are your favorite Garden State hikes? Have you checked all three of these off your list?