This Hiking Trail Is the Best Way to Experience a Full Moon in New Jersey

There's something truly magical about a full moon. Looking up at the night sky always makes me feel like I'm part of something much older than myself—and yeah, it kind of makes me want to start howling! NJ is such a densely populated and developed state that it can be a little hard to find a place free of light pollution to really take in the night sky, which is why a full moon is the perfect opportunity for an epic nighttime hike in New Jersey. My favorite spot when the full moon is coming around is High Mountain Park Preserve, a beautiful nature preserve not far from Wayne, and it's home to the High Mountain Summit Loop. This moderate 4.7-mile hike takes you to the top of High Mountain, an impressive vista that lets you see for miles around—and also gives you one of the best looks at the night sky possible in our beloved Garden State.

Not far from the trailhead in Wayne, you're off on one of the best adventures in New Jersey. High Mountain Park Preserve isn't one of the most well-known natural areas in the state, and it's not far from several major cities, so it often feels like an oasis. For the absolute best trek in the park, take the High Mountain Summit Loop.

This 4.7-mile hike takes you to the top of the titular High Mountain, and that view is worth the journey. This hike is rated moderate and has a 682-foot elevation gain, so it's definitely a trek for those with a little experience, but you should be fine with a good pair of hiking boots. You'll encounter some rocky terrain and river crossings.

The sights along the way are beautiful: rich forests, plentiful sightings of flora and fauna, and great views the higher up you get. This is one of the more peaceful mountain hikes in the state, so you might want to take your time and explore.

The other reason to take your time is that you'll want to be here when the sun goes down. As it slowly sets, the entire trail starts to feel like you stepped into another world. Make sure you're headed to the summit before it gets dark.

The views all around the park as it gets dark are beautiful, whether you're looking at the skyline in the distance or directly up at the sky. On a clear day, the sky is dancing with stars, and the moon makes an amazing beacon above you. It's a destination every nature lover should see at least once.

Have you hiked the High Mountain Summit Loop at night before? We recommend taking on a nighttime hike with a buddy, so tell them about this article and plan your own adventure! You can see more photos of the trail on the AllTrails trail listing, and we highly recommend subscribing to AllTrails Plus before taking a nighttime hike in New Jersey; the point-by-point downloadable directions are especially valuable when your visibility might be lessened at night. And if you want an equally memorable meal in the vicinity, take a ride over to nearby Ridgewood and dine at Felina, an acclaimed Italian restaurant built into an old bank.