The Little Known Hiking Path in Morristown, New Jersey is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

Nothing says promise like a new year, and there's no better time to go out and explore the great outdoors. I know what you're thinking. "We don't live in Australia! That's the middle of winter!" Hear me out. I love hiking in winter. I am not made for summer heat, for one thing, but beyond that, New Jersey's parks and forests are incredibly peaceful in the winter months. Aside from when the polar vortex dips in, our winters are not intensely cold, and there are few things more beautiful than a fresh blanket of snow in the forest. Also, the crowds are much lighter, making it a perfect time to reflect and take in nature's beauty. This is especially the case for one year-round, little-known hiking path in New Jersey, the Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail, a peaceful 7.6-mile hike through a gorgeous Morristown park that rarely gets too many hikers. It's the kind of hidden gem that's just begging to be discovered and what better time than a new year?

There are about 10 miles of trails in the Loantaka Brook Reservation, and this 7.6-mile trail is one of the most extensive. All the trails in the area are well-maintained and this one only has a 121-foot elevation gain, so it's ideal for all skill levels.

The trail is peaceful all year round and takes you to some unique historic buildings along the way. The easy terrain means it's an ideal winter hike, as you won't encounter any hazardous terrain even when the ground is snow-capped.

And, of course, with "Brook" in the name, it's no surprise that this is one of the best peaceful spots to look at the water. It's often frozen over in the winter, which is a gorgeous sight. Fishing is allowed in select places on the reservation.

The reservation is moderately visited throughout the year and the bike path can get crowded at times, but during the winter it might just feel like you're the only one around. Dogs are welcome if they're on a leash, so go ahead and bring the whole gang!

Have you hiked the Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail? We're not surprised if you haven't. The best little-known hiking paths in New Jersey are waiting to be discovered, so tell a friend! You can see more pictures of the trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and the Loantaka Brook Reservation page on the Morris County Parks' website is invaluable for information on park amenities. You might want to spend a whole day or more exploring all there is to do in Morristown, New Jersey, so consider a night at The Madison Hotel, one of the area's best and most beautiful independent hotels.