Lots of New Jersey's most popular parks can get crowded, loud, and packed with hikers when beautiful weather rolls in. If you're looking for a peaceful hike that won't be a difficult physical adventure, or as crowded as the mall on Black Friday, there are plenty of options, though -- you just have to know where to look! One of our favorite short, easy underrated hikes is the Old Forge Trail in Clayton Park. If you haven't heard of it before, you're not alone! This underrated park is lightly trafficked and you'll often have it entirely to yourself.
Imlaystown, New Jersey is a quiet community near Upper Freehold Township in Monmouth County.
This region is all farmland, with close proximity to the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area and the Horse Park of New Jersey. It's a quiet spot in an otherwise busy state, and one tiny park provides a peaceful sanctuary for anyone looking to take a short, easy hike.
Clayton Park offers a short network of trails just minutes from Exit 11 on Route 195. You would never know this silent, serene park is so close to the highway!
The park's trails all take you back to a little-known creek. The easy loop hike is almost exactly 4 miles long.
On the appropriately named Bridges Trail, you'll cross the creek and its tributaries. The view changes with the seasons, so this is the sort of hike you can take many times a year and still love each and every visit.
Doctor's Creek is an underrated, nearly unknown waterway that winds past beautiful scenery in this small, tucked-away park.
Clayton Park is part of the Monmouth County Parks system, and it's well maintained year-round. While you're in the area, be sure to drive around and stop at the variety of farmstands, wineries, and breweries you can find in this remote section of New Jersey.
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