This Is the Most Claustrophobic Hike in New Jersey—Would You Try It?

For adventurous hikers in New Jersey, it's more common to go up rather than down. The Garden State has many great spots for testing your hiking limits, but it lacks caves and other rocky adventures to squeeze yourself into. Still, for those who want that thrill of making their way through the densest corners of nature, there are some unique adventures to be had. To find one, head to one of the most peaceful slices of nature in New Jersey: Round Valley Recreation Area. Surrounding the beautiful Round Valley reservoir, this destination is filled with dense forests that often feel like another world when you're making your way through them.

The best way to see this wilderness is on the Cushetunk Trail, a challenging 13.4-mile hike through thickets, rocky terrain, and other surprises. This is often called the most claustrophobic hike in New Jersey due to its tight trails and dense overhangs, but there's a reason many people take the journey. At the end, you'll encounter some of the Garden State's most incredible views.

One of the most challenging hikes in the state, with a whopping elevation gain of 1,952 feet, the Cushetunk Trail is going to be an all-day affair for ambitious hikers. Clocking in at 13.4 miles, it's an out-and-back trail that takes you around the southern half of the Round Valley Reservoir, with some incredible views.

One of the most unique aspects of this trail is that it features one of the densest forest canopies in New Jersey. At some points, you'll be only seeing the rest of the trail through what feels like a fence of trees, but that's not the most intense section of the trail.

The highest-elevation areas of this trail almost feel like another world, a lush green kingdom with taxing terrain, thick canopies, and a limited line of sight. This is definitely a hike where you should have some backup, be it a hiking partner or a navigation app with directions, but it's well worth the exertion for the view that awaits.

When the tree canopies part, and you get to witness the full glory of the Round Valley Reservoir, it's all worth it. This out-and-back trail does contain a large loop section, with only the initial third or so of the trail being repeated on the way back, and much of the loop being directly adjacent to the reservoir.

Have you had the chance to take this gorgeous but claustrophobic hike in New Jersey? If not, tell a hiking buddy and discover its wonders for yourself! You can see more photos of this trail on the AllTrails trail listing, and this is the kind of hike that AllTrails + was made for—the app will keep you from getting turned around thanks to its easily accessible, point-by-point downloadable trail maps.

While you're in the area, make sure to visit the Round Valley Reservoir. It's home to an underwater ghost town! And if you're lucky enough to be visiting around the holidays, you're only a short drive from Clinton's magical Christmas village. If you need more ideas for how to spend your time in this corner of the Garden State, head over to Only In Your State's AI-powered travel planner and let it give you a customized itinerary!