New Jersey
Nature|Hiking

Explore The Otter Hole Trail At Norvin Green In New Jersey, Then Get A Bird’s Eye View From Wyanokie High Point

Norvin Green State Forest offers a scenic and moderately challenging hiking experience with beautiful waterfalls and views, without the large crowds.

Published Apr 5, 2022

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Norvin Green State Forest is one of the most underrated places to explore nature in the Garden State. It doesn't get the massive crowds you'll find at the water gap, and even on a busy holiday weekend, you can likely find parking at Otter Hole and solitude on the trails. Take this quiet and beautiful loop trail to see some of the highlights of the Norvin Green State Forest in New Jersey.

There are dozens of ways to make your way up to Wyanokie High Point in Norvin Green State Forest, but the Otter Hole - Carris Hill loop is one of the most scenic - and the most popular.

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AllTrails

This 5.3-mile loop is generally considered a moderately challenging route. Be aware that it begins with a short descent and then a decently steep climb up, but the total elevation gain is less than 1,000 feet.

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K. Magaraci

After you reach the top of Carris Hill, you'll find the rest of the trail meanders up and down before it gradually descends back to the parking lot.

Along the way, you'll find multiple beautiful waterfalls. The Otter Hole Falls will be the first you see, just steps away from the parking lot.

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K. Magaraci

You'll find the park's most famous cascade, Chikahoki Falls, just off of a junction at exactly one mile in if you go counter-clockwise from the Otter Hole Parking Lot.

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K. Magaraci

On a hot day, this is a great spot to get your feet wet and relax for a bit before continuing the climb up Carris Hill. You can also hike this loop clockwise, and end your day relaxing by the rushing water.

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The highlight of any hike through Norvin Green State Forest has got to be the view from Wyanokie High Point. While it's not even the highest elevation within the forest, the bald summit and striking view of New York City makes it a stand-out, for sure.

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K. Magaraci

Keep an eye out for the blazes and signs that point out the scramble to get to the top.

Norvin Green State Forest is exceptionally dog-friendly. The trails are well maintained and the scrambling is easy, so if your pup is in shape, bring them along!

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K. Magaraci

No matter which of the many trails you choose to explore, a day climbing to Wyanokie High Point and exploring the waterfalls of Norvin Green is always a wonderful way to spend a sunny day.

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K. Magaraci

Check out AllTrails to find trail maps and current condition reports for the loop trail above, and the many other options throughout the park.

Have you ever hiked these trails at Norvin Green State Forest in New Jersey before? Make sure to share with us your experience in the comments section!

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Nature|Hiking

The Remote Destination In New Jersey Where The Drive Is Worth The Final View

Windbeam Mountain casts an imposing visage, but one scenic hike in New Jersey offers an incredible way to see it without a long and challenging trek.

Published Sep 21, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Depending on where you come from, the parks and mountains of North Jersey can be a mighty drive. We might be a small state, but those interstates are a challenge! Still, some things are more than worth the trek - and one of those things is the best scenic hike in New Jersey. Windbeam Mountain is an impressive sight in the north of the state, not too far from the New York border. It's not an isolated area - there are plenty of charming towns in the area - but it certainly feels like it once you get on that mountain. The best way to see the sights is the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail, a 2.0-mile moderate trail that takes you to some stunning sights along a short but imposing trek. Are you up for the challenge? If you are, you'll be rewarded with one of the best views in the state.

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Windbeam Mountain is a fantastic hiking destination, and the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail is a great, accessible way to experience it. This 2.0-mile trail has an elevation gain of 718 feet and is rated as moderately challenging.

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That means you should be relatively experienced to attempt it and you might face some steep climbs, but no real challenging terrain. Keep an eye out for some beautiful local flora based on the season.

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This is a fairly unspoiled area of North Jersey, and while it's a popular hiking area, you should still have some space to explore and keep an eye out for local wildlife.

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Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they're on a leash. And this is a view worth sharing with man's best friend, if you're both up to the steep climb!

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The view from the Windbeam Mountain Overlook is truly stunning, letting you look out at the unspoiled wilderness for miles around. You might even be able to see into New York on a good day!

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The view is stunning throughout the year, but starting in October hikers will be greeted by a landscape of fall colors taking over the entire region. And if you want to wait for cooler weather to take on this hike, there's no better time than leaf-peeping season!

Have you taken the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail? Let us know about your experience conquering this scenic hike in New Jersey. You can see more pictures of this popular trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and this is the kind of hike AllTrails + was made for - this mobile app will make it easy to stay on track even in remote areas, with downloadable trail maps with point-by-point directions. While you're in the area, why not take the time to check out another great park in the area - the historically significant Long Pond Ironworks State Park.

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Nature|Hiking

This Canal Hiking Trail In New Jersey Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Published Sep 16, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

New Jersey might be a small state, but if there's one thing we have a lot of, it's history. There is no better way to see that history come to life than to head into one of the state's many state parks and keep an eye out for where some of the country's most historic figures made their marks. A perfect example of this is Washington Crossing State Park, located near Trenton. This park was where our country's founding father made a key decision that shaped the course of history - and that park is also home to the best hike near Trenton, NJ, the Delaware Canal National Heritage Trail. This is a whopper of a hike, too - coming in at 16.3 miles point to point and connecting the park to Delaware Canal State Park, it's considered an easy route but is primarily completed by those on wheels. It's one of the longer trails in New Jersey, but it's full of gorgeous scenery and historic locations that make it one of the best hikes in New Jersey.

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At 16.3 miles, the Delaware Canal National Heritage trail is a grand adventure that might take a full day to explore.

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Popular for birding, hiking, and cycling, it's usually pretty busy when the weather is nice.

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The path near Trenton weaves past some seriously gorgeous scenery. Dogs are welcome if they're kept on a leash.

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This is also a historic place, key to the events of the Revolutionary War, and signs throughout will add to your experience as you travel.

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Keep an eye out for historic structures as you travel the trail on bike or foot.

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The trail is most popular in March through November, and we highly recommend a bike ride along the fall foliage.

Have you taken the Delaware Canal National Heritage Trail before? Tell us what you think of the best hike near Trenton, NJ, in the comments section! You can see more photos on the official AllTrails trail listing. If you're looking for an even longer trail to explore, check out this massive bike trail that spans from New Brunswick to Trenton. And if you're planning more adventures in the great outdoors, check out Only In Your State's list of the best hikes in New Jersey!

Looking to stay connected in the great outdoors? Consider a subscription to AllTrails + for access to benefits like downloadable trail maps and guides.

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