I am lucky to be able to write about New Jersey’s most beautiful places and always glad to share some of the most spectacular with you. There are just so many amazing spots in the Garden State; we’ve got a lot more nature than out-of-staters expect. That may be why this is one of the hardest articles I’ve ever written. With so many fantastic hikes to choose from, selecting just five of the best hikes in New Jersey was very difficult. Each of these trails offers something special, from waterfalls to sprawling views and even a little magic…

1. Mount Tammany
Mount Tammany, Knowlton Township, NJ 07832, USA
Flickr/Juan Beltran
A hike up Mount Tammany had to make this list, as it was recently selected by USA Today as one of the most awe-inspiring hikes in America. You can expect sweeping mountain and river landscapes atop Mount Tammany's 1,526′ peak. The most popular trek is a challenging 3.5-mile hike that loops the blue and red dot trails. It's a bit steep, but absolutely worth it. To learn more about hiking Mount Tammany, visit our guide.
2. Appalachian Trail
Stairway To Heaven Trail, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA
Image/NJHiking.com
This iconic trail spans 2200 miles from Maine to Georgia, and we're fortunate enough to host 72.2 of those miles here in New Jersey. Hike as much or as little of it as you want, but I'd recommend hiking across Pochuck Boardwalk, up the Stairway To Heaven, finally reaching Pinwheel Vista (pictured). The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and scenic enough in its own right; the entire journey spans 7.3 miles and does contain some steeper, rocky sections. For more details and directions, visit our guide.
3. Apple Pie Hill
Apple Pie Hill, Tabernacle, NJ 08019, USA
Flickr/Louis Dallara
There are plenty of hiking opportunities in Wharton State Forest, but there's only one Apple Pie Hill - the highest point in the Pinelands. It comes in at 209 feet above sea level and offers a 60-foot fire tower for an added boost. From the top of the tower, you'll see scenes like this - trees for miles. The tower was once open 24/7 but is now only accessible when a staffer is on-site. That's usually daily, until sundown. Located along the BaToNa trail, you can make this hike as long or as short as you'd like. There's a parking area right near the tower, if you want to enjoy the views without a hike. However, I'd recommend exploring more of Wharton State Forest. For details on other attractions in the park, visit our guide.
4. Wyanokie High Point
Wyanokie Hi Point, Wanaque, NJ 07465, USA
Image/NJHiking.com
Located in Norvin Green State Forest, hikers will enjoy sprawling views in all directions. You'll see mountains to the west and New York City to the east (on a clear day). The ideal High Point hike spans 7.7 miles and takes you past Otter Hole and the lovely Chikahoki Falls. If you'd like to extend your hike, head north to Highlands Natural Pool. For the info you'll need to know, visit our guide.
5. Manasquan Reservoir
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell Township, NJ 07731, USA
Flickr/Bob Jagendorf
This drinking reservoir and county park offers a plethora of activities including several trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Trails range from .2 miles to 5.1 miles and span from easy to moderate. My recommendation is the Cove Trail, a 1-mile nature trail that explores the area around the environmental center. It's for pedestrians only, and hikers will enjoy wetland and woodland views. One may spot cardinals, blue jays and even bald eagles. Around 200 avian species call the area home. Though especially magical in the winter, it's a beautiful hike any time of year. For more information on the trails here, visit our guide.

I’m sure everyone will have opinions on this and I’d love to hear them. Please feel free to share your favorite hikes with us! For other incredible hikes all over New Jersey, check out this list: Easy Hikes In New Jersey. For a great hike to take with kids, check out the Fairy Trail.

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Best Hikes In New Jersey

Meghan Byers | March 10, 2022

What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Jersey?

Looking for easy hikes in New Jersey you can enjoy with the whole family? Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt has tons of kid-friendly trails, some of which go over bridges and past waterfalls. With over 60 miles of trails, there’s plenty to explore. Hedden County Park in Randolph has paved trails that are stroller and wheelchair friendly, picnic tables, restrooms, and a pavilion by Hedden Pond where you can sit and relax after your hike. There are also gravel and dirt trails if you’re feeling more adventurous and want to step off the paved path, and even a small waterfall! The Boundary Creek Park Loop Trail, located at Boundary Creek Park in Moorestown, is only 0.8 miles long and perfect for younger kids. There are educational signs along the trail, and even boardwalks where you can look out over the creek. At Schooley’s Mountain County Park, you’ll find the aptly named Schooley’s Mountain Trail, which leads along a scenic, cascading brook to waterfalls. It’s an easy, approximately 3-mile loop trail. Another great place to go hiking with kids is Kittatinny Valley State Park, located in Andover. The park has some nice flat rail trails, and features glacial lakes and limestone outcroppings. There also happens to be a small private airport within the park, with benches facing the runway so you can enjoy watching the planes take off and land.

Are there any other scenic hikes in New Jersey?

The Stairway to Heaven Trail, located in Wawayanda State Park, is a steep but scenic hike with some beautiful views at the top of the series of rock slab steps which give the trail its name. You’ll travel over a suspension bridge and wooden boardwalks to reach Pinwheel’s Vista, where you’ll be able to see the Kittatinny Mountains and even High Point Monument on a clear day. Speaking of High Point, if you can’t get enough of sweeping views from great heights, hike to the highest point in New Jersey at High Point State Park. There are multiple routes to get there, and when you reach the summit, you can also ascend the 220 stairs inside High Point Monument for some unparalleled views. For more scenic hikes in New Jersey, visit our guide to 15 of the best short and sweet New Jersey hikes.

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