With its scenic beauty and coastal charm, the Garden State offers varied landscapes perfect for getting out of the city. Whether you're escaping New York City, Jersey City, Newark, or Trenton, you'll find trails that aren't too far away but will feel like they're taking you worlds away. If you enjoy hiking but aren't too sure where to go, here are some of the best hikes in New Jersey.

Best Hikes in New Jersey

Are you ready to embark on a journey to some of the best views and scenery the Garden State has to offer? From Mount Tammany to the Stairway to Heaven, here are some of the best hiking trails in New Jersey:

1. Mount Tammany: Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail

• Location: Pahaquarry
• Mileage 3.6-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This challenging trail at Worthington State Forest has an elevation gain of 1,243 feet. The trailhead is located just off the I-80. While there's plenty of parking, get there early as spots fill up fast. Leashed dogs are welcome.

This Mount Tammany hike is one of the most popular trails in the state and you can see why. With panoramic views of the Delaware Water Gap as well as hiking along Dunfield Creek and passing by small waterfalls and a swimming hole, this trail is as scenic as it is one-of-a-kind.

2. Stairway to Heaven Trail

• Location: Vernon Township
• Mileage 2.6-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: The popular trail is located in Wawayanda State Park, open year-round, and welcomes leashed dogs. The parking lot for the trail is located off Vernon Warwick Road.

The Stairway to Heaven Trail is, in a word, heavenly! While it starts out rather steep, once you see the views of Vernon Valley, Pochuck Mountain, the Kittatinny's, and the Catskills from the top, you'll know the challenging climb was well worth it.

3. Mount Tammany via Red Dot Trail

• Location: Pahaquarry
• Mileage 2.5-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: The shorter route at Worthington State Forest is among the most popular and best hikes in New Jersey. The elevation gain is 1,122 feet. Dogs are allowed on leash.

This Mount Tammany trail is one of the best hiking trails in New Jersey. While there are several hikes here at Worthington State Forest, this is one of the most beautiful hikes you can do here.

Best Short & Easy Hikes in New Jersey

Looking for a short and sweet hike? If you don't have enough time, just beginning to hike, or have children you want to take hiking, these are some of the best short and easy hikes in New Jersey you can take.

4. Vernon Boardwalk via Appalachian Trail

• Location: Glenwood
• Mileage 2.6-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This boardwalk trail is located at Maple Grange Community Park. It's wheelchair and stroller-friendly up to the first 0.9 miles. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Maple Grange Community Park offers a well-maintained trail with a boardwalk and a suspension bridge. There are a few stairs along the way. However, this easy trail is scenic and there's plenty of wildlife around as well.

5. Scarlet Oak Pond to MacMilan Reservoir

• Location: Mahwah
• Mileage 2.4-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Dogs are allowed on this trail at Ramapo Valley County Reservation and may go off leash in some areas. Total hiking time is about an hour.

Ramapo Valley County Reservation happens to be the largest park in Bergen County. With over 4,000 acres, the best way to explore this park is on a hike. You love this loop trail but, most of all, you'll love the lake and the waterfall!

6.

" target="_blank">Lake Surprise Loop via W. R Tracy Drive

• Location: Summit
• Mileage 1.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Located within the largest park in Union County, Watchung Reservation allows dogs on this trail. This hike will take approximately a half hour to complete.

Take a nice, calming stroll along the Lake Surprise Loop that circles through the woods and around the lake. The scenery here is outstanding and you'll encounter a waterfall along the way.

Hardest Hikes in New Jersey

While there are plenty of easy hikes around the state, some of us may be up for more of a challenge. If you want to conquer elevation and a lengthy trail that may take all day to complete, here are some of the hardest hikes in New Jersey:

7. Windbeam Mountain, Bear Mountain, Board Mountain, and Lake Rickonda Trail

• Location: Ringwood
• Mileage 13.6-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Located in Ringwood, this hike will take over 8 hours and there's an elevation gain of 4,064 feet. Dogs are allowed and can be off-leash at some points.

Windbeam Mountain, Bear Mountain, Board Mountain, and Lake Rickonda Trail is an incredible trail with plenty of inclines and declines to get your heart pumping. This trail is not for the faint of heart but if you're physically able to, you'll get a great workout and feel a sense of accomplishment!

8. Garvey Springs, Appalachian, Dunnfield, Blue, Red, and Douglas Trail

• Location: Pahaquarry
• Mileage 12.8-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This challenging trek in the Worthington State Forest will take over 7 hours to complete and there's an elevation gain of 3,185 feet. The trailhead can be picked up from the Douglas Parking Lot.

Part of the Delaware Water Gap, Worthington State Forest is known for its rugged terrain and awe-inspiring views. On this particular hike, you'll experience steep inclines, and portions of the trail are rocky. You must wear appropriate footwear to successfully hike this trail. As with any strenuous trail, take plenty of food and water with you along with any gear you may need like a first aid kit, hiking poles, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

9. Four Birds Trail

• Location: Oak Ridge
• Mileage 17.7-mile point-to-point trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This trail in Oak Ridge allows dogs on leashes, will take 8 hours to complete, and there's an elevation gain of 2,851 feet.

Don't let the cute name fool you -- Four Birds Trail is a tough one! And if you're tough enough to complete it, go for it (and report back to us, please). Set aside at least 8 hours for this trek and come prepared and make sure you download the may from AllTrails+ to help you navigate the terrain.

Best Waterfront Hikes in New Jersey

As a coastal state, New Jersey not only has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean but bays, rivers, ponds, and lakes as well. If you enjoy being by the water, here are a few of the best places to hike in New Jersey by the water:

10. White Shore and Long Path Loop Trail

• Location: Rockleigh
• Mileage 4-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Located at Palisades Interstate Park, you'll pick up the trail at the State Line Lookout parking lot. This hike is rated hard and will take nearly 2 hours to complete with an overall elevation gain of 767 feet.

This trail is rugged and challenging but well worth it for the views as well as the ruins and waterfalls along the way. Palisades Interstate Park is home to cliffs towering over the Hudson and you'll get a great heart-pumping workout as you make the trek. This is one of the best hikes in New Jersey and it may end up becoming your favorite!

11. MacEvoy, Castle, and Cannonball Trail Loop

• Location: Oakland
• Mileage 5.5-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: The best time of year to hike this trail at Ramapo Mountain State Forest is between March and October. It will take about 2.5 hours to complete with an elevation gain of 774 feet. You can bring your pup on this one and let it off leash in certain areas.

Located at Ramapo Mountain State Forest, you'll pick up this trail system at the parking lot by the McEvoy Trail which will lead towards Ramapo Lake, the waterfront portion of this hike. Once you start on the Castle Point Trail, you'll encounter fascinating ruins of the Van Slyke Castle which was built in the early 1900s. This is one of the most interesting trails for hiking in New Jersey!

12. Cape May Point Trail

• Location: Cape May
• Mileage 1.8-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This loop combines the Duck Trail and Plover Trail. There is an accessible portion of the trail when heading clockwise on the loop, however, it's only about 0.6 miles long. There are several accessible parking spots in the lot. Dogs are not allowed here so leave them at home.

We can't talk about waterfront trails in New Jersey without mentioning one along the Atlantic coast. And what better place to go for a hike than in Cape May! The Cape May Point Trail, located within Cape May Point State Park, is picture-perfect. Between the views and the wildlife, you'll be tempted to stay here all day.

Best Winter Hikes in New Jersey

Don't stop hiking just because it's winter! There are plenty of places to explore when it's cold outside and snow is on the ground. Discover a winter wonderland at one of the best places to hike in New Jersey in winter.

13. Duck Farm Loop

• Location: Estell Manor
• Mileage 2.3-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Duck Farm Loop at Estell Manor Park is well-maintained and best for hiking, running, and birding.

Take a scenic winter stroll through the 1,700-acre Estell Manor Park where you'll discover ruins, a cemetery, and a nature center. The park is bordered by both Great Egg Harbor River and South River so the views are spectacular. You'll also find the trail to be quite peaceful and quiet, especially during the winter months.

14. Northern Stony Brook Blue and Yellow Loop

• Location: Hopewell Township
• Mileage 1.6-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Easy

The Sourlands region of New Jersey encompasses 60,000 acres that's home to a wide array of wildlife including over 150 species of migratory birds as well as many rare and endangered species. Taking a hike through the Sourlands Ecosystem Preserve in the winter will allow you to immerse yourself in the quiet and solitude of nature.

15. Woodcock Trail

• Location: Cape May
• Mileage 1.2-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This easy trek at Cape May National Wildlife Refuge will take less than a half hour to complete.

While visiting a beach community during the winter months might not be at the top of your list, maybe it should be. The Cape May National Wildlife Refuge's Woodcock Trail is primarily a woodland hike but you can pick up other trails along the way if you want to visit the beach. There are also wetlands you'll see close to the trail.

Best Hikes near Trenton

New Jersey's capital city of Trenton is a bustling city that's home to under 100,000 people. But just because it's a city doesn't mean there aren't hiking trails. There are plenty of trails, green spaces, and parks to get us outside in the fresh air. Here are some of the best hikes in and around Trenton, New Jersey:

16. Delaware Canal National Heritage Trail

• Location: City name
• Mileage 16.3-mile point-to-point trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This trail is popular for hiking, running, and mountain biking and is both kid and dog-friendly.

This trail is located within Washington Crossing State Park where General George Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776. It was a historic feat and visiting the park will let you see where an important part of history was made. Before or after your hike, visit the historical sites located within the park. This is a great day trip destination, especially for those who love visiting historical sites.

17. Abbott Marshlands Spring Lake Trail

• Location: Trenton
• Mileage 2.9-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This easy trail at John A. Roebing Memorial Park is both kid and dog-friendly. Dogs can go off leash in some areas.

Part of the Abbott Marshlands along the Delaware River, John A. Roebing Memorial Park is an oasis in the city of Trenton. Not only can you enjoy a wonderful hike around the property but it offers picnic tables, a nature center, and nature programs, and it's home to the 1708 Watson House, the oldest house in Mercer County. So, how about a hike with a little bit of history?

18. Assunpink Wildlife Management Area Trails

• Location: Allentown
• Mileage 4.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: The trail system at Assunpink Wildlife Management Area is popular for hiking, birding, and horseback riding. You can bring your dog but it must be on-leash. Make certain you download the tail map from AllTrails as the trails are not well-marked.

Assunpink Wildlife Management Area is home to three lakes, wetlands, woods, uplands, and fields within its 6,300 acres. Keep your eyes open for the abundance of migratory birds and waterfowl.

Ready to embark on one of the best hikes in New Jersey? Get ready for adventure and don't forget to download the AllTrails+ app to help you navigate the trails. Then, get out there and enjoy some of New Jersey's natural wonders.

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