In 2023, Take These 12 Incredible New Jersey Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
New Jersey is a lot more beautiful than people give it credit for. One of the most fun ways to enjoy our natural beauty is by taking scenic hikes across the state. There are many benefits to hiking and we’ve got incredible trails from north to south that can be explored all year long. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, here are a few local favorites – the best hikes in New Jersey for each month of the year.
The short version of the Cushetunk Trail comes in at 3.4 miles each way, making for a 6.8-mile out and back trek. This trail is rated moderate with 1,220 feet of elevation gain along the way. In the winter, with no leaves on the trees, you'll enjoy terrific views of the Round Valley Reservoir. Leashed dogs are welcome. We should disclose, though, that the reservoir and park is rumored to be haunted.
February - Swimming River Reservoir Trail - 1.7 Miles - Lincroft
Thompson Park is home to this easy out and back trail with lake views. There's minimal elevation gain, making this a great choice for kids and families. Swimming River Reservoir also makes for a delightful fall hike in New Jersey.
March - Lenape Trail - 34 Miles - West Orange To Newark
This unique trail is one of the longest in New Jersey and it traverses 19 Essex County parks. If you want to hike it in its entirety, we recommend you do so in late March when the weather is cool. Much of the trail is paved, making for a manageable journey. Along the way, you'll pass historic and cultural sites like Kips Castle and Newark's Branch Brook Park. This is also one of the most scenicaccesible hikes in New Jersey.
April - Hemlock Falls Trail - 5.8 Miles - Millburn
April showers bring rushing waterfalls at South Mountain Reservation. This 5.8-mile loop trail is a moderate hike that's best enjoyed when Hemlock Falls is at peak water levels. Leashed dogs are welcome. If you've been wanting to find a pretty cool waterfall in New Jersey, this is it.
May - Emily K. Hammond Wildflower Trail - 1 Mile - Boonton
This short and scenic wildflower trail at Tourne County Park is best in mid to late May. It's a fun, family-friendly hike featuring 250 plant and flower species native to New Jersey, all labeled.
This park in Boonton is one of the best wildflower spots in the state.
Historic Smithville Park is one the most beautiful parks in the Burlington County Park System. It offers 4.5 miles of trails but the 1.8-mile loop that combines the Red and Green Trails is a family favorite. You'll visit a butterfly garden and cross a unique floating section of trail! The lake here is one of the prettiest spots in Burlington County.
July - Cape May Point Trail - 1.7 Miles - Cape May
Enjoy ocean, pond, lighthouse, and bunker views from this beautiful beachfront trail. It's easy, family-friendly, and perfect for summer. Take a look at our carefully curated guide to Cape May for more seaside adventure inspiration.
Visit historic Batsto Village and stroll past Batsto Lake on this easy loop trail in Wharton State Forest. The village itself is a historic New Jersey Ghost Town that still brings in visitors all year long.
This wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail at Richard W. DeKorte Park is perfect for families, beginners, and birdwatchers. It's a great place to enjoy local nature and wildlife! Leashed dogs are allowed. Picnic areas are available. Are you obsessed with learning all about our state's miraculous marshes? Why not take a waterfront safari this summer, too?
Enjoy breathtaking views of High Point State Monument and fall foliage across three states (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) on this easy-moderate loop trail with 515 feet of elevation gain. High Point State Park is a treasure trove of wonders for any New Jersey nature lover.
November - D & R Canal Trail - 70 Miles - Frenchtown To New Brunswick
This approximately 70-mile trail spans Hunterdon, Mercer, and Somerset Counties. The trail is divided into several key sections along the D&R Canal - both the Main Canal Trail (34 miles long) and the Feeder Canal Trail (31.5 miles long) are ADA accessible. Visit in early November and you'll still enjoy some colorful fall foliage. All that hiking will work up an appetite - luckily, there's a restaurant right along the trail!
December: Great Falls Trail. 0.8 miles, Paterson
This short and easy trail is more beautiful in the winter than you'd ever believe unless you visit for yourself. However, this stunning video by Peter Alessandria Photography on YouTube comes pretty close to capturing its partially-frozen glory. If you don't want to explore it in the cold, though, you can learn more about New Jersey's most famous waterfall here.
What are the best hikes in New Jersey that you would you add to this list? Let us know!
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Address: Round Valley Reservoir, Clinton Township, NJ 08833, USA
Address: Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738, USA
Address: Lake St & Park Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104, USA
Address: South Mountain Reservation, Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA
Address: 83 Old Denville Rd, Boonton, NJ 07005, USA
Address: Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Rd, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060, USA
Address: Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Light House Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Address: Batsto Village, 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037, USA
Address: 1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA
Address: Montague, NJ 07827, USA
Address: Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA
Address: Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in new jersey
August 12, 2022
Kim Magaraci
What are some of the best hikes in New Jersey?
While the list above certainly encompasses some of our favorite scenic hikes in New Jersey, there are so many more that you can discover if you look around. Take a look at our list of the best waterfall hikes in New Jersey and you'll see that the Garden State truly lives up to its name, and is jam-packed with breathtaking natural beauty.
Are there any easy hikes in New Jersey?
There certainly are easy, kid-friendly hikes in New Jersey! One of our favorites is the beautiful loop trail up to the top of Baldpate Mountain. It's got a little bit of everything - history, wildflowers, a rock staircase, and even an abandoned farmstead! Other easy, kid-friendly hikes in New Jersey include the meandering trails through Rancocas State Park and the stroll through Grounds for Sculpture.
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Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
