Summary
- The High Point Monument Trail offers beautiful views of the Wallkill River Valley and Pennsylvania, as well as the option to climb the obelisk for even more stunning vistas.
- The Hemlock Falls Loop is a beginner-friendly hike that takes you to enthralling waterfalls and offers a peaceful, wooded experience.
- The Stairway to Heaven Trail is a medium-length hike that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Vernon Valley, Catskills, and Pochuck Mountain after a challenging rock scramble.
New Jersey is an underrated state in America, often overshadowed by neighboring states like New York (to the north) and Pennsylvania (to the west). Yet, the Garden State has an astonishing array of natural wonders, from beautiful New Jersey beaches that are perfect for a weekend getaway to diverse natural parks and forests better explored through hiking.
Fortunately, New Jersey has many trails suitable for all skill levels, passing through rugged mountains, lush forests, and magnificent coastlines. One beautiful hike is the New Jersey portion of the Appalachian Scenic Trail, which is a bit longer than most and can be quite the challenge, but hikers who want a less strenuous adventure can explore some of its sections. Whatever the preference, these are the most beautiful hikes in New Jersey that will leave a lasting impression on adventurers.
10 High Point Monument Trail, Dryden Kuser Natural Area
The High Point Monument Trail is among the best hikes in New Jersey; it leads adventurers through a cedar swamp to an observation deck and an obelisk. Travelers start this adventure at the Appalachian Trail Hiker Parking area and follow the famed trail before joining the Monument Trail Loop and then the Cedar Swamp Loop.
After about 1.5 miles, hikers reach an observation platform offering Wallkill River Valley and Pennsylvania views. Hikers continue trekking to the monument to admire 360-degree vistas, but they can choose to climb the obelisk's 291 stairs for far-reaching Lake Marcia and Kittatinny Ridge views.
- Trail length: 2.9 miles
- Hiking time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Trailhead location: Appalachian Trail Hiker Parking Lot Rt 23
9 Mount Tammany: Red Dot And Blue Dot Loop Trail, Worthington State Forest
Mount Tammany Trail is one of the top-ranking hiking trails in New Jersey due to its stunning Delaware Water Gap views and easy trailhead accessibility. Although adventurers can hike this loop in any direction, most prefer the counter-clockwise route because of the rocky section along the Red Dot Trail.
Travelers enjoy views throughout the Red Dot Trail before reaching Mount Tammany. After admiring the Delaware Water Gap vistas, outdoor lovers head westward to the Blue Dot Trail. On the way back to the trailhead, hikers pass by a swimming hole and beautiful cascades.
- Trail length: 3.6 miles
- Hiking time: 2 hours 20 mins
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Trailhead location: Off the road (I-80)
An extra hike in this area is the Mount Minsi Trail, another scenic hike in Delaware Water Gap. It’s also a section of the iconic Appalachian Trail.
8 Hemlock Falls Loop, South Mountain Reservation
Hemlock Falls Trail is a beautiful beginner-friendly hike in New Jersey, taking outdoor lovers through the woods to enthralling falls. Adventurers start the hike by following yellow blazes on a wide footpath through a wooded area. They later pass a stone bridge as the small Hobble Falls come into view on the left side.
After exploring Hobble Falls, hikers cross a bridge at the base of the 25-foot Hemlock Falls and enjoy this waterfall vantage point before backtracking over some stone steps. The steps lead hikers to a higher waterfall and brook viewpoint with a few nearby benches.
- Trail length: 1.7 miles
- Hiking time: 50 mins
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Trailhead location: Across from the parking lot opposite a trail information kiosk with a large park map
Hikers should download the map ahead of time to help them navigate the unmarked trail sections.
7 Devil’s Half-Acre, Ridge, and Tributary Loop, Sourland Mountain Preserve
The Devil’s Half-Acre, Ridge, and Tributary Loop is an open all-year hike beginning with a consistent ascent to the Sourland Mountain summit. Hikers follow white square blazes as they trek through a natural wonderland of woods and ancient rocks.
Adventurers reach the Roaring Brook Trail, marked with red circle blazes, and walk along it for about 2.1 miles before rejoining the Ridge Trail. Although the track is bumpy in some sections, the awe-inspiring woods and expansive boulder fields make the struggle worth it.
- Trail length: 5.6 miles
- Hiking time: 2 hours 20 mins
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Trailhead location: Trail kiosk near the tree line
Hikers should wear hiking boots if hiking after rain because the flat sections might be muddy.
6 West Lane And Oak Way Loop, Duke Farms
The West Lane and Oak Way Loop is another one of the best New Jersey hikes for scenery; it presents adventurers with excellent bird-watching, jogging, and hiking opportunities. It is also perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels, strollers, and wheelchair users.
Located in Duke Farms, the track boasts beautiful gardens and exhilarating wildlife areas, providing stunning photo ops. Visitors walk along a paved pathway with a 6-8 feet width as they admire the surrounding natural beauty. When tired, hikers relax in the serene resting areas featuring wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and benches.
- Trail length: 3.5 miles
- Hiking time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Difficulty level: Easy
Visitors need a free entry pass to visit Duke Farms on Saturdays from April to November.
5 White Shore And Long Path Loop Trail, Palisades Interstate Park
The White Shore and Long Path Loop Trail is another one of the most beautiful New Jersey hikes, leading hikers past a waterfall and along the Hudson River, which also has must-see attractions along it. Located in Palisades Interstate Park, the trail begins in the parking area at the scenic State Line Lookout with a refreshment stand.
Adventurers follow a sign reading Ski Trails and head north from the visitor center. After heading down a cliff, hikers discover a waterfall plunging into the Hudson River and go south to the challenging Giant Stairs, offering magnificent waterscape views.
- Trail length: 3.9 miles
- Hiking time: 2 hours
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Trailhead location: State Line Lookout area
Hikers should also discover the beauty of the Palisades Parkway in New Jersey, which is just a few minutes from the White Shore and Long Path Loop Trail​​​​​​.
4 Schooley’s Mountain Boulder Gorge Loop Trail, Schooley's Mountain Park
The Schooley’s Mountain Boulder Gorge Loop Trail is a short rocky hike featuring pretty waterfalls and a viewpoint over a valley. Hikers start trekking toward an unmarked path to Lake George’s edge and continue past a dam to a blue blaze on a tree. The blue blaze trees lead adventurers to the rocky Electric Brook path and past the first tumbling cascades.
After scrambling over steep rocks, waterfall chasers reach the photogenic Schooley’s waterfall and follow a brook to the Patriot’s Path for breathtaking valley views.
- Trail length: 2.4 miles
- Hiking time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Trailhead location: Near the far end of the parking lot to the edge of the woods
3 Tillman Ravine Trail, Flatbrook Fish And Wildlife Management Area
This beautiful trail in New Jersey winds through a hemlock forest with lovely waterfalls. Adventurers follow the white-blazed Tillman Ravine Trail from the Upper parking area and turn right to Maple Trail.
As the trail heads back uphill, hikers cross over small wooden bridges while streams bubble over rocks throughout the ravine. The track meanders along Tillman Brook before reaching the signage for Cemetery Trail and the Teacup. From here, hikers trek a dirt road down to the 19th-century Walpack Cemetery.
- Trail length: 1.6 miles
- Hiking time: 45 mins
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Trailhead location: Upper parking lot
2 Batona Trail, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Batona Trail is the only long-distance backpacking trail in the South Jersey Region at 52.3 miles. This trail immerses hikers in the beauty of untouched nature as it winds through one of the finest pineland forests in New Jersey.
Hikers embark on this route at the Brendan Byrne Hikers Service Area and follow the pink-blazed Batona Trail.
Some highlights along this trail include the Apple Pie Hill at mile 7, offering pinelands views, and the High Crossing ghost town at mile 13.
- Trail length: 52.3 miles
- Hiking time: 15 hours 50 mins
- Difficulty level: Hard
The Batona Trail features picnic areas, water sources, and parking spots. However, hikers only camp at designated camping sites.
1 Stairway To Heaven Trail, Wawayanda State Park
The Stairway to Heaven Trail is easily one of New Jersey's best hikes in terms of beauty; it is a medium-length hike presenting different landscapes and breathtaking views at the end. Tackling this 2.6-mile trail is one of the numerous awesome things to do in New Jersey. Adventurers start this moderate 2.6-mile hike by ascending a steep climb and following the famed Appalachian Trail through marshes.
For the first half-mile, hikers endure steady inclines until they reach a beautiful overlook at mile two. However, after a lot of rock scrambling, the hike pays off with spectacular views of the Vernon Valley, Catskills, and Pochuck Mountain.
- Trail length: 2.6 miles
- Hiking time: 1 hour 50 mins
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Trailhead location: The northwest side of Wawayanda State Park along Highway 94