Open Travel Guide
Hiking in New Jersey

New Jersey Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in New Jersey.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 10+ hiking trails in New Jersey — Appalachian Trail — High Point to Delaware Water Gap, Dunnfield Creek Natural Area Trail and Tillman Ravine & Stokes State Forest Loop top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

New Jersey is a densely diverse Mid-Atlantic state known for its 130-mile Atlantic coastline, Victorian shore towns, the famous Jersey Shore boardwalks, and a rich Revolutionary War heritage. From the glittering casinos of Atlantic City and the genteel beauty of Cape May to the cultural buzz of Hoboken and the forests of the Pine Barrens, New Jersey packs extraordinary variety into one of the nation's smallest states.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Appalachian Trail — High Point to Delaware Water Gap

    74 km (46 miles) total NJ AT segment; day-hike sections of 5–15 kmVaries: 2–8 hours per sectionHighest point 550m / 1,803 ft (High Point Monument)

  2. 2

    Dunnfield Creek Natural Area Trail

    6.5 km (4 miles) round-trip2–3 hoursGain 230m / 755 ft

  3. 3

    Tillman Ravine & Stokes State Forest Loop

    5 km (3.1 miles) loop2 hoursGain 120m / 394 ft

  4. 4

    Ramapo Lake Loop — Ramapo Valley County Reservation

    8 km (5 miles) loop2.5–3.5 hoursGain 200m / 656 ft

  5. 5

    Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

    8 km (5 miles) various loops2–4 hoursGain 140m / 459 ft

  6. 6

    Palisades Interstate Park — Shore Trail

    14.5 km (9 miles) one-way (shuttle hike); shorter out-and-back options from 3 km2–6 hoursLargely flat along the Hudson River base; steep 1 km climb back to Palisade rim

  7. 7

    Kittatinny Ridge — Mount Tammany Loop

    6.7 km (4.2 miles) loop3–4 hoursGain 380m / 1,247 ft

  8. 8

    Ringwood State Park — Ringwood Manor Loop

    10 km (6.2 miles) loop3–4 hoursGain 250m / 820 ft

  9. 9

    Watchung Reservation — Sierra Trail Loop

    11 km (6.8 miles) loop2.5–3.5 hoursGain 120m / 394 ft

  10. 10

    Island Beach State Park Nature Trail

    3–8 km (2–5 miles) depending on chosen path1–3 hoursMinimal (barrier island; flat dune terrain)

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in New Jersey.

Items

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

Medium

Hazard: Ticks (Lyme disease risk) — check daily; wear long socks and use DEET repellent in all wooded and grassy areas

Medium

Hazard: Rattlesnakes — present in the Highlands and Pine Barrens; never reach into rock crevices

Medium

Hazard: Mountain laurel and poison ivy — common along many trails; learn to identify poison ivy (leaves of three)

Medium

Hazard: Sudden weather changes in the Highlands — bring rain gear; afternoon thunderstorms common in summer

Medium

Hazard: Limited cell signal in the Pine Barrens — download offline maps before departure

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