Written by

New Jersey is a perfect balance of a densely populated state with beautiful landscapes. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the east it provides a perfect getaway for the tourists and wanderers.The best part of a weekend or a holiday will be to spend some time with your family and friends drinking, munching and catching up with each other. Can the same be made more adventurous or interesting? Has the idea of Hiking or trekking ever crossed our minds? Hiking will provide us with ample time to rejuvenate ourselves and be one with nature while the adventurous ones can try trekking.

10 Places To Go For Trekking In New Jersey

Here’s a list of hikes and treks that will not only take us closer to nature but surely bring out the best in us.

1. Mt. Tammany

Mt. Tammany View

It is located at the Delaware Water Gap in the Knowlton Township. One of the best natural wonders, the place is often referred to as the best place to go for a picnic and watch the sunset. The location of the park is near the Delaware Water Gap which allows a year-round view of the serene water. There are several hike loops in the Mt. Tammany providing a panoramic view throughout the trail and also enjoy the walk alongside the Dunnfield creek. The trail takes one up 1250 ft (381m) which is also one of the best hikes in New Jersey.

Location: Knowlton Township, New Jersey
Time: 3 hours
Level: Difficult
Distance: 5.64 Kms
Features: Views, forests

Must Read: 12 Most Luxurious Villas in USA For Your Next Family Vacation


Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.


2. Sunfish Pond, Hardwick Township

Sunfish Pond

Image Source

The Sunfish pond is a 44-acre (18 ha) glacial lake surrounded by a 258-acre (104 ha) hardwood forest. The trail provides a scenic view in the fall season when the leaves are changing colour. The trail through the rocky area is a bit difficult on this otherwise a moderate and scenic trail. The trail can be combined with the trail of the Mt Tammany as the trail down the Blue Dot which covers this beautiful scenic place.

Location: Kittatinny Ridge within Worthington State Forest
Time: 3 hours
Level: Moderate
Distance: 8 km
Features: Views, glacial pond, Appalachian Trail

Suggested Read: 10 Thrilling Water Parks In USA To Pamper That Child Within You

3. Norvin Green State Forest (Stonetown Circular)

Norvin Green State Forest (Stonetown Circular)

Image Source

One of the most difficult treks in New Jersey is this trail as it crosses through a rough terrain and a total of 15.5 Km has to be covered. The trek covers historical areas as this trail was used by the revolutionary war soldiers. The view of the trail is the lush forest. Norvin Green State Forest is spread across an area of 5,416 acres state forest. One can also take the trail through Chikahoki Falls, Otter Hole, and experience the fascinating viewpoint at Wyanokie High Point.

Location: Bloomingdale, New Jersey
Time: 5.5 hours
Level: Strenuous
Distance: 15.5 km
Features: Views of lush forest, reservoir, historic sites

Suggested Read: 10 Best USA Hotels For A Relaxing American Vacation

4. Maurice River Bluffs Preserve Millville

River View

Image Source

In this trail, one can opt for either a short trek of 2.6 mile, through the Pine Barrens along by the Maurice River. Alternatively, there’s also a longer route of 5.2 mile hike where you can experience the entire preserve. The bird blind overlooking the river allows visitors a “bird’s eye view” of various waterfowl and eagles in their natural habitat without disturbing them. The hike provides for various steps and rails for the steeper part of the hike.

Location: Cumberland County
Time: 2-3 hours
Level: Moderate to difficult
Length: 8.5 km
Features: Bird Watching, relaxation, swimming

5. Pochuck Valley To Pinwheel Vista

Pochuck Valley To Pinwheel Vista

The trail starts at the Pochuck Valley and then moves towards the suspension bridge. The Stairway is a steep climb up Wawayanda Mountain on the Appalachian Trail. The trail ends in the Pinwheel Vista. The trail has its ups and downs, on one end it’s very easy at the boardwalks but one has to cross a serious rocky section to reach the stairway to heaven.

Location: Vernon
Level : Moderate to Difficult
Distance: 12 km
Features: The Kittatinny Mountains, Farms in the valley below and a view of the High point monument.

Note: Parking charges have to be paid

Suggested Read: 33 Largest Zoos In The World Where You Can Spot The Rarest Fauna & Have Ultimate Fun!


Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.


6. Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk-Falls

Image Source

The Buttermilk fall is the tallest waterfall hike in New Jersey. The falls is a beauty by itself but it’s stunning on a sunny day with the sun’s rays peeking through the forest canopy above. One has to start the hike through dirt roads in the backwoods of the Delaware National Recreation Area. The trailhead is at the base of Buttermilk Falls. The first 1.4 miles of trail is almost entirely uphill, climbing just under 1100 ft until reaching the Appalachian Trail on the top of the ridge.

Location: Southwest of Ithaca
Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 12.8 km
Features: Waterfall and swimming

7. High Point State Park

High Point State Park

Image Source

In this trekking route, one can start from the Appalachian Trail and reach the highest elevation covering a total distance of 18 miles. The High Point State Park is the highest elevation in the State of New Jersey. From this point, one can enjoy the entire view of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. One can also opt for an alternate option where they can park the car closer to the monument and take a shorter hike. In the summertime, children can go swimming and playing in Lake Marcia.

Location: Sussex
Time: 4.5 hours
Level: Moderate
Distance: 12.7 kms
Features: Views, farmlands, forests, monumental views
Cost: Entry charge of 20$ ( 1440 INR approx).

8. Ramapo Valley County Reservation

View of Ramapo Valley

The Ramapo Reservation is located at the Mahwah, which is a 3,313-acre Bergen County Park. The trail is in the middle of the large conservation. The trail is more of the leisurely trail, where one can enjoy the beauty of the Ramapo Lake. The hike in this place includes the scenic Brookside Trail (just west of the reservoir). It is a pet-friendly park and contains many lakes and streams.

Location: Mahwah
Time: 2.5 hours
Level: Easy
Distance: 6.5 kms
Features: McMillan Reservoir, and a beautiful waterfall.

Suggested Read: Clubbing in Manhattan Or Bowling In Brooklyn: Enjoy The Exciting New York Nightlife

9. Beaver Brook Trail

Lake View

Image Source

The trail begins in the southernmost point in Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, and it even continues out of the park into the Rockaway River Wildlife Management Area. The trail meanders through a lot of through many hills and valleys typical to the New Jersey Highlands Area. At many places in the trail one cannot hear any sound from the civilizations. The lost lake is very scenic and relaxing but one cannot swim in the lake.

Location: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Time: 3.5 hours
Level: Moderate
Distance: 10 kms (approx.)
Features: Lake, wildlife, New Jersey Woodland.

10. Terrace Pond Loop

Terrace Pond Loop

Image Source

The hike is very popular during the summer season. It is moderately crowded and is located near the located near West Milford, New Jersey. The trail provides a great view of the forest. The lake is a great scenic and peaceful place to enjoy a break. It is permissible to swim in the lake and hence many hikers enjoy a good swim.

Location: Hewitt
Time: 2 hours
Level: Easy-Moderate
Distance: 7 Kms (approx.)
Features: Lake view

Further Read: 20 New York Restaurants That Tell Why It Is The Culinary Capital Of The World

So all the adrenaline junkies out there, are you ready to conquer some of the toughest trials of New Jersey? If you can’t wait to head off after knowing about these trekking places, then let your vacation be an adventurous memory in USA with TravelTriangle!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking In New Jersey

Which is the most adrenaline-rushing trail for trekking in New Jersey?

Norvin Green State Forest (Stonetown Circular) is the most critical and hard trekking trails in New Jersey. This is due to 15.5 km of the length which makes it quite hard for trekkers.

What is the best time to trek in New Jersey?

Mid-September to November is the best time for trekking in New Jersey as the temperature is moderate. So, if you want to go trekking then plan your vacation in these months.

Is it safe to trek the trails of New Jersey?

Yes, it is totally safe to trek in New Jersey so you can plan your trekking adventure alone as well as with your friends.

Do we need to take any type of medical supervision before or after the trekking?

If you are healthy and not suffering from any specific disease, then you don’t have to take any medication.

Are there any specific restrictions related to health specified for trekkers?

Yes, if you are suffering from health disorders, specifically from vertigo or a related disease, then trekking is restricted.

What are the essential trekking gears we should pack before going on a trek to New Jersey?

You just have to arrange a good trekking shoe with proper gear. Do carry a good backpack that can contain maximum materials. Carrying a first aid is also necessary.

Can we book the whole package of trekking and accommodations in advance?

Yes, there are many service providers who provide a combined package for vacationing which includes all the desired things whether it is accommodation or sightseeing.


Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.


People Also Read:

Category: Trekking, USA

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best Places To Visit Outside India By Month