Great Places for Hiking

Amazing hiking spots all over the state.

High Point State Park
(Sussex County)
Autumn is the perfect time for climbing to New Jersey’s highest point. With two main trails and several offshoots, High Point offers paths for beginner and advanced hikers. Some of the most difficult footing is found on the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that passes through the park. (973-875-4800)

Sunfish Pond
(Warren County)
Good for year-round hiking, Sunfish Pond is located in the rocky hills of the Delaware Water Gap. Beginners be wary: Some of the paths are quite steep and rocky. (570-588-2452)

Batona Trail
(Burlington County)
For a long trudge, try the 49-mile Batona Trail deep within the Pine Barrens. Pink blazes make this hike easy to follow. The trail cuts through Wharton State Forest before ending at Lake Absegami in Bass River State Forest. (609-561-0024)

The Palisades
(Bergen County)
Can’t detach yourself from urban life? Embrace North Jersey’s Palisades, where hikers find spectacular views of the Hudson River and New York City, as a portion of the trail takes you across the George Washington Bridge. (njpalisades.org)

Parvin State Park
(Salem County)
Tree lovers will enjoy Parvin, whose relatively flat trails cut through Atlantic white cedar swamps, pitch pine lowlands, and upland pine and oak forests.
(856-358-8616)

Merrill Creek Reservoir
(Warren County)
The clean trails around the reservoir offer a plethora of different terrains and wildlife. Go at sunset for a breathtaking view from the reservoir’s dam.
(908-454-1213)

Coastal Heritage Trail
This auto trail, which runs along the coastline, offers hikers a place to stretch their legs in each of four main regions: Sandy Hook, Barnegat Bay, Absecon and Cape May, and Delsea. The flat, sandy, coastal terrain offers hikers pleasant paths. (nps.gov/neje)

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