Most of us know what it feels like to sit around with friends wondering, "What can we do that doesn't cost money but will be a fun way to spend the day?" Despite the fact that many of us spend our days snacking while binge watching Netflix, one great (and free!) summer activity is exploring the hiking trails around the area. Although the term "hiking" might seem intimidating to some people, there is an abundance hiking trails throughout New Jersey. If you find yourself looking for something to do on a nice summer or fall day, check out one of these remarkable hiking views!
1. Mount Tammany - Knowlton Township, NJ
- Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views, forests
Being that this park is near the Delaware Water Gap, hikers always enjoy a beautiful scene of the water all-year-round. This particular hike hoops around Mount Tammany, which provides people many panoramic views throughout the trail. This trail also allows hikers to walk alongside the scenic and pleasant Dunnfield Creek.
2. Sunfish Pond - Hardwick Township, NJ
- Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5 miles
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views, glacial pond, Appalachian Trail
This trail is especially scenic in the Fall as the leaves are changing colors and the water looks fresh and blue. There are certain rocky areas throughout the trail that make hiking a tad more difficult, but with a trekking pole or even just a stick, those rugged terrains will be much easier to overcome.
3. Pinwheel Vista - Vernon NJ
- Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 7.4 miles
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views, boardwalk, wildlife, wildflowers
This particular hike can be very easy in some sections, such as the flat terrain on the lengthy boardwalk. However, some sections can be difficult due to the rocky scrambles and steep elevation gain. Hikers enjoy seeing turtles and many types of birds throughout the trail, especially near the pond areas around the boardwalk.
4. Ramapo Valley County Conservation (Lake Loop) - Mahwah, NJ
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views
This easy hike is perfect for those who enjoy taking long walks across a semi-flat terrain. The trail loops around Ramapo Lake and provides various perspectives of this beautiful body of water. Due to the fact that this trail lies in the middle of a large conservation, it may be somewhat difficult to differentiate between the many trails that the park offers. Because it can be confusing to navigate, it is advised to bring a map of the park along with you throughout the hike.
5. Beaver Brook Trail - Marcella, NJ
- Time: 3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6.2 miles
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views, pond, wildlife
If you enjoy seeing pure nature and wildlife, this is the perfect trail for you. Hikers have seen coyotes, bears, and beavers wandering in the forests of this park. There is also a plethora of beaver lodges and dams throughout the park. The terrain is known to be rockier than the average hiking trail, so make sure to wear proper footwear.
6. Norvin Green State Forest (Stonetown Circular) - Ringwood, NJ
- Time: 5.5 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 9.6 miles
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views, reservoir, historic sites
Due to the rugged terrain and long distance, this hike is one of the most difficult ones in New Jersey. The peaks of the Windbeam, Bear, and Board Mountains offer a beautiful view of two scenic reservoirs. Hikers may choose to take on a shorter path by only climbing one or two mountains. This trail is popular for it's super lush and green forests. During the Revolutionary War, soldiers used many areas in this forest as a reliable hideout.
7. Bearfort Ridge - Hewitt, NJ
- Time: 3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6.8 miles
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views, streams, swamp, secluded lake, Hemlock Forest
The rocky scrambles in this trail make the hike moderately difficult and time-consuming for some people, but the view is worth the wait! Surprise Lake offers a beautiful view for hikers in the middle of the trail, which encourages them to continue onto higher elevation for an even better view. On the way back, hikers may choose to take a woods road for a flatter (but more slippery) terrain.
8. High Point State Park - Sussex, NJ
- Time: 4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 7.9 miles
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views, farmlands, forests, monumental views
High Point State Park offers the highest point in New Jersey and has views of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey from the peak of its historic monument. Many families choose to park their cars closer to the monument and do a shorter hike. In the summertime, children are often swimming and playing in Lake Marcia.
9. Terrace Pond Loop - Hewitt, NJ
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.3 miles
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views, forests, pond
The rock formations and scrambles in this trail provide a great view of the forest while the lake is a peaceful and serene place to relax and enjoy a mid-hike snack. There are many cliffs around the perimeter of the the forest that people use to jump off into the lake. During a hot summer day, many hikers enjoy taking a swim in the crisp, fresh lake water.
10. Palisades Interstate Park - Alpine, NJ
- Time: Varies based on trail (between two to six hours)
- Difficulty: Easy, moderate, and strenuous trails available
- Distance: 12 miles (entire park)
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Features: Views, rocky terrain, forest, Hudson River views
This lengthy-trail offers many different possible routes to take, the longest being twelve miles long. However, most people choose one path to hike depending on the views they wish to see along the way. The Palisades Interstate Park offers incredible views from its sharp cliffs. The entirety of the park includes lush forests, which means that there is always a scenic route in sight! Hikers enjoy the Hudson River views from the Shore Trail. If you're feeling adventurous, you can check out the rocky scrambles of the Giant Stairs in the Northern section of the park.
