7 Places To Hike In New Jersey This Summer
Start writing a post
Student Life

7 Places To Hike In New Jersey This Summer

If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, you should check out these New Jersey hiking spots!

193
7 Places To Hike In New Jersey This Summer
Time Out

As most college students are broke this summer, it is difficult to find something to do that does not involve money. Sadly, even admission to the beach costs at least $10 in most places along the Jersey Shore. An equally fulfilling alternative, hiking, allows for one to enjoy nature at a free cost. If you are looking for something fun to do this summer and are looking to take quality photos for your Instagram, you should check out these New Jersey hiking spots.


1. Appalachian Trail- Vernon, New Jersey

This trail, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains, includes a boardwalk which is considered the easy part of the trail. The boardwalk passes through some woods, as well as an old railroad track. The difficult trail, on the other side of the parking lot, is known as Stairway to Heaven, for obvious reasons. This trail involves climbing over steep rocks, and takes about an hour to climb to the top, as it is approximately 2.5 miles to the top. However, there are promising views at the top, which makes the hike to the top worth the while.

2. Ramapo Valley County Reservation- Mahwah, New Jersey

Ramapo Reservation is the most common go-to hiking spot for most inhabitants of Bergen County. An easier trail to hike on will take you to the upper lake, where most hikers take their dogs or even go swimming, although it is technically not allowed. A more difficult trail will take you to the top of the mountain. It is possible for one to encounter snakes, as well as lizards and frogs near the rocks throughout the trails. If you are visiting on the weekend, make sure to come early to ensure a parking spot.

3. Garret Mountain Reservation- Woodland Park, New Jersey

A 568-acre park, Garret Mountain is a beautiful place to go to for the day. It is a high school cross country course, where runners complete a 5K around the woods, as well as uphill for a half mile at the end of the course. It is not only a great place to run, but also to hike, as there is a scenic lake in the middle of the woods. Additionally, there are incredible panoramic views of New York City.

4. Ramapo Mountain State Forest- Pompton Lakes, New Jersey

Being that it is over 4,000 acres, the Ramapo Mountain State Forest has several entrances, many being on Skyline Drive in Ringwood. It is located in both Bergen and Passaic counties. If you enter the trail from Pompton Lakes, it is initially an easy stroll through the woods and gradually becomes more difficult. In the beginning of this trail, you will encounter stunning views of the Ramapo Lake. One can also expect to encounter deer, foxes, and hawks throughout the trail. There are several points where it is mostly uphill. There is a bridge that goes over I-287 and connects to another part of the forest.

5. Mountainside Park- Pequannock, New Jersey

Mountainside Park in Pequannock is a fairly difficult hike, as it is mostly uphill. The total park contains 6 miles of trails. On the other side of the mountain is I-287 and in the distance, views of the New York City skyline can be seen. On the way down, rocks are out of place can be an issue. This hiking trail is best used from April to December, although it is the prettiest in the fall.

6. Wildcat Ridge Hawkwatch- Rockaway, New Jersey

The Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area's trails allow one to learn about the history of the surrounding area. In the beginning of one trail is an old mine, which is part of the Hibernia mines, as well as a cemetery uphill where the miners are buried. After the closure of this mine, bats inhabited the mine. The hike up the mountain is approximately a mile and takes about a half hour to reach to the top. On a sunny day, there is a view of the New York City skyline from the top of the mountain.

7. Palisades Interstate Park- Alpine, New Jersey

Palisades Interstate Park contains over thirty miles of trails, varying in difficulty. It is easy to get on a difficult trail, so it is important to look on the website before you visit. The park runs along the windy Highway 9W, throughout Alpine, Englewood Cliffs, and Fort Lee. The most common view that visitors post pictures with is with the iconic George Washington Bridge in the background. There are picnic areas throughout the park, particularly the Ross Dock Picnic Area in Fort Lee.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58741
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37882
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959433
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194890
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments