Top 10 Hiking And Trekking Spots In New Jersey, USA

1. Giant Stairs

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Giant Stairs is for those people who need thrills in their everyday lives, just like how they need oxygen to breathe. Hikers who already took the challenge have recommended this trekking spot for adrenaline enthusiasts—since the paths to take can be more on the dangerous side. The origin of the trail’s name is a mile-long region of jumbled slabs, which are an element of Shore Trail running amid Hudson River. The level of difficulty for this trek is strenuous, stretching about 7.2 km (4.5 mi), so if you’re faint-hearted, you might reconsider taking this one.

Giant Stairs

Address: Shore Trail, Closter, NY

2. Sourland Mountain Preserve

Rated as a moderately steep trail to trek, Sourland Mountain Preserve is a 3.54 km (2.2 mi) looped pathway near Pennington in New Jersey. Offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the wild and be one with nature, Sourland Mountain Preserve promises hikers the best time. Primarily, locals and travelers take advantage of its trails for leisure, including trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. If you want to witness more magnificent scenery, the best time to visit is from April until October, where the meadows are filled with flowers in full bloom.

Sourland Mountain Preserve

Address: 421 E Mountain Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ

Website: Sourland Mountain Preserve

3. High Point State Park

Known as the highest elevation in the state of New Jersey, High Point State Park covers a total distance of 18 miles (28.96 km), which will take hikers four to five hours to complete. Featuring farmlands and monumental landscapes, High Point State Park is perfect for group travelers who are after adventure and thrilling activities. But if you’re hiking with your family, including the little ones, you might consider taking an alternate option, where you can park closer to the monument so that the hike will be shorter. There’s more—during summer, you can enjoy swimming in Lake Marcia.

High Point State Park

Address: 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ

Website: High Point State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)

4. Hacklebarney State Park

Cascading throughout the slabs of a hemlock-lined canyon of Hacklebarney State Park is the famous freshwater of Black River. One of the most hiked trails in the state of New Jersey, Hacklebarney State Park is the go-to place of avid hikers and thrillers. One reason behind this is its rare and unique biome featuring endangered plant species, over a hundred bird species, and other wildlife. Hikers also love the ethereal vibe coming from the gushing river against the boulders no matter the season. If you want to take a relaxing trek where you can fully breathe in the scenes in front of you, Hacklebarney State Park is the right place for you.

Hacklebarney State Park

Address: 119 Hacklebarney Rd, Long Valley, NJ

Website: Hacklebarney State Park

5. Buttermilk Falls

Your visit to New Jersey will not be complete without taking a trip to one of the tallest hikes in the city—Buttermilk Falls. The falls is already a vision by itself, but it’s even more striking on sunny days with the sunbeams glimpsing through the forest canopy above. Hikers will have to start their journey over dirt roads in the backwoods of Delaware National Recreation Area. The trail leading to this natural wonder stretches from 12.8 km (7.95 mi) with an easy to moderate level of difficulty. One tip: make sure to wear something ideal for swimming beneath your hiking outfit so that you can enjoy taking a dip in the falls.

Buttermilk Falls

Address: 106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY

Website: Buttermilk Falls

Opening hours: 8am - 7:30pm (daily)

6. Mt. Tammany

Often referred to as an excellent place to go for a picnic with a group of friends, Mt. Tammany is one of the best natural wonders you’ll find in New Jersey. Nestled at Delaware Water Gap in Knowlton Township, it’s an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts to take a thrilling hike around. The terrain features several trails and hike loops, and hikers will get to enjoy marveling at panoramic views throughout their journey. The trail reaches up to 1,250 ft (381 m) with a hard level of difficulty. The trek can take almost three hours, so make sure to bring bottled water to keep you hydrated during the trip.

Mt. Tammany

Address: Kittatinnies Region, Hardwick Township, NJ

Website: Mt. Tammany

7. Sunfish Pond

If you’re someone new to the world of hiking and looking for someplace to begin, then you might consider giving Sunfish Pond a shot. It’s a 44-acre (18 ha) glacial lake surrounded with hardwood forest that makes the entire place enchanting and a little bit magical. If you’re planning on taking a hike here, one way to this stunning spot is through the Appalachian Trail. The trail features breathtaking views, especially during the fall season when the leaves are changing hues. Also, there is some rocky area along the path, which could be a little difficult; otherwise, it’s a spectacular intermediate-level trek.

Sunfish Pond

Address: Kittatinny Ridge within Worthington State Forest, Hardwick Township, NJ

8. Norvin Green State Forest

If you’re someone whose idea of trekking is treading on dangerous terrains, Norvin Green State Forest is inviting you for your next thrilling journey. It is known as one of the most strenuous hikes in the state of New Jersey, and you will have to traverse a total of 15.5 km (9.63 mi) to arrive at the top. One fun fact about this lush forest is it used to be one of the trails used by revolutionary war soldiers. If you’re after a morning trek, opt to hike as early as possible so you can watch the magnificent view of the sun rising, but if you prefer to take a trip late afternoon, you’ll also enjoy the stunning spectacle of the sun setting.

Norvin Green State Forest

Address: 150 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ

Website: Norvin Green State Forest

9. Ramapo Valley County Reservation

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Situated in the district of Mahwah, Ramapo Valley County Reservation is another beautiful landscape in New Jersey. Stretching 6.5 km (4.03 mi), the terrain requires hikers to trek for two to three hours. The reservation is ideal for travelers who are not big fans of rugged land. It’s the perfect spot for beginners since hiking here is more like a leisurely walk, where you can fully take in the beauty of the surroundings without worrying about dangerous slopes and such. Arriving at the destination will give you spectacular views of many lakes and streams.

Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Address: 608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ

Website: Ramapo Valley County Reservation

10. Beaver Brook Trail

Starting from the southernmost part of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Beaver Brook Trail drifts through several hills and valleys usual to the New Jersey Highlands. Stretching approximately 10 km (6.21 mi), Beaver Brook Trail has a moderate level of difficulty. It will take three to four hours to cover, depending on the pace of the hikers. Note that there are some spots along the way where hikers will not be able to hear any sound from the outside world. So if your main purpose for doing the trek is to get away from the commotion of daily life, Beaver Brook Trail welcomes you with wildlife and everything nature.

Beaver Brook Trail

Address: Beaver Brook, NJ

Your next adventure awaits in New Jersey

One of the best ways to live life is to do things we don’t normally do—and to take risks. Whether you’re someone who lives on the dangerous side of life or a person who prefers to be on the sideline watching as life passes by, no matter the case, it’s never too late to try new things. If you want to spice things up in your life, New Jersey has the perfect venues for you to take that jump.