Best Hikes in Central Jersey

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Hiking in Central Jersey is diverse – trails may head up mountains, across rolling hills, through forests and pine barrens, skirt fields and farmlands, and cross marshes on boardwalks.

Hikes in north New Jersey may get most of the attention, but the entire state has plenty of excellent hiking available.

The trail surface is less rocky than up north. The area is also a great introduction to hiking since many parks are compact and more manageable for beginners.

For all of our hike guides in this region, see the Central NJ category or the list on our Hiking in NJ page. Be sure to check out the Best Hikes in South Jersey as well! For a map overview of hikes covered on this site try our Hike Finder Map.

Some of the best hikes in central New Jersey are below (in no particular order).

Sourland Mountain.

Sourland Mountain Preserve

Easy to moderate hiking over boardwalks and through the boulders of Devil’s Half Acre and Roaring Rocks. Somerset County.


Viewing scope at top of hill.

Baldpate Mountain – Ted Stiles Preserve

Moderate hike that includes a view of the Delaware River and passes old farm buildings and the Kuser Estate House. Mercer County.


Hikers on a boardwalk at Cheesequake State Park in the Fall.

Cheesequake State Park – Green Trail

Pleasant hike over rolling hills and through beautiful marshlands with the assistance of numerous boardwalks. Middlesex County.


Lush green foliage around a boardwalk at Clayton Park.

Clayton Park

Hike over rolling forested hills and along Doctor’s Creek in a small park surrounded by Jersey farmlands. Monmouth County.


Water cascading over rocks in Musconetcong Gorge.

Musconetcong Gorge Preserve

Plenty of waterfalls and cascades along a stream running through a scenic gorge, plus a section of the Highlands Trail. Hunterdon County.


Footbridge over a stream at Washington Crossing.

Washington Crossing State Park

Hike with history at a scenic park near the site of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and the Continental Army’s route to Trenton in 1776. Mercer County.


Hikers on a wide flat trail in Hartshorne Woods.

Hartshorne Woods

Hike through mountain laurel over rolling hills, enjoy river and ocean views, and check out military bunkers from WWII. Monmouth County.


Need even more hike ideas?!
Top 10 Hikes in NJBest Hikes in NJBest Waterfall HikesBest Foliage HikesEasy HikesChallenging Hikes

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