For detailed hike directions, maps, photos and GPS coordinates, visit our Sourland Mountain page.
4.9 miles. Easy to moderate, trail surface has rocks and roots, minor elevation gain in the beginning. Follow the SQUARE markers the entire way for the Ridge Trail.
Weather was really nice, not quite as hot and muggy as August in Jersey usually is. We only had one morning available this weekend to get a hike in, so we picked a park somewhat nearby – this park is about 50 minutes away for us. We hadn’t been to Sourland in quite a few years, and when we went before the longest trail was maybe 3 or 3.5 miles which is just too short for us to drive for, we would be hiking as long as driving. They’ve since extended the Ridge trail to 5 miles.
For detailed hike directions, maps, photos and GPS coordinates, visit our Best Hikes in NJ – Jockey Hollowpage
8.2 miles roundtrip, easy, well-marked trail with gentle elevation changes, along gurgling streams and rolling hills in a very beautiful area that is part of Morristown National Historical Park. Hiking is especially pleasant here.
Mt Kemble Loop trail (BLUE) to Grand Loop (WHITE) to BLUE
Get a trail map and info on the history of the area from the visitor center. Also, at most trail junctions there is a wooden sign with a trail map and marked “you are here”.
Location: Bernardsville, NJ
Parking: Rt 287 to exit 30B (Bernardsville), then follow the brown and white park signs to “Jockey Hollow”.
Restrooms: are at the visitor center and also at a parking area in the middle of the park.
3.4 miles roundtrip, easy. It was unseasonably hot in Jersey again today, in the upper 80′s and very little leaf cover from the blaring sun. WHITE to RED to YELLOW to WHITE to BLUE to WHITE.
This is a gorgeous park in Chester, NJ (Morris County) that has the Black River as it’s centerpiece. It’s VERY popular for picnicking and light hiking/meandering around the river areas… so don’t go here looking for a nice quiet hike.
There are only about 6 miles of overlapping trails here, however, and a lot of that is paved/gravel – we hiked pretty much the entire park in 2 hrs – and that’s with stopping to shoot video and take pics - so this is not the park for an experienced hiker looking for a long/challenging trail.
Parking: Rt 206 to 513 W. Just past Cooper Mill make a left onto State Park Road. (There are signs) Continue for about 2 miles and make a right onto Hacklebarney Road. Park entrance on your left. There is a small parking lot with a monument just as you enter, turn left within that lot and follow the park road to a larger lot.
Restrooms: Comfort stations are place strategically around the park. On the main path just beyond the ranger station and kiosk, they are on your right. There are 2 or 3 others.
3 mile trail. Moderate, some minor elevation change. Ranger station and interpretive center should have park maps. Restrooms at ranger station, interpretive center, and comfort stations near the campground (seasonal). Follow the GREEN markers. The GREEN trail passes through an Atlantic white cedar swamp.
We frequent this park year round; it offers really nice hiking without having to drive too far or for a quick hike in the winter when the trails up north get icy. The trails are terrific for beginners, but still offer enough variety and interest for an experienced hiker looking to do a quick hike. Also an enjoyable trail running location.
Parking: From the Garden State Parkway, take exit 120, follow brown state park signs.Or take Rt 34 to Cheesequake-Morristown Road and turn onto Gordon Rd, and follow into park.There is a gate, and the ranger station on your right. Shortly after is hikers parking on your left.
