Short Hikes in NJ

Trail maps, photos, videos, and info for some trails in New Jersey that are easy or short. These trails are either under 4 miles and/or easy – suitable for beginning hikers or anyone looking for an easy day hike.

These are suggested routes... it's usually very easy to trim them down into even shorter loops if you prefer.

For info on getting started hiking in NJ, check out our NJ Hiking 101 page.

Short Hikes in North NJ

• Appalachian Trail - Pochuck Valley- Easy, boardwalk section (2.0 miles)

• Mahlon Dickerson - Morris County, Pine Swamp Loop (3.8 miles)

• Hacklebarney State Park - Chester, NJ (3.4 miles)

• High Point State Park - Sussex County, Monument Trail Loop (3.7 miles)

• Ramapo Mountain State Forest - Ramapo Lake, (1.2 m); Van Slyke Castle (3.2 m)

• Ramapo Valley County Reservation - Hawk Rock viewpoint (2 miles)

• Point Mountain Reservation - Hunterdon County (3.7 miles)

• Mendham Area - Most hikes are 1-2 miles

• Merrill Creek Reservoir - Warren County (2 miles, some .5 miles)

Short Hikes in Central NJ

• Cheesequake State Park - Green Trail, Middlesex County (3 miles)

• Helyar Woods - at Rutgers Gardens, Middlesex County (2.5 miles)

• Musconetcong Gorge Preserve - Hunterdon County (3.1 miles)

• Washington Valley Park - Blue Loop (2 miles); or Red

• Thompson Park Conservation Area - Middlesex County (2.6 miles)
• Manasquan Reservoir - Monmouth County (easy gravel trail)

Short Hikes in South NJ

• Parvin State Park - Salem County, South Jersey (3.3 miles)

• Maurice River Bluffs - Cumberland County, South Jersey (2.6 miles)

• Rancocas State Park - Burlington County, very short (all trails combined = 2 miles)

Suggested hiking books with popular short hikes in NJ: