Peanut Leap Cascade – Palisades
Enjoy expansive views over the Hudson River to New York City, a pretty waterfall, ruins, and a rope swing.
NJ Hiking
The Giant Stairs – Palisades
Scramble over the Giant Stairs – a long section of huge boulders that have tumbled from the Palisades – with views over the Hudson River into NY.
Pyramid Mountain – Tripod Rock
Hike to three large glacial erratics – Tripod Rock, Whale Head Rock, and Bear Rock – as well as two overlooks.
Van Slyke Castle Loop
Explore the ruins of Van Slyke Castle on a rugged hike with multiple viewpoints.
Wharton State Forest – 1808 Trail
Hike a historic route through stands of beautiful Atlantic white cedar and mountain laurel.
Baldpate Mountain – Ted Stiles Preserve
Hike that includes a view towards the Delaware River and passes a few old farm buildings.
Four Birds Trail – Wildcat Ridge
A rugged trail through a very pretty area, with several stream hops and views from a hawk watch.
High Point Monument Loop
Hike a loop from the highest point in New Jersey for expansive views over the tri-state area.
Monks Trail Loop
Loop around Monks Mountain with multiple viewpoints of Monksville Reservoir and the surrounding peaks.
Black River County Park – Cooper Mill
Hike from the old Cooper Mill through the Black River Gorge and a pine forest, with a side trip to the ruins of Kay’s Cottage.
Helyar Woods at Rutgers Gardens
A small section of woods adjacent to Rutgers Gardens and Westons Mill Pond.
Appalachian Trail – Sunfish Pond to Raccoon Ridge
A steep but short approach to Sunfish Pond via Garvey Springs, then expansive views along the Appalachian Trail at Raccoon Ridge.
Bearfort Ridge Loop – Surprise Lake
Rugged trail to Surprise Lake with plenty of views, mountain laurel, a rhododendron tunnel, and some scrambling.