Central NJ Hikes
All hike guides for central New Jersey which includes areas such as Sourland Mountain, Cheesequake State Park, Baldpate Mountain, and Hartshorne Woods.
We consider this roughly the area between Route 78 and Route 195 but what constitutes “central” is subjective (and for some is an existential debate…). Listed by last updated.
Also check out Best Hikes in Central NJ for a curated collection or Hiking in NJ for the master list of every hike guide on the site.
Cheesequake – Yellow, Blue, and Green
Explore Hooks Creek Lake, Perrine Pond, and an Atlantic white cedar swamp.
Sourland Mountain Preserve
Hike over boardwalks and through the boulders of Devil’s Half Acre and Roaring Rocks.
Clayton Park
Hike over rolling forested hills and along Doctor’s Creek in a small park surrounded by Jersey farmlands.
Thompson Park Conservation Area
Two connecting sections of trails through forest and along meadows and farms.
Fiddlers Creek Preserve
Hike along a creek in a rocky ravine and through fields undergoing reforestation.
Hartshorne Woods Park
Hike through mountain laurel over rolling hills, enjoy river and ocean views, and check out military bunkers from WWII.
Huber Woods Park
Pretty, well-maintained trails that are best for short loops plus a visitor center and small reptile house.
Holmdel Park – North Section
Short, easy trails that are good as a mild introduction to hiking or for hiking with kids.
Musconetcong Gorge Preserve
Plenty of waterfalls and cascades along a stream running through a scenic gorge, plus a section of the Highlands Trail.
Julian Capik Preserve
Julian Capik Preserve is a small park in Sayreville good for a short local hike.
