John A. Phillips Preserve
Small county park with a very nice trail system through a pine forest with several short, easy loops – or combine all for a 5.0 mile hike.
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.
Rutgers Ecological Preserve
Small parcel of old growth forest with a network of easy, scenic trails near Rutgers New Brunswick campus.
Thompson Park – Monmouth County
Hike through fields and forest around Swimming River Reservoir and Marlu Lake in Monmouth County.
Sourland Mountain Preserve
Hike over boardwalks and through the boulders of Devil’s Half Acre and Roaring Rocks.
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.
