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.
Julian Capik Preserve
Julian Capik Preserve is a small park in Sayreville good for a short local hike.
Tamarack Hollow Preserve
A short, easy local leg-stretcher hike with some bird-watching opportunities.
Farrington Lake Trail
Short, easy trail along Farrington Lake that can connect to Davidson’s Mill Pond and Ireland Brook Conservation Area.
Bunker Hill Natural Area
Short trails along fields and through forests, with a 30-foot cliff near Ten Mile Run.
Davidson’s Mill Pond Park
Short trails along ponds and on twisty boardwalks through a shady forest, plus garden displays and a butterfly house.
Washington Crossing State Park
Hike with history at a scenic park near the site of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and the Continental Army’s route to Trenton in 1776.
Sourland Mountain Preserve
Hike over boardwalks and through the boulders of Devil’s Half Acre and Roaring Rocks.
Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve
Easy hike around the edges of grasslands and through some forested areas with plenty of birding opportunities.
Butler Road Natural Area
Three short loops surrounding the Ten Mile Run Stream that can be combined or hiked alone.