Mountain Lakes Open Space Princeton
Pretty trails, a lake, and an interesting large boulder field near Devil’s Cave.
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.
Washington Valley Park
Hike along Washington Valley Reservoir, East Branch Reservoir, Buttermilk Falls and a hawk watch.
Voorhees State Park
Hike a portion of the Highlands Trail and check out the Solar System trail in a park built by the CCC in the 1930s.
Merrill Creek Reservoir
Hike around Merrill Creek Reservoir for views of the water with opportunities to spot wildlife.
Point Mountain Reservation
Rocky hike that quickly arrives at a panorama over the surrounding hills, valleys, and farmland and returns along a stream.
Turkey Swamp – Metedeconk To Manasquan Loop
Hike a mix of pine trees and deciduous forest, past the Metedeconk and Manasquan Rivers, and a lake.
Turkey Swamp – Manasquan Trail
Easy loop through pine and deciduous forest, briefly following along the Manasquan River.
Holmdel Park – Ramanessin and Bayonet Farm
Hike rolling forested terrain around the edge of fields and an old farmstead.
Mercer County Park
Easy trail that skirts the edge of Lake Mercer, travels through woods and along fields and streams.
Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Reserve
Easy to moderate hiking through forests and along fields. Be sure to check for swans at the pond and look for the “Hobbit” tree.
Sourlands Mountain Preserve, Ecosystem Preserve and D&R Greenway
Scenic trail systems in Hunterdon and Mercer counties, with large boulder fields and multiple stream crossings.