Wanaque Ridge Trail – Ramapo Mountain State Forest
Hike to Ramapo Lake, Van Slyke castle ruins, and enjoy views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains from Wanaque ridge.
North NJ Hikes
Hike guides for the rugged northern portion of New Jersey. The majority of Jersey’s well known hikes are located across this region – Mt. Tammany, Stairway to Heaven, Wyanokie High Point, and the Giant Stairs. Listed by last updated.
Also check out Best Hikes in NJ for a curated collection or Hiking in NJ for the master list of every hike guide on the site.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest
This long route takes in Ramapo Lake, Van Slyke Castle ruins, plus views of the surrounding area and of NYC.
Hanks Pond – Bearfort Fire Tower
Hike to Hanks Pond and Bearfort Fire Tower in the Pequannock Watershed.
Echo Lake – Highlands Trail
Mostly level hiking on moderate trail with a few minor changes in elevation, plus a lot easy woods road walking.
Governor Mountain – Ringwood State Park
Hike the Cooper Union Trail to a rock outcrop for a stunning view over the Wanaque Reservoir.
Beaver Brook Trail to Lost Lake
Hiking the Beaver Brook trail to Lost Lake, where there is a beaver lodge and dam.
Wyanokie High Point, Carris Hill, Buck Mountain
Rugged, hilly, challenging route to Wyanokie High Point, Carris Hill, Buck Mountain and Chikahoki Falls with views of the NJ Highlands and NYC Skyline.
Norvin Green – Wyanokie High Point, Chikahoki Falls, Otter Hole
Chikahoki Falls, Otter Hole, and a 360° view from Wyanokie High Point, including NYC on a clear day.
Peanut Leap Cascade – Palisades
Enjoy expansive views over the Hudson River to New York City, a pretty waterfall, ruins, and a rope swing.
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.
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.