Appalachian Trail – Culvers Gap to Blue Mountain
Hike the Appalachian Trail from Culvers Gap to Blue Mountain for many expansive views.
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.
Swartswood State Park – Spring Lake
The first state park in New Jersey offers an easy hike through a beautiful forest to Spring Lake.
Swartswood Grist Mill Trail
From a historic grist mill, this short hike winds through forest past Swartswood Lake.
Four Birds Trail – Splitrock Reservoir
Rugged hike along Splitrock Reservoir to a nice viewpoint and break spot.
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Hike along grasslands, forests, wetlands, and a river with views across the Wallkill Valley and of the Kittatinny Ridge.
Wawayanda – Hoeferlin, Cedar Swamp, Red Dot
Longish loop through scenic forest, rhododendron tunnels, and cedar swamp… plus an encounter with a pair of black bears.
Wawayanda – Lake Loop and Twin Bridges
Enjoyable, shady, rhododendron filled hike around Wawayanda Lake from Lake Loop to Twin Bridges.
Butler (Kakeout) Reservoir
Long hike in the northern part of Pyramid Mountain Natural Area around Butler Reservoir.
Tourne County Park
Head to the Top of The Tourne for a glimpse of the NYC skyline then hike the perimeter of the park.
Skylands Manor – Ilgenstein Rock/Erskine Lookout
Views of the NYC skyline (Ilgenstein Rock) and of Wanaque Reservoir (Erskine Lookout) are along this hike in Ringwood State Park.
Grand Castle Loop
Hike to Van Slyke Castle while maximizing the viewpoints in Ramapo Mountain State Forest.
Wawayanda – Iron Mountain and Hoeferlin Loop
A long, pleasant wander through Wawayanda State Park on many of the park’s trails, with several stops along Wawayanda Lake.
Stephens State Park
A long route on mostly woods roads to a fire tower, or take it easy with short trails, picnic tables and playgrounds.