A selection of easy hikes around New Jersey that are great for beginners and those who just want a quick hike.
All of these hikes are under 3 miles and have a mostly mild trail surface and little elevation change. This is a collection of suggested easy hikes in NJ – visit our Short Hikes page for more ideas or try a section of a level multi-use rail-trail.
These hikes are listed in order – loosely – from north to south Jersey.
Stony Lake Loop
Easy hike around Stony Lake and to two small waterfalls.
Pleasant hike that is very pretty in Fall and there may be a beaver dam on the lake.
2.5 or 1.3 miles / Stokes State Forest / Sussex County, NJ
Tillman Ravine
Shady hike in a pretty hemlock forest featuring nice cascades.
It’s worthwhile and enjoyable to extend the hike to Walpack Cemetery – but that can be driven to if you’d like to see it without hiking.
1.0 mile / Stokes State Forest, Sussex County, NJ
Pochuck Boardwalk
Hike through a scenic marshy area on a long boardwalk and over the Pochuck Suspension Bridge.
Unique walk but super popular and can get very crowded; limited parking.
2.0 miles / Wawayanda State Park / Sussex County / Vernon, NJ
Related: Best Waterfall Hikes
Allamuchy Pond Trail
Short out-and-back hike through a pretty forest along Allamuchy Pond.
Bonus: After, stop at the scenic overlook about a mile further east on Rt 80 for a view of the Water Gap in the distance.
2.8 Miles / Allamuchy Mountain State Park / Warren County / Allamuchy Township, NJ
Hemlock Falls
Short hike to two beautiful waterfalls and a brook. Great for a cold-weather hike as the falls are interesting and especially beautiful when frozen. Falls can be minimal in dry conditions.
1.8 or 1.2 miles / South Mountain Reservation / Essex County / West Orange, NJ
South Mountain Fairy Trail
Easy, short trail lined with whimsical “fairy houses” made entirely of natural materials. With plenty of clever little houses to discover, it’s perfect for little hikers.
1.0 miles or less / South Mountain Reservation / Essex County / Millburn, NJ
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Hike on boardwalks through a swamp with the chance to observe wildlife in this interesting park. The majority of this trail is ADA accessible.
1.8 or 2.0 miles / Great Swamp NWR / Morris County / Gillette, NJ
Related: Best Foliage Hikes
Davidson’s Mill Pond Park
Trails along ponds and on twisty boardwalks through a shady forest.
Enjoyable series of short trails in the forested perimeter around a center field area that has garden displays. Bonus: garden displays and a butterfly house in season.
2.5 miles / Middlesex County / North Brunswick, NJ
Manasquan Reservoir
Scenic stroll on a multi-use gravel trail around the Manasquan Reservoir.
Easy but packs in a lot of nice scenery all along the way.
Up to 5.1 miles for the full loop; turn around for less / Monmouth County / Howell, NJ
Fiddlers Creek Preserve
Hike along a creek in a rocky ravine and through fields undergoing reforestation.
Fields that were once farmed have been replanted with native trees and plants, and a stream once used to power a mill now flows quietly through a rocky ravine. Same parking lot as Baldpate Mountain.
2.2 miles / Mercer County / Titusville, NJ
Related: Top 10 Hikes
Jakes Branch County Park
Hike the Tindey loop for an intro to the Pine Barrens. There are several bail-out options to shorten it more.
Fantastic visitor center with a 5-story observation deck (ADA accessible), playground, and picnic area makes this a great destination for families.
If you’ve got little ones keep it really short-n-fun with the Play Trail loop. This features an easy surface and clever playground equipment stations along the trail.
3.7 miles or less / Ocean County / Beachwood, NJ
Tom’s Pond Trail
Hike through Batsto Village to an Atlantic white cedar swamp along the Mullica River.
Nice route that combines historical Batsto Village with a Pine Barrens hike in a cedar swamp and along a river.
2.7 miles / Wharton State Forest / Burlington County / Hammonton, NJ
Tall Pines Preserve
Hike through a former golf course being reclaimed by nature.
Paved loop that can be cut shorter with a network of paths. While relatively accessible, there are some minor hills and some dirt sections that might be difficult for a wheelchair.
2.4 miles; or less / Gloucester County / Wenonah, NJ
Commercial Township Wetlands
Hike with observation boardwalks along restored wetlands near the Maurice River on the Delaware Bay side of New Jersey.
Nice example of the diverse natural environment we have in Jersey.
3.6 miles; or turn around sooner / Cumberland County / Port Norris NJ