Top 10 Hikes in NJ

Updated:

The top 10 most popular hikes in New Jersey, ranked by visitor traffic to njHiking.com! This list is updated annually at the end of December using data from the past year.

Stream rushing over rocks surrounded by fall foliage.

#10 – Hacklebarney State Park

Gorgeous park that has the Black River as it’s centerpiece and is stunning in the fall.

Trails here are good for shorter hikes, hiking with kids (lots to look at and never far from the car), or basically anyone who wants to experience a wonderful outdoor setting without a ton of effort. Morris County, NJ.


White trail blaze on a tree in a pine forest near Batsto Lake.

#9 – Batsto Lake Trail – Wharton State Forest

Easy loop through New Jersey’s Pine Barrens and along Batsto Lake.

New Jersey’s beautiful pine forests are green year round so it’s a scenic hike in any season. Explore the buildings in the historical Village of Batsto afterwards. Burlington County, NJ.


Stone water tower on a rocky hill surrounded by forest.

#8 – Castle Loop at Ramapo Mountain

Explore the ruins of Van Slyke Castle on a rugged hike that includes scenic lake, interesting stone ruins, and multiple viewpoints packed into just over 3 miles.

For a longer variation check out the Grand Castle Loop. Bergen County, NJ.


Sunfish Pond with rocks in the foreground and bright green hills beyond.

#7 – Sunfish Pond

Hike through some of the prettiest forest in New Jersey and arrive at Sunfish Pond, a glacial lake 1,000 feet above the surrounding area.

Follow along Dunnfield Creek to Sunfish Pond and return via the famous Appalachian Trail, or do Mt. Tammany and Sunfish Pond for a more challenging version. Warren County, NJ.


Large boulder field along a trail in Autumn.

#6 – Sourland Mountain

Hike over boardwalks and through the boulders of Devil’s Half Acre and Roaring Rocks. A solid loop with plenty of interesting rock formations. Somerset County, NJ.


Buttermilk Falls flowing after a heavy rain in Spring.

#5 – Buttermilk Falls

This route starts at NJ’s highest waterfall, Buttermilk Falls. The waterfall is just mere steps from the parking lot before starting the hike. Then head steeply uphill to meet up with the Appalachian Trail before continuing on to Crater Lake and Hemlock Pond. Sussex County, NJ.


Hiker navigating a boulder rock field called the Giant Stairs.

#4 – The Giant Stairs

Enjoy views from Jersey’s Palisades over the Hudson River of the New York skyline and tackle a unique rock scramble.

While popular, and rightfully so, this hike is challenging and is not everyone’s cup-of-tea (…but it is really cool!). Bergen County, NJ.


Hemlock Falls trickling down over basalt rock.

#3 – South Mountain – Hemlock Falls

Moderate hike that takes in a viewpoint from historic Washington Rock, Hemlock Falls, the Rahway River, and the Fairy Trail in just under 6 miles.

For easier hikes try the short-n-sweet Hemlock Falls Loop or if you have little hikers take them to discover the South Mountain Fairy Trail (also fun for big hikers!). Essex County, NJ.


View of the valley below from Pinwheel Vista.

#2 – Stairway to Heaven

Hike boardwalks, a suspension bridge, hardwood forest, fields of wildflowers, train tracks, a cow pasture, a boulder field – all along the famous Appalachian Trail.

Then steeply climb the “Stairway to Heaven” to one of the best viewpoints in New Jersey, Pinwheel Vista.

For shorter sections of this hike, try the kid-friendly Pochuck Boardwalk or just do the short-n-steep Stairway to Heaven to Pinwheel Vista part. Sussex County, NJ.


View of Mt. Minsi from the summit of Mt. Tammany.

#1 – Mt. Tammany

This is a Jersey classic for good reason. Hike steeply uphill to a fantastic overlook of the “Gap” – the break in the Kittatinny Mountains that was carved by the Delaware River.

At the top enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area and of Mt. Minsi across the river and return along Dunnfield Creek nestled in a scenic gorge.

For a longer, challenging version check out Mt. Tammany and Sunfish Pond or try our “Mind The Gap” hike to conquer Mt. Tammany and Mt. Minsi in one day. Warren County, NJ.

This list contains many of the best hikes in NJ but if you need more ideas we’ve got you covered:
Best Hikes in NJ
Best Hikes Central Jersey
Best Hikes South Jersey
Best Waterfall Hikes
Best Foliage Hikes
Easy Hikes
Challenging Hikes
Hike Finder Map
All Hike Guides

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