New Jersey offers hundreds of incredible hiking opportunities, though some are more manageable than others. There’s nothing more relaxing than a long hike, but we don’t all have the time and energy. Shorter hikes are perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking to take a brief but rewarding stroll through New Jersey’s natural beauty. We’ve searched through dozens of trails to bring you some of the best short hikes in the state. All of the hikes below are manageable for most, coming in at three miles or less! Come see why we think these are among the best hikes in New Jersey:
- Tillman Ravine, Stokes State Forest
NJHiking.com This 2.3-mile hike is often combined with the adjoining Van Campens Glen Trail for a longer (yet still manageable) hike. As a standalone hike, it still has plenty to offer, featuring several cascades and the historic Walpack Cemetery. This is one of our favorite hiking trails in New Jersey. Tillman Ravine, Tilman Rd, Branchville, NJ 07826, USA
- Hawk Rock Viewpoint, Ramapo County Valley Reservation
NJHiking.com Starting at the wooden kiosk near the parking area, take the main path past Scarlet Oak Pond and then follow the green trail toward Hawk Rock at the Ramapo County Valley Reservation. The trek offers lovely pond views and an incredibly scenic outlook, pictured. The hike to the viewpoint is just one mile long, though you’ll need to take the same trails back for a total of two miles. Ramapo Valley County Reservation, 608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA
- Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
NJHiking.com Van Campens Glen, located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, may be the most rewarding short hike in New Jersey. This easy to navigate trail comes in at just 1.6-miles round trip and offers spectacular views of several waterfalls. VanCampens Glen Falls, Old Mine Rd, Hardwick Township, NJ 07825, USA
- Hacklebarney State Park
NJHiking.com There are only 6 miles of trails in this state park, so you really can’t go wrong here when looking for a short hike. All of the trails are enjoyable, though there are two that I feel stand out. The first is an approximately 2.6-mile loop that takes you around the Main and Red Trails. The Red Trail runs along the beautiful black river and offers numerous spots for fishing and picnicking along the way. The second trail is even shorter at just around .75 miles. Take the Main Trail to the Waterfall Trail, and make a left on the Red Trail to get back to the parking lot. It’s that easy, and you’ll score great views of Hacklebarney Falls. Hacklebarney State Park, 119 Hacklebarney Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853, USA
- Thompson Park, Middlesex County
NJHiking.com Enjoy a short hike and a long day of family fun. Besides offering several short trails, you’ll find a lake, playground, picnic areas, dog park, basketball and tennis courts, and even a small sanctuary featuring farm and barn animals. The White Trail is a good pick, coming in at under a mile out and back. It’s right near a parking area, lake and the animal haven. Thompson park is also one of the best places for fall color in New Jersey. Thompson Drive, Thompson Dr, Monroe Township, NJ 08831, USA
- Cove Trail, Manasquan Reservoir
Flickr/b k This Howell hike is absolutely breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. The 1.1-mile Cove Trail will take you past a portion of the reservoir itself, wetlands for wildlife viewing and the environmental center. If you’re up for a longer hike, the 5.1-mile Perimeter Trail loops around the entire reservoir offering incredible scenery from all angles. Manasquan Reservoir, Howell Township, NJ 07731, USA
- Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone
NJHiking.com There are several multi-use trails at Perrineville Lake Park, but one of the easiest is also the most scenic. The 1.5-mile Lakeside Loop trail takes hikers along the lake and features opportunities for fishing and boating, there is also a picnic area at the very end, right near the parking lot. Perrineville Lake Park, 143 Baird Rd, Millstone, NJ 08535, USA
- Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
Flickr/Hypnotica Studios The highlight of this Pinelands park is the five-story visitor’s center with an amazing observation deck. We highly recommend the .5-mile Plant Discovery Trail for an easy pondside stroll surrounded by gardens. For a more challenging hike, consider the 3.8-mile Tindey (Blue) Trail. Jakes Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Rd, Beachwood, NJ 08722, USA
- Goat Hill Overlook, Washington Crossing State Park
NJHiking.com About 2 miles out and back, this short hike offers some seriously scenic viewpoints. Look out on the Delaware River, New Hope and Lambertville from atop Goat Hill. There are several other, more rugged, trails to enjoy though they aren’t as clearly marked. Goat Hill Overlook Trail, West Amwell Township, NJ 08530, USA
- Cattus Island Park, Toms River
Flickr/Andrea Noren This waterfront park is a popular spot for birdwatchers and has two great trails to choose from. While there were once more, several are currently closed due to storm damage. The 1.5-mile Yellowbrook Trail is the easiest of the two, located right off the Bandon Road Parking Area. The 2.2-mile Island Loop is also bike friendly and offers several osprey nesting areas along the path. The trek to and from the Cattus Island Boulevard Parking Area will add an extra .75 miles or so to the trip. Cattus Island Road, Cattus Island Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA
- River Overlook Trail, Peek Preserve
NJHiking.com River Overlook Trail comes in at around .75 miles round trip, offers views of the Maurice River, and exceptional odds of spotting a bald eagle. To up your chances even more, add the 1.5-mile Red Overlook Trail to your trip. Combined, they still come in at under 3 miles, and you’ll also enjoy white cedar swamp views. Peek Preserve, 1720 S 2nd St #1600, Millville, NJ 08332, USA
- Cape May Point State Park
Flickr/pml2008 All three of Cape May Point State Park’s trails offer something extra special - both pond and lighthouse views. Ranging from .5 to 1.5 miles, these trails also provide several spots for wildlife viewing, and the park features a concession stand and interpretive center. Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, USA
Who says a hike has to last forever to be amazing? These short trails offer a bit of everything and they’re only just the start. For directions, additional information, and alternative options, check out NJ Hiking. For more of the best hikes in New Jersey, check out these epic New Jersey trails. For a challenging hike, check out the BaToNa Trail.
NJHiking.com
This 2.3-mile hike is often combined with the adjoining Van Campens Glen Trail for a longer (yet still manageable) hike. As a standalone hike, it still has plenty to offer, featuring several cascades and the historic Walpack Cemetery. This is one of our favorite hiking trails in New Jersey.
Tillman Ravine, Tilman Rd, Branchville, NJ 07826, USA
Starting at the wooden kiosk near the parking area, take the main path past Scarlet Oak Pond and then follow the green trail toward Hawk Rock at the Ramapo County Valley Reservation. The trek offers lovely pond views and an incredibly scenic outlook, pictured. The hike to the viewpoint is just one mile long, though you’ll need to take the same trails back for a total of two miles.
Ramapo Valley County Reservation, 608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA
Van Campens Glen, located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, may be the most rewarding short hike in New Jersey. This easy to navigate trail comes in at just 1.6-miles round trip and offers spectacular views of several waterfalls.
VanCampens Glen Falls, Old Mine Rd, Hardwick Township, NJ 07825, USA
There are only 6 miles of trails in this state park, so you really can’t go wrong here when looking for a short hike. All of the trails are enjoyable, though there are two that I feel stand out. The first is an approximately 2.6-mile loop that takes you around the Main and Red Trails. The Red Trail runs along the beautiful black river and offers numerous spots for fishing and picnicking along the way. The second trail is even shorter at just around .75 miles. Take the Main Trail to the Waterfall Trail, and make a left on the Red Trail to get back to the parking lot. It’s that easy, and you’ll score great views of Hacklebarney Falls.
Hacklebarney State Park, 119 Hacklebarney Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853, USA
Enjoy a short hike and a long day of family fun. Besides offering several short trails, you’ll find a lake, playground, picnic areas, dog park, basketball and tennis courts, and even a small sanctuary featuring farm and barn animals. The White Trail is a good pick, coming in at under a mile out and back. It’s right near a parking area, lake and the animal haven. Thompson park is also one of the best places for fall color in New Jersey.
Thompson Drive, Thompson Dr, Monroe Township, NJ 08831, USA
Flickr/b k
This Howell hike is absolutely breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. The 1.1-mile Cove Trail will take you past a portion of the reservoir itself, wetlands for wildlife viewing and the environmental center. If you’re up for a longer hike, the 5.1-mile Perimeter Trail loops around the entire reservoir offering incredible scenery from all angles.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell Township, NJ 07731, USA
There are several multi-use trails at Perrineville Lake Park, but one of the easiest is also the most scenic. The 1.5-mile Lakeside Loop trail takes hikers along the lake and features opportunities for fishing and boating, there is also a picnic area at the very end, right near the parking lot.
Perrineville Lake Park, 143 Baird Rd, Millstone, NJ 08535, USA
Flickr/Hypnotica Studios
The highlight of this Pinelands park is the five-story visitor’s center with an amazing observation deck. We highly recommend the .5-mile Plant Discovery Trail for an easy pondside stroll surrounded by gardens. For a more challenging hike, consider the 3.8-mile Tindey (Blue) Trail.
Jakes Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Rd, Beachwood, NJ 08722, USA
About 2 miles out and back, this short hike offers some seriously scenic viewpoints. Look out on the Delaware River, New Hope and Lambertville from atop Goat Hill. There are several other, more rugged, trails to enjoy though they aren’t as clearly marked.
Goat Hill Overlook Trail, West Amwell Township, NJ 08530, USA
Flickr/Andrea Noren
This waterfront park is a popular spot for birdwatchers and has two great trails to choose from. While there were once more, several are currently closed due to storm damage. The 1.5-mile Yellowbrook Trail is the easiest of the two, located right off the Bandon Road Parking Area. The 2.2-mile Island Loop is also bike friendly and offers several osprey nesting areas along the path. The trek to and from the Cattus Island Boulevard Parking Area will add an extra .75 miles or so to the trip.
Cattus Island Road, Cattus Island Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA
River Overlook Trail comes in at around .75 miles round trip, offers views of the Maurice River, and exceptional odds of spotting a bald eagle. To up your chances even more, add the 1.5-mile Red Overlook Trail to your trip. Combined, they still come in at under 3 miles, and you’ll also enjoy white cedar swamp views.
Peek Preserve, 1720 S 2nd St #1600, Millville, NJ 08332, USA
Flickr/pml2008
All three of Cape May Point State Park’s trails offer something extra special - both pond and lighthouse views. Ranging from .5 to 1.5 miles, these trails also provide several spots for wildlife viewing, and the park features a concession stand and interpretive center.
Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, USA
What hikes in New Jersey would you call the best hikes in New Jersey? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in New Jersey July 29, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best kid-friendly hikes around New Jersey? As it turns out, New Jersey is a tiny state with big aspirations when it comes to hiking. There are hundreds of wonderful hiking trails in New Jersey, many of which are perfectly kid-friendly and easy. Some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around New Jersey include amazing little gems like the Cheesequake Green Trail, an easy, 3.1-mile trek around Cheesequake State Park (no, there is no cheese, we already checked). Another favorite child-friendly hiking trail in New Jersey is the 1.7-mile Lake Surprise Loop via W. R Tracy Drive, and we also adore the Mills Reservation Trail, a 2.1-mile hike through the scenic Mills Reservation County Park. What are some wonderful scenic hikes in New Jersey? We’re pretty sure that every hike in New Jersey is a scenic hike in New Jersey, but we digress. There definitely are a decently sized handful of picture-perfect hiking trails in New Jersey worth mentioning, like the beautiful (but challenging) Mount Tammany: Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail. It’s not overly long, at 3.6 miles in length, but it is challenging (and worth the adventure thanks to its amazing scenery). We also really love the Stairway to Heaven Trail at Wawayanda State Park, and honestly, most of the hiking trails in New Jersey state parks are scenic enough to warrant a mention. What are the best easy hikes in New Jersey? Some hikes are rated as easy but are on the longer side, and we think those are some of the best easy hikes in New Jersey, hands down! Amazingly, there are more than 980 trails rated as “easy” in New Jersey, and we love them all. Some of our favorite easy hikes in New Jersey that are a little longer include the Blackwells, Creek, and Cedar Trail Loop at Six Mile Run State Park. It’s 7.8 miles long, but it’s so pretty that it’s easy to lose track of time and distance along the way. Another favorite long hike in New Jersey rated as easy is the 10.4-mile Saddle River Trail at Saddle River County Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in New Jersey
July 29, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best kid-friendly hikes around New Jersey? As it turns out, New Jersey is a tiny state with big aspirations when it comes to hiking. There are hundreds of wonderful hiking trails in New Jersey, many of which are perfectly kid-friendly and easy. Some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around New Jersey include amazing little gems like the Cheesequake Green Trail, an easy, 3.1-mile trek around Cheesequake State Park (no, there is no cheese, we already checked). Another favorite child-friendly hiking trail in New Jersey is the 1.7-mile Lake Surprise Loop via W. R Tracy Drive, and we also adore the Mills Reservation Trail, a 2.1-mile hike through the scenic Mills Reservation County Park. What are some wonderful scenic hikes in New Jersey? We’re pretty sure that every hike in New Jersey is a scenic hike in New Jersey, but we digress. There definitely are a decently sized handful of picture-perfect hiking trails in New Jersey worth mentioning, like the beautiful (but challenging) Mount Tammany: Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail. It’s not overly long, at 3.6 miles in length, but it is challenging (and worth the adventure thanks to its amazing scenery). We also really love the Stairway to Heaven Trail at Wawayanda State Park, and honestly, most of the hiking trails in New Jersey state parks are scenic enough to warrant a mention. What are the best easy hikes in New Jersey? Some hikes are rated as easy but are on the longer side, and we think those are some of the best easy hikes in New Jersey, hands down! Amazingly, there are more than 980 trails rated as “easy” in New Jersey, and we love them all. Some of our favorite easy hikes in New Jersey that are a little longer include the Blackwells, Creek, and Cedar Trail Loop at Six Mile Run State Park. It’s 7.8 miles long, but it’s so pretty that it’s easy to lose track of time and distance along the way. Another favorite long hike in New Jersey rated as easy is the 10.4-mile Saddle River Trail at Saddle River County Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As it turns out, New Jersey is a tiny state with big aspirations when it comes to hiking. There are hundreds of wonderful hiking trails in New Jersey, many of which are perfectly kid-friendly and easy. Some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around New Jersey include amazing little gems like the Cheesequake Green Trail, an easy, 3.1-mile trek around Cheesequake State Park (no, there is no cheese, we already checked). Another favorite child-friendly hiking trail in New Jersey is the 1.7-mile Lake Surprise Loop via W. R Tracy Drive, and we also adore the Mills Reservation Trail, a 2.1-mile hike through the scenic Mills Reservation County Park.
What are some wonderful scenic hikes in New Jersey?
We’re pretty sure that every hike in New Jersey is a scenic hike in New Jersey, but we digress. There definitely are a decently sized handful of picture-perfect hiking trails in New Jersey worth mentioning, like the beautiful (but challenging) Mount Tammany: Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail. It’s not overly long, at 3.6 miles in length, but it is challenging (and worth the adventure thanks to its amazing scenery). We also really love the Stairway to Heaven Trail at Wawayanda State Park, and honestly, most of the hiking trails in New Jersey state parks are scenic enough to warrant a mention.
What are the best easy hikes in New Jersey?
Some hikes are rated as easy but are on the longer side, and we think those are some of the best easy hikes in New Jersey, hands down! Amazingly, there are more than 980 trails rated as “easy” in New Jersey, and we love them all. Some of our favorite easy hikes in New Jersey that are a little longer include the Blackwells, Creek, and Cedar Trail Loop at Six Mile Run State Park. It’s 7.8 miles long, but it’s so pretty that it’s easy to lose track of time and distance along the way. Another favorite long hike in New Jersey rated as easy is the 10.4-mile Saddle River Trail at Saddle River County Park.
