Red Dot and Blue Blaze Trails at Mount Tammany
Best hike for views
3 miles (4.8km) round trip, 2 hours, hard
The Kittatinny Mountains of New Jersey may be more rocky ridges than true mountains, but their beauty is undeniable. The most famous peak of the range is Mount Tammany, located on the east side of the breathtaking Delaware Water Gap. The view from its 1500ft summit is spectacular, especially in the fall when vibrant autumn colors adorn the landscape.
You can reach the summit via two trails: the Red Dot and the Blue Blaze. The Red Dot Trail presents a steep climb, featuring a vertical gain of 1200ft over 1.2 miles, while the Blue Blaze Trail offers a meandering path, covering the same elevation change over 1.7 miles.
For a rewarding experience, consider combining both trails – this approach allows for a challenging ascent, a well-deserved break at the summit to soak in the view, and a more leisurely return to the parking lot at the base.
Batona Trail
Best for a multi-day hike
50 miles (80.5km) one way, from two days, moderate
While New Jersey has limitations regarding backpack camping, the 50-mile Batona Trail is an exception worth exploring. This trail weaves through the infamous Pine Barrens, reputed to be the home of the mythical Jersey Devil. However, hikers are far more likely to encounter herons, deer, or even black bears than any creatures from local folklore.
Despite its relatively flat terrain, up to 20% of the trail consists of sand, providing an unexpected workout for your legs. While some determined hikers might complete it in two days, a common approach is to explore it in three to four days or via single-day hikes.
South Mountain Fairy Trail
Best hike for kids
1-mile round trip, 30 minutes, easy
Embark on a whimsical adventure as you hike along this sweet trail, just a half-mile out and back along the longer Rahway Trail in New Jersey’s South Mountain Reservation. For over a decade, local artist Therese Ojibway has delighted visitors by creating fairy houses using natural materials throughout the woods.
While the fairy houses began as an unofficial project, the park now embraces these charming installations, inviting hikers to add their own creations using only natural materials to align with the park’s “leave no trace” policy.
The Giant Stairs
Best workout hike
4 miles (2km) round trip, 3 hours, hard
If rock scrambles excite you, the Giant Stairs hike in Palisades Interstate Park promises a thrilling experience. This trail features a mile-long scramble descending from the cliffs to the Hudson River below. It’s an exhilarating adventure that also offers a great workout.
Along the way, don’t miss the Women’s Federation Monument, a structure honoring the contributions of women’s clubs in preserving the parkland. Additionally, Palisades Interstate Park boasts over 30 miles of trails—however, after the intense Giant Stairs experience, you may need a well-deserved break before tackling anything else!
Grand Loop Trail at Morristown National Historical Park
Best hike for history
6.5 miles (10.5km), 3.5 hours, moderate
History enthusiasts will delight in this hike at Morristown National Historical Park, a significant site from the Revolutionary War where George Washington’s Continental Army spent the harsh winter of 1779-80. The Grand Loop Trail encircles the historical Jockey Hollow woods, passing by various interpretive zones, including reconstructions of soldiers’ barracks.
However, it’s worth noting that hiking the trail is more than just a walk through history—it presents hilly terrain and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Buttermilk Falls
Best waterfall hike
2.8 miles (4.5km) round trip, 1 hour, moderate
New Jersey features a remarkable number of waterfalls, with Buttermilk Falls standing out as one of the tallest. Situated within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, visitors can choose a leisurely stroll to the cascades from the parking lot, although it’s particularly rewarding to hike the nearly three-mile out-and-back path to the top of the falls.
For a greater challenge, extend your trek to Crater Lake, which includes a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Zooming out even further, the park encompasses more than 150 miles of trails, offering diverse hiking options for all levels.
Stairway to Heaven (Pochuck Valley to Pinwheel Vista)
Best hike for trail variety
7.3 miles (11.8km) round trip, 4 hours, moderate
If you seek constant scenery on a hike, the extended Stairway to Heaven trail offers a captivating experience. This trail connects Pochuck Valley and Pinwheel Vista, presenting varied landscapes along the way.
The out-and-back hike begins with 2.5 miles of boardwalk that traverses wetlands, continues across a suspension bridge, and leads past a cow pasture before ascending a series of steep switchbacks to reach the overlook.
If you’re not ready for the ascent to Stairway to Heaven, consider stopping at the suspension bridge and turning back—this cuts about two miles off the total distance and avoids the elevation gain.
Cape May Point State Park
Best beach hike
1.7 miles (2.7km) round trip, 45 minutes, easy
Journey to Exit 0 on the Parkway to discover Cape May Point State Park, an all-encompassing oceanfront retreat featuring a lighthouse, beach, and even a World War II bunker.
The park offers three trails: a half-mile wheelchair-accessible loop over boardwalks through forests and wetlands, alongside a 1.5-mile trail and a two-mile trail that encircle the park and run along the dunes.
This region serves as a migration stop for various birds, monarch butterflies, and dragonflies, making it an excellent opportunity for birdwatching. While wildlife sightings vary with the seasons, expect to encounter ducks, rabbits, and foxes year-round.
Hacklebarney State Park
Best hike for fall foliage
2.5 miles (4km) round trip, 1.25 hours, easy
For breathtaking autumn colors, Hacklebarney State Park presents an ideal setting with its nine hiking trails spanning five miles of forest. The optimal route combines the Main Trail and the Riverside Trail, creating a smooth 2.5-mile loop characterized by gravel paths and minimal elevation gain.
Moreover, this trail follows the beautiful Black River, offering picturesque views as you meander through the stunning autumn scenery. With interconnected trails, frequent visitors have the opportunity to explore new routes on each visit, ensuring a delightful leaf-peeping experience.
