What are your plans for this weekend?
If you’re still deciding, how about exploring the beautiful trails near Weehawken?
Taking time to explore the outdoors can be one of the most refreshing things you can do, especially if you’ve been feeling cooped up or burned out lately.
That’s why we’ve done the hard part for you and put together a list of top trail recommendations.
Plus, these are the trails with great reviews from hikers online and some personal touches from our experiences.
So, let us guide you to the perfect outdoor adventure for your weekend!
- If you want a simple city walk with great views, the High Line is a 1.5-mile path above the streets with gardens, benches, and art.
- If you enjoy walking by the water, Liberty State Park has a 4.8-mile trail with clear views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City.
- If you like history and amazing sights, the Brooklyn Bridge Walk is a 1.1-mile path with views of the river, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
1. Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park in Jersey City is a big, open park where you can enjoy walking and taking in some of the best views of New York City.
The trail is 4.8 miles long, easy to follow, and gives you amazing sights of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Along the way, you’ll also pass landmarks like the Columbus Monument and the Liberation Monument.
The trail has smooth paved paths and natural walkways, so it’s great for walking, jogging, or a relaxed family stroll.
There’s even an Interpretive Center where you can stop to learn more about the park and its environment. It’s a nice way to add a little education to your outing.
If you have a dog, you’ll love that the park is pet-friendly, as long as your dog is on a leash.
One of the best times to visit Liberty State Park is at sunset.
The sky lights up with beautiful colors, and you can enjoy stunning views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty as the sun sets behind them.
2. High Line
The High Line in Manhattan is not your typical trail—it’s an old railway line turned into a walkway above the city streets.
It’s about 1.5 miles long and 30 feet above the ground, with plants, seating areas, and great views of the Hudson River and the city.
The pathway is flat and easy to walk, with plenty of spots to stop, sit, and enjoy the surroundings.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the High Line is how you’ll find nature, art, and city views all in one place.
The walkway is lined with gardens carefully designed to match the neighborhoods you’re walking through.
You’ll see flowers, trees, and plants that make the space feel calm and green.
Along the trail, there are also changing art pieces, such as sculptures and murals.
This means that even if you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to see.
You can stop on a bench and enjoy the views of the Hudson River on one side and the city’s tall buildings on the other.
The High Line is also a place where a multitude of events happen.
You might encounter a guided tour, a yoga class, or even a live performance as you walk.
Depending on when you visit, there might be pop-up art shows or food stands to check out.
At the end of your walk, you can stop by Chelsea Market, which is nearby.
This indoor market is full of food stalls where you can grab something to eat, like fresh seafood, baked goods, or international dishes like sushi or tacos.
3. Brooklyn Bridge Walk
The Brooklyn Bridge Walk is one of the best ways to see New York City from above.
The 1.1-mile trail takes you from Brooklyn to Manhattan, offering wide views of both skylines and the East River below.
The pedestrian walkway is made of wood and sits above the lanes of traffic, so you have a clear and safe path to walk.
You’ll also see the bridge’s huge towers, which are built from limestone and granite, rising high into the sky.
As you walk, you’ll notice plaques along the way with facts about the bridge, like how it was finished in 1883 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time.
One fun story you’ll see mentioned is how, in 1884, P.T. Barnum marched 21 elephants across the bridge to show it was safe.
The views are the main reason people come here.
You can see the Statue of Liberty in the distance, the Manhattan skyline on one side, and Brooklyn on the other.
It’s especially nice around sunrise or sunset when the light makes the city look even more beautiful.
The bridge can get busy, especially during the day, so mornings or weekdays are better if you want more space.
When you reach the Manhattan side, you’ll end up near City Hall Park, a good spot to relax or start exploring lower Manhattan.
Since this walk combines amazing views, a bit of history, and the feel of New York all in one, it’s something you have to try at least once.
4. Northwest Central Park Loop
The Northwest Central Park Loop is a 3.63-mile trail that gives you a peaceful experience in one of the quieter areas of Central Park.
Unlike the busier sections of the park, this loop offers a more relaxing atmosphere, making it ideal for families, walkers, and joggers.
The path is well-kept, and while there are moderate elevation changes, it’s not too difficult for most people.
You’ll enjoy open, sunny spaces and shaded areas under the park’s trees as you go along the trail.
The biggest highlight is the beautiful view of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
The calm water, surrounded by greenery and the distant skyline, makes this spot particularly stunning.
It’s a great place to pause, take in the view, or even snap a photo.
And best of all, the loop is enjoyable in every season.
In the spring, you’ll see flowers blooming along the trail, and in the fall, the trees burst into shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a colorful and calming environment.
5. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Running Path
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Running Path is a 1.68-mile loop that circles the iconic reservoir in Central Park.
This trail is flat and easy to follow, which makes it popular for both walkers and runners.
The scenery really stands out here, with the peaceful water of the reservoir on one side and the towering New York City skyline on the other.
If you want to enjoy this path at its best, go early in the morning.
At that time, the trail is less crowded, and you can fully appreciate the calm atmosphere.
The morning light reflecting off the water adds to the peaceful vibe and makes the views even more stunning.
This trail is especially beautiful in the spring when cherry blossoms bloom along certain parts of the path.
In the fall, the trees around the reservoir turn bright colors––a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.
It’s a short loop, but it’s perfect if you want to fit in a quick run or take a relaxing walk while enjoying some of Central Park’s best views.
6. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens feature a 1.34-mile loop trail that’s like stepping into a quiet, natural retreat in the middle of Brooklyn.
This trail takes you through a variety of gardens filled with plants and flowers from around the world.
What makes this place extra special is how it changes with the seasons.
In spring, for example, the cherry blossoms are the star of the show.
The trees burst into pink and white blooms, creating a beautiful canopy that draws visitors from all over.
As you follow the trail, you’ll pass ponds, small groves, and open green spaces, all designed to make the walk relaxing and visually interesting.
And you’ll undoubtedly be mesmerized when you see the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden.
The gardens are located next to the Brooklyn Museum, so it’s easy to plan a full day by visiting both.
7. Prospect Park Loop
The Prospect Park Loop is a 3.65-mile paved trail that circles Brooklyn’s most famous park.
It takes you through open fields, shady paths, and some of the park’s most popular areas.
The trail has a gentle elevation gain of 223 feet, so it’s easy enough for walking, jogging, or biking.
The most noticeable feature along the loop has to be the Long Meadow, a massive 90-acre stretch of open grass that’s ideal for picnics or playing games.
The trail also leads you past Prospect Park Lake, a peaceful spot where you can watch ducks, sit by the water, or even rent a pedal boat in the summer.
The trail is wide and usually busy, especially on weekends, so expect to share the space with plenty of other people.
Another highlight is the Zucker Natural Exploration Area, a playground made from salvaged trees that were knocked down during Hurricane Sandy.
Kids love it because it feels more like a little forest adventure than a typical playground.
If you’re walking the loop with family, it’s a great place to stop for a while.
For those interested in wildlife, the Prospect Park Zoo is also along the loop.
It’s small but well-loved by locals and features animals like red pandas and sea lions.
The trail is accessible year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons.
In spring, the trees and flowers bloom, and you’ll get lost in the vibrant and colorful beauty.
And in summer, the shaded areas are a welcome relief from the heat.
Fall is probably the most stunning time to visit, though, as the trees show off their bright orange and red leaves.
It’s a heavily used trail, but it’s well-maintained and offers plenty to see along the way.
8. Dyckman Hill/Carpenter’s Grove Loop
The Dyckman Hill/Carpenter’s Grove Loop in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, is a 4-mile trail that’s perfect if you want a mix of a good workout and great views.
The trail gains 400 feet in elevation, and parts of it can be pretty steep, especially the climb back up the Palisades.
It’s not the easiest hike, but it’s short enough to be doable for most moderately active people.
The hike starts at Allison Park, where you can catch sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline before you even begin.
As you descend along the Dyckman Trail, you’ll make your way down stone steps toward the river.
This part of the trail feels very quiet and peaceful, with lots of trees and shade.
At the bottom, you’ll reach the Englewood Boat Basin, a small marina where you can take a short break.
The next part of the hike takes you along the Shore Trail, which runs right beside the river.
This section is probably the most scenic, especially when you approach the George Washington Bridge.
The towering bridge, the river, and the cliffs make for some really dramatic views, especially on a clear day.
The hardest part comes when you climb back up the Carpenter’s Grove Trail.
The steps are steep, and it’s definitely a workout, but the reward is the view from the top, which takes in the river, the cliffs, and the city in the distance.
This loop is a great option for hikers who want a challenge but don’t want to commit to a long hike.
9. Hike at Mills Reservation
Mills Reservation in Cedar Grove, NJ, is a simple, quiet 2-mile loop trail that’s great for a short outing.
It’s not a difficult hike, with only 200 feet of elevation gain, but it’s enough to feel like you’re getting a little exercise.
The trail is wide and mostly flat, making it ideal for families, dog walkers, or anyone looking for an easy walk in the woods.
The highlight of the hike is the blue trail, which leads to a viewpoint where you can see the New York City skyline on a clear day.
It’s not a dramatic view but a nice reward after walking through the forest.
The rest of the trail takes you through a mix of shaded wooded areas and open sections.
It’s particularly pretty in the fall when the leaves turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Parking is available near the trailhead, though the lot is small and can fill up on weekends.
There’s another parking option a short drive away if the main lot is full.
The reservation is relatively quiet compared to other hiking spots, and the trails are easy to follow with clear markers.
It’s where you go if you’re looking for a relaxing walk rather than a big adventure.
10. Bethpage Bikeway
The Bethpage Bikeway is a long, 13.4-mile asphalt trail that runs through suburban Long Island, connecting several parks and natural areas.
It’s a well-maintained path, mostly flat, and great for cyclists, runners, and walkers.
While it’s not a very secluded trail, it’s long enough to make you feel you’re getting away from it all.
The trail starts in the Massapequa Preserve, one of the most scenic parts of the route.
This section features ponds, wetlands, and plenty of wildlife.
From there, the path takes you through Bethpage State Park, where you’ll see more open fields and wooded areas.
The bikeway continues into Trail View State Park, offering stretches of shade and quiet away from the busier suburban areas.
While parts of the trail do run alongside busy roads, the quieter sections make up for it.
There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including parking areas and rest spots, so you can tackle the bikeway in smaller sections if the full 13.4 miles feels like too much.
Fall is probably the best time to use the bikeway because the trees along the trail put on a beautiful display of colors.
The bikeway is open year-round, so it’s a great resource whether you’re training for a cycling event or want a long, smooth path for a weekend ride or walk.
It’s not overly crowded, but you’ll usually see a steady flow of cyclists and joggers, especially on sunny days.
Discover These Top Trails Near You Now
What trail are you closest to, or which one have you been eyeing but haven’t yet made the time to visit?
Maybe you’ve been to a few of these spots before, but there’s always something new to discover.
If work has been running you ragged, or you’re feeling stuck in the monotony of daily life, now is the time to hit pause and recharge.
Trails like the peaceful Mills Reservation offer a chance to unwind in nature, where the only sounds you’ll hear are chirping birds and rustling leaves.
If you’re looking for a change of pace, why not challenge yourself with the Dyckman Hill/Carpenter’s Grove Loop?
Its steep steps and breathtaking views of the George Washington Bridge will leave you feeling both accomplished and refreshed.
So, lace up your shoes, grab a water bottle, and let yourself rediscover the joy of being outside.
Adventure is closer than you think—go find it!
