If you think New Jersey’s all highways and diners, you’re in for a surprise.
This state has trails that take you right into deep forests, up rocky paths, and over hills with views that’ll, for sure, stop you in your tracks.
Whether you’re a weekend hiker or looking to tackle something new, NJ’s got a trail that’ll fit.
So, here’s where to head for the best hikes in the Garden State.
1. Mount Tammany Hike Overview
Mount Tammany stands out as one of the state’s most iconic trails for anyone hiking New Jersey.
This 3.5-mile trek offers some of the best views around, with an impressive overlook of the Delaware River winding below and Mt. Minsi across the border in Pennsylvania.
It’s a popular spot, so don’t be surprised if you share the trail with other hikers.
Mount Tammany Trail Guide
To start the hike, park at Dunnfield Creek and look for the Red Dot Trail near the southeast of the lot.
Head left at the first fork to stay on the trail—you’ll know you’re on the right path by the red blazes.
The initial stretch turns into stone steps, leading you to the first scenic lookout about half a mile up, where you’ll catch sweeping views of the Delaware River and Mount Minsi.
At 1.2 miles, the trail reaches its peak, revealing one of New Jersey’s most dramatic views.
Here, you’ll see the river carving through the landscape as it bends around Mount Minsi—a perfect spot to pause and take it all in (and maybe grab a snack).
From there, follow the Blue Trail down, known as the Pahaquarry Trail, for a steady descent with even more stunning sights along the way.
For those up for a longer journey, there’s an option to extend your hike along the Mount Tammany Fire Road, which links up with the Sunfish Pond loop for an 11-mile adventure and a chance to see another NJ landmark.
This trail can get steep in sections, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers or those up for a challenge.
Kids may handle it, too—just assess their stamina before hitting the trail.
And for anyone bringing a dog, keep them leashed at all times to ensure a safe trip for everyone.
2. Pochuck Boardwalk Hike Overview
The best boardwalk in New Jersey might surprise you—it’s out in Vernon, far from the coast.
This easy, one-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail winds through wetlands with wildflowers, turtles, and a quiet charm that makes it feel like a hidden gem.
Pochuck Boardwalk has a laid-back vibe perfect for families and nature lovers, plus it’s built to last, thanks to volunteers who even added a 110-foot suspension bridge to get hikers across Pochuck Creek.
And since you’re looking for the best hikes in New Jersey, you can’t miss out on this one.
Pochuck Boardwalk Trail Guide
Start out along Route 517, where you’ll step right onto the boardwalk and find yourself walking over swampy stretches and wooded areas.
The boardwalk itself is nearly a mile long and is a great, gentle route for spotting wildlife—keep an eye out for turtles basking along the water and the seasonal bloom of wildflowers.
After a while, you’ll reach the suspension bridge that takes you over Pochuck Creek, offering some picture-worthy views along the way.
For a longer trek, follow the Appalachian Trail as it continues through a wooded section, crosses a railroad track, and takes you right through a cow pasture (a hit with the kids!).
Keep going, and you’ll reach Route 94 and Heaven Hill Farm, a great spot to grab some ice cream and let the kids have a break before retracing your steps.
And if you’re up for even more, you can cross Route 94 and head up the challenging Stairway to Heaven—a steeper climb that rewards with sweeping views at the top.
Kids and dogs (on a leash) are welcome on this trail.
The boardwalk section is flat and easy, while the added stretches let you turn this into an adventure at your own pace.
3. Sunfish Pond and Raccoon Ridge Hike Overview
As one of the best hiking trails New Jersey has to offer, this out-and-back adventure hits two popular spots on the Appalachian Trail: Raccoon Ridge and Sunfish Pond.
Covering 8.7 miles round-trip, the hike treats you to sweeping ridgeline views and ends at the serene, glacier-carved Sunfish Pond—a perfect spot to relax before heading back.
With panoramic sights from Raccoon Ridge and diverse landscapes along the trail, this hike captures the rugged beauty of the Delaware Water Gap area.
Sunfish Pond and Raccoon Ridge Trail Guide
Start your journey by parking along Camp Road near the trail’s start.
Head south on the Appalachian Trail, and you’ll cross a footbridge over Yards Creek almost immediately, followed by a junction with the Coppermine Trail on the right.
Keep going, and after about half a mile, look to your left for a ridgeline view of the Kittatinny Valley, your first scenic reward.
At 2 miles, you’ll pass the blue-blazed Kaiser Trail junction, an old mining road on the west.
Another quarter-mile brings you to a second junction with the Kaiser Trail on the east, leading to private property.
Continuing ahead, you’ll cross into Worthington State Forest, marked by a sign at the 2.4-mile point, before reaching Raccoon Ridge at around 2.8 miles.
This open clearing with a rock pile offers stunning 360-degree views—Lower Yards Creek Reservoir lies east, with the Delaware River and Pocono Mountains to the west.
It’s worth noting that this is an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially during migration season.
Just beyond Raccoon Ridge, you’ll cross a power line clearing and then descend along rocky terrain that flattens out into a damp section of the trail, where rock slabs help keep things manageable.
At 3.4 miles, you’ll come to a small brook—a good place to refill your water (be sure to treat it).
From here, the trail rises and brings you to another viewpoint over the Delaware River before leading to the junction with the orange-blazed Garvey Springs Trail.
Afterward, you’ll encounter the blue-blazed Buckwood Trail, a quick detour that leads to a rocky outcrop overlooking Sunfish Pond, one of New Jersey’s natural gems.
This glacier-formed lake at the 4.4-mile mark makes for a scenic resting point before retracing your steps.
Sunfish Pond’s peaceful waters and storied past make it an ideal place to pause, whether you circle the lake for more exploration or head back toward Camp Road.
4. Burnt Meadow Trail Hike Overview
The Burnt Meadow Trail is a lightly traveled 3-mile loop that rewards hikers with a spectacular view from Horse Pond Mountain.
Overlooking Monksville Reservoir and the Wyanokie Mountains, it’s a scenic spot that hasn’t quite hit the radar yet—so it’s still one of New Jersey’s quieter trails.
Even with one of the best views around, you’ll likely find yourself with plenty of peaceful moments on this hike.
Burnt Meadow Trail Guide
Starting just south of the shoulder parking area on Burnt Meadow Road, the green-blazed Burnt Meadow Trail heads into the woods.
Follow the path as it gradually climbs several hundred feet over the first half-mile, connecting you to the teal-blazed Highlands Trail.
A left turn here leads you to the top of Horse Pond Mountain, where the trail is now co-blazed teal and green.
Soon, you’ll reach a partial view of Monksville Reservoir, and a bit further, an exposed clearing opens up to a stunning panoramic view of the reservoir and the Wyanokie Mountains, including Monks Mountain.
It’s one of those surprising moments that make trails like this stand out on any list of the best hiking trails New Jersey offers.
When you’re ready to continue, follow the teal and green blazes until just before the power lines.
If you’ve reached the power lines, backtrack a few feet, then turn to follow the green-blazed Burnt Meadow Trail as it begins to parallel the blue Hewitt-Butler Trail.
Crossing Burnt Meadow Road, the trail briefly follows a power line cut before veering back into the woods to cross Hewitt Brook.
From here, the trail climbs Long Hill, leading to a split with the Hewitt-Butler Trail, from which you can catch a partial view to the east.
The final stretch brings you down into a valley, crossing Hewitt Brook again before reaching the trailhead on Burnt Meadow Road.
5. Wyanokie High Point Hike Overview
Wyanokie High Point is a 7.5-mile loop packed with memorable stops along the way.
This trail features sweeping views over the Wanaque Reservoir from the High Point summit, a scenic break at Chikahoki Falls, and even a detour to Otter Hole.
It’s a full day of adventure with plenty to see.
Wyanokie High Point Trail Guide
Start your hike at the New Weis Center’s gravel lot on Snake Den Road.
Those without dogs can walk through the Center’s grounds to access the trail, while those with dogs should head up Snake Den Road to reach the trail access.
Begin following the green blazes, then veer left onto the blue trail.
Keep following the blue blazes until you reach a junction with the red/white and teal-blazed Highlands Trail.
Turn left here, scrambling up to Wyanokie High Point, where the view of the Wanaque Reservoir showcases why this trail ranks among the best for hiking in New Jersey.
After taking in the sights, head back down to the junction and keep following the blue and teal trails as they climb up Carris Hill, offering a different vantage point of Wyanokie High Point from across the way.
At the top of Carris Hill, switch to the yellow-blazed trail, which winds down a series of switchbacks with views to the east and south.
Follow this trail until it intersects with the white blazes heading west toward Chikahoki Falls—a perfect spot for a break.
Cross the stream on rocks and relax on the small beach or one of the boulders for a breather.
When ready, continue along the white blazes until they end.
Then, follow the blue and teal trails, with a quick detour to Otter Hole.
After checking it out, stay on the blue trail until you reach a fork, where you’ll switch to green and teal.
Continue on yellow at the next junction, turn right on the red and white trail, and finally make a sharp left on the light green trail to return to the parking lot.
6. Hemlock Falls Overview
Just outside the bustle of Essex County, a short hike brings you to Hemlock Falls—a 25-foot waterfall tucked into South Mountain Reservation.
It’s only a 1.6-mile round trip, but this hike delivers views that make you feel like you are a world away.
Starting from the Tulip Springs parking area, you’re in for a quick escape to one of the best hikes New Jersey has to offer, especially for a scenic afternoon.
Hemlock Falls Trail Guide
From the Tulip Springs lot, pick up the yellow-blazed Lenape Trail.
In about half a mile, you’ll reach the falls, where you can switch over to the red-dot Hemlock Falls Loop for a closer look.
Standing by the bridge facing the falls, take the stone steps on your left to start the loop in a clockwise direction.
The trail gradually climbs, with benches set along the way for you to enjoy views over the brook.
Soon, the path leaves the pavement and heads across a rocky area above the water.
After crossing the brook, the trail hugs the water’s edge before heading up to the Openwood Trail.
Once you cross Openwood, the path winds along a ravine with icy winter views and hidden glimpses of the falls through the trees in summer.
A few quick turns bring you to a footbridge.
Hobble Falls lies straight ahead, but turn right after the bridge to loop back toward Hemlock Falls and the stone staircase where you started.
Then, retrace your steps on the Lenape Trail back to the Tulip Springs parking area to finish this short, scenic loop.
With its easy access and peaceful vibe, Hemlock Falls is a favorite reminder of the natural beauty waiting along the best hiking trails in New Jersey.
7. Torne Mountain and Osio Rock Overview
Set in the southern end of Norvin Green State Park, this figure-eight loop offers a bit of everything: two mountain climbs, sweeping views, and a unique stone “living room” setup on Torne Mountain.
Covering just under 2.5 miles, it’s a moderately easy hike with a surprising amount of variety, so it’s a great choice for a day out.
Torne Mountain and Osio Rock Trail Guide
To start, park at the Otter Hole Lot on Glendwild Avenue.
Cross the street from the southern side of the lot to pick up the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail.
The trail starts steep but levels out fairly quickly, leading you up to an intersection with the red-blazed Torne Trail, which you’ll follow on the way back. Keep straight on the blue trail for now.
About a quarter mile in, you’ll reach the summit of Torne Mountain. Off to the left, a short side path opens onto a ledge where you’ll find the “Stone Living Room.”
With rock “chairs,” a “recliner,” and a natural fireplace, this quirky spot provides some of the best views across the Highlands.
Back on the main trail, begin your descent down Torne, passing an open area with two cedar trees, balanced glacial rocks, and an unobstructed view of the south and west.
The blue trail splits here; you can take the easier left path or continue straight on, the steeper black-dot-on-blue trail for more of a scramble.
As you head further, the trail takes a sharp right, revealing a valley below with Osio Rock in the distance.
A series of switchbacks leads you down until the trails join again, bringing you to a junction with the red-blazed trail.
Cross the creek and follow the blue blazes for a steady climb up Osio Rock.
At the top of Osio Rock, named from the Lenni Lenape word for “beautiful view,” you’ll get panoramic sights over the Wanaque Reservoir, Carris Hill, and even the New York City skyline on a clear day.
Hawks and turkey vultures often glide over the cliffs here and ride the air currents, so it’s a peaceful spot to pause.
To wrap up, follow the blue trail down, passing a Dr. Seuss-like evergreen along the way.
Eventually, you’ll reach a creek that the trail once crossed. Instead of crossing, take a sharp right onto the red trail, which follows the creek north.
A short climb over boulders brings you up and over a saddle, before the trail descends toward CR-700/Glenwild Avenue.
Cross the road and walk along the shoulder back to the parking lot.
Or, if you prefer a quieter finish, turn right onto the blue trail just before reaching the road, which will loop you back to your starting point across from Otter Hole.
Hikes to Remember Across New Jersey
New Jersey’s trails offer more than most expect—hidden waterfalls, sweeping mountain views, boardwalks through wetlands, and even a “Stone Living Room” for the curious.
Each hike in this roundup, from the challenging ascent of Mount Tammany to the serene paths at Hemlock Falls, shows a different side of the state’s natural beauty.
So, whether you’re looking for an easy family outing or a tougher mountain climb, New Jersey’s trails are ready to impress.
Now, grab your boots and head out to experience these top trails for yourself.
