A new year means it’s time for a new resolution, and we have an idea for those who live in New Jersey. How about planning outings throughout the year to explore some of the best scenic hikes in New Jersey?

The following list highlights 12 of the prettiest and most interesting scenic trails in New Jersey. As you’ll soon learn, some are harder, some are short, some have great views, and others boast a unique feature. What are you waiting for? Read on to discover some of the best hiking in New Jersey where you’ll get to experience the state’s natural beauty.

  1. Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower via Batona Trail

James Ford/AllTrails Discover some of the best hiking in New Jersey when you climb to the highest point in Wharton State Forest on the Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower. The view of the forest is incredible – and the journey there is, too. Batona Trail, Tabernacle, NJ 08088, USA

  1. Mount Tammany: Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail

SQ Z/AllTrails This is one of the most iconic scenic trails in New Jersey, so it’s a must-do this year. Not only is Mount Tammany the highest mountain in Jersey, but it also offers a great view of the Delaware River Water Gap. Mount Tammany, Knowlton Township, NJ 07832, USA

  1. Stairway To Heaven Trail

John Aller You can see why they named this one of the most scenic hikes in New Jersey from this photo. Located in Wawaynda State Park, the Stairway To Heaven trail has a view that is beyond unforgettable. Stairway To Heaven, 443 Vernon Warwick Rd, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA

  1. Long Path and Shore Loop

Jean Juricova/AllTrails The cliffs along the Hudson River, known as the Palisades, are an iconic sight in Jersey. Climb to the top of this New Jersey hike near Alpine. Long Path, Alpine, NJ 07624, USA

  1. Buttermilk Falls and Crater Lake Loop Trail

K Fish/AllTrails Buttermilk Falls might just be the prettiest waterfall in the state, making it a must-do. Plus, as one of the most scenic trails in New Jersey, you’ll get to visit a beautiful lake while getting a workout in too. Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Rd, Layton, NJ 07851, USA

  1. Watchung Reservation History Trail

Kara S/AllTrails This is an easy, pretty trail that has several historical sites along the way. Read the markers to learn as you hike one of the most interesting New Jersey hikes. Watchung Reservation, Historic Trail, Mountainside, NJ 07092, USA

  1. Manasquan Reservoir Loop

Y M/AllTrails You’ll find some of the best hiking in New Jersey in some of the calmest places. Walking along this lake feels like entering a different world. Keep an eye out for cool birds too! Manasquan Reservoir Loop

  1. Roomy Mine via Highlands, Roomy Mine, and Wyanokie Trails Loop

Tim Mason/AllTrails Would you dare go into this cave? There are multiple little caves along this scenic trail in New Jersey, and in certain months of the year, you can explore one of them. Norvin Green State Forest, 150 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456, USA

  1. Cape May Point Trail

Mery Jimenez/AllTrails This easy trail has some of the best hiking in New Jersey. When you explore this trail, it’ll take you around a gorgeous beach and gives great views of the Cape May Lighthouse. Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, USA

  1. Cattus Island Red and Yellow Trail Loop

Ruth Kane/AllTrails This scenic hike in New Jersey throughout Cattus Island County Park is easy but pretty, with plenty of beach views. You can expect to see wildflowers in the warmer months too. Cattus Island County Park, 1170 Cattus Island Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA

  1. Hemlock Falls Loop

Kira and Austen G/AllTrails This easy loop trail in South Mountain Reservation is one of the most scenic hikes in New Jersey. The trail brings you to a great view of a pretty waterfall. Discover why this is an ideal spot for some of the best hiking in New Jersey. Hemlock Falls, Route, 510 Rte 510, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA

  1. Pyramid Mountain, Tripod Rock, Bear Rock, Whale Head Rock

Jake Smith/AllTrails This scenic trail in New Jersey is worth it to see one of the state’s greatest geological oddities: Tripod Rock, which is balanced precariously on top of three other small rocks, somehow. Pyramid Mountain, Boonton, NJ 07005, USA

Have you been to any of these scenic hikes in New Jersey? If so, feel free to share your favorite(s) in the following comment section. And, if you’d like to hit a hike that the entire family can enjoy, take a look at these scenic trails in New Jersey too.

James Ford/AllTrails

Discover some of the best hiking in New Jersey when you climb to the highest point in Wharton State Forest on the Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower. The view of the forest is incredible – and the journey there is, too.

Batona Trail, Tabernacle, NJ 08088, USA

SQ Z/AllTrails

This is one of the most iconic scenic trails in New Jersey, so it’s a must-do this year. Not only is Mount Tammany the highest mountain in Jersey, but it also offers a great view of the Delaware River Water Gap.

Mount Tammany, Knowlton Township, NJ 07832, USA

John Aller

You can see why they named this one of the most scenic hikes in New Jersey from this photo. Located in Wawaynda State Park, the Stairway To Heaven trail has a view that is beyond unforgettable.

Stairway To Heaven, 443 Vernon Warwick Rd, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA

Jean Juricova/AllTrails

The cliffs along the Hudson River, known as the Palisades, are an iconic sight in Jersey. Climb to the top of this New Jersey hike near Alpine.

Long Path, Alpine, NJ 07624, USA

K Fish/AllTrails

Buttermilk Falls might just be the prettiest waterfall in the state, making it a must-do. Plus, as one of the most scenic trails in New Jersey, you’ll get to visit a beautiful lake while getting a workout in too.

Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Rd, Layton, NJ 07851, USA

Kara S/AllTrails

This is an easy, pretty trail that has several historical sites along the way. Read the markers to learn as you hike one of the most interesting New Jersey hikes.

Watchung Reservation, Historic Trail, Mountainside, NJ 07092, USA

Y M/AllTrails

You’ll find some of the best hiking in New Jersey in some of the calmest places. Walking along this lake feels like entering a different world. Keep an eye out for cool birds too!

Manasquan Reservoir Loop

Tim Mason/AllTrails

Would you dare go into this cave? There are multiple little caves along this scenic trail in New Jersey, and in certain months of the year, you can explore one of them.

Norvin Green State Forest, 150 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456, USA

Mery Jimenez/AllTrails

This easy trail has some of the best hiking in New Jersey. When you explore this trail, it’ll take you around a gorgeous beach and gives great views of the Cape May Lighthouse.

Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, USA

Ruth Kane/AllTrails

This scenic hike in New Jersey throughout Cattus Island County Park is easy but pretty, with plenty of beach views. You can expect to see wildflowers in the warmer months too.

Cattus Island County Park, 1170 Cattus Island Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA

Kira and Austen G/AllTrails

This easy loop trail in South Mountain Reservation is one of the most scenic hikes in New Jersey. The trail brings you to a great view of a pretty waterfall. Discover why this is an ideal spot for some of the best hiking in New Jersey.

Hemlock Falls, Route, 510 Rte 510, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA

Jake Smith/AllTrails

This scenic trail in New Jersey is worth it to see one of the state’s greatest geological oddities: Tripod Rock, which is balanced precariously on top of three other small rocks, somehow.

Pyramid Mountain, Boonton, NJ 07005, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Scenic Hikes in New Jersey December 21, 2022 Marla S. What are some of the best short and easy scenic hikes in New Jersey? Along with the hikes mentioned, the following is a list of some of the best short and easy scenic hikes in New Jersey.

Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Hawk Rock Viewpoint, Ramapo County Valley Reservation Boardwalk Hike, Appalachian Trail Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood

  Learn more about these and other short and easy scenic hikes in New Jersey in this piece. What are some of the best New Jersey hikes with waterfalls?  Here are some of the best New Jersey hikes with waterfalls:

Schooley’s Mountain Park Hacklebarney State Park Worthington Blue Trail Chikahoki Falls Mill Mile Trail

  This New Jersey waterfall road trip is worth checking out as well. And, don’t forget to check out this guide where you’ll find the best New Jersey hikes with waterfalls.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Scenic Hikes in New Jersey

December 21, 2022

Marla S.

What are some of the best short and easy scenic hikes in New Jersey? Along with the hikes mentioned, the following is a list of some of the best short and easy scenic hikes in New Jersey.

Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Hawk Rock Viewpoint, Ramapo County Valley Reservation Boardwalk Hike, Appalachian Trail Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood

  Learn more about these and other short and easy scenic hikes in New Jersey in this piece. What are some of the best New Jersey hikes with waterfalls?  Here are some of the best New Jersey hikes with waterfalls:

Schooley’s Mountain Park Hacklebarney State Park Worthington Blue Trail Chikahoki Falls Mill Mile Trail

  This New Jersey waterfall road trip is worth checking out as well. And, don’t forget to check out this guide where you’ll find the best New Jersey hikes with waterfalls.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Along with the hikes mentioned, the following is a list of some of the best short and easy scenic hikes in New Jersey.

  • Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
  • Hawk Rock Viewpoint, Ramapo County Valley Reservation
  • Boardwalk Hike, Appalachian Trail
  • Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone
  • Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood

 

Learn more about these and other short and easy scenic hikes in New Jersey in this piece.

What are some of the best New Jersey hikes with waterfalls? 

Here are some of the best New Jersey hikes with waterfalls:

  • Schooley’s Mountain Park
  • Hacklebarney State Park
  • Worthington Blue Trail
  • Chikahoki Falls
  • Mill Mile Trail

This New Jersey waterfall road trip is worth checking out as well. And, don’t forget to check out this guide where you’ll find the best New Jersey hikes with waterfalls.