At the beginning of each year, it’s nice to get some time to gather your thoughts and mentally prepare for the months ahead. One of the best ways to do that is by taking a hike! These easy, peaceful hikes in New Jersey will get your lungs and legs working while you contemplate the future ahead.
- Franklin Parker Preserve Trail
Annabelle Chen/AllTrails This easy trail, located in Franklin Parker Preserve by Chatsworth, is over six and a half miles long. That gives you plenty of time to think as you wander past the area’s marshes.
- Manasquan Reservoir Loop
Y M/AllTrails Things to love about this five-mile hike: Manasquan Reservoir is gorgeous, it’s easy but long enough to pack a punch, and there is always interesting wildlife around.
- Eagle Rock Red Trail Loop
Libby De Sessa/AllTrails There is something about a view that really makes you stop and reflect. That’s why recommend this hike in Eagle Rock Reservation, which isn’t hard but still gives you the kind of views you desire on a hike.
- Hemlock Falls Trail via Lenape (Yellow) Trail, Rahway Trail (White) and River Trail
Gary SIlverman/AllTrails What’s more peaceful than sitting by a waterfall? Head over to South Mountain Reservation for a hike that includes a stop at the gorgeous Hemlock Falls.
- Batsto Lake Trail
Jody Davis/AllTrails Located in Wharton State Forest, this hike takes you by Batso Lake. It’s a pretty hike, and we find that this lake always helps us when we’re contemplating things.
- Historic Smithville County Park Trail
Darren Alexander/AllTrails This three-mile loop trail in Smithville Park features a lake and great plantlife. Afterward, you can visit Historic Smithville’s shopping center to feel like you’ve stepped back into the past.
- Sandy Hook Multi-Use Trail
Brooke luckock/AllTrails Is there anything better than a stroll by the beach when you need time by yourself? This 10-mile walk through Gateway National Recreation way is right by the ocean. What could be better?
Which of these hikes will you do first this year?
Annabelle Chen/AllTrails
This easy trail, located in Franklin Parker Preserve by Chatsworth, is over six and a half miles long. That gives you plenty of time to think as you wander past the area’s marshes.
Y M/AllTrails
Things to love about this five-mile hike: Manasquan Reservoir is gorgeous, it’s easy but long enough to pack a punch, and there is always interesting wildlife around.
Libby De Sessa/AllTrails
There is something about a view that really makes you stop and reflect. That’s why recommend this hike in Eagle Rock Reservation, which isn’t hard but still gives you the kind of views you desire on a hike.
Gary SIlverman/AllTrails
What’s more peaceful than sitting by a waterfall? Head over to South Mountain Reservation for a hike that includes a stop at the gorgeous Hemlock Falls.
Jody Davis/AllTrails
Located in Wharton State Forest, this hike takes you by Batso Lake. It’s a pretty hike, and we find that this lake always helps us when we’re contemplating things.
Darren Alexander/AllTrails
This three-mile loop trail in Smithville Park features a lake and great plantlife. Afterward, you can visit Historic Smithville’s shopping center to feel like you’ve stepped back into the past.
Brooke luckock/AllTrails
Is there anything better than a stroll by the beach when you need time by yourself? This 10-mile walk through Gateway National Recreation way is right by the ocean. What could be better?
Wondering what to take on a winter hike in New Jersey? We can help!
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Address: Franklin Parker Preserve — Chatsworth Lake Entrance, 1450 County Rd 532, Chatsworth, NJ 08019, USAAddress: Manasquan Reservoir, Howell Township, NJ 07731, USAAddress: Eagle Rock Reservation, Eagle Rock Ave &, Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, USAAddress: South Mountain Reservation, Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USAAddress: Wharton State Forest, Waterford, NJ 08089, USAAddress: Smithville, Galloway, NJ 08205, USAAddress: Gateway National Recreation Area, Middletown Township, NJ 07732, USA
