The Delaware Water Gap is a natural wonder, and New Jersey is lucky to claim most of this National Recreation Area for itself! With hundreds of miles of trails, dozens of waterfalls, unique rock formations, and mining history that’s evident to anyone who takes the time to explore, the Water Gap is unlike any other spot in the country. It’s not quite a secret, though; many of the trails get crowded, and trailhead parking lots fill up fast. There are a few hidden gems, though; if you know where to look, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique natural wonders on a quiet, peaceful, and underrated trail. One of our favorites in the area is the Coppermine Trail in New Jersey which also connects to the AT and Kaiser Trail Loop.
The Coppermine Trail, AT, and Kaiser loop is a seven-mile trail that features a beautiful ascent along a waterfall, ridgeline views, and historic mines on the side of the trail.
AllTrails / Katie Worden With just over 1,300’ elevation gain, this isn’t an easy walk in the park! Plan to take your time and enjoy the views, and it won’t seem as challenging.
Unlike many of the hikes at the Delaware Water Gap, the Coppermine lot is rarely full. Of course, on a beautiful weekend morning, it may get crowded, but it’s much easier to find a spot here than at Dunnfield down the road.
AllTrails / Nick Falcone
You’ll take the red-blazed Coppermine Trail up to the Appalachian Trail ridgeline.
AllTrails / David Dawnkaski
The first three miles of the trail take you up nearly 1,000 feet. There’s not much in the way of switchbacks, so be prepared for some steep walking!
AllTrails / Erin Lynn
There’s a whole lot to keep you entertained on your way, though. Look for the shuttered mines on the side of the trail.
AllTrails / L A
Most of the ascent follows a cascading creek, too!
AllTrails / Nick Falcone
Hiking along waterfalls is one of the most relaxing experiences on Earth.
AllTrails / Nick Falcone
This trail is a great place to spot wildlife. Newts, birds, bears, and even snakes call this area home. Be bear aware, and don’t approach them if you encounter one!
AllTrails / Katie Worden
From the ridgeline, you’ll enjoy beautiful panoramic views to the east and to the west. You might even run into an AT Thru-Hiker!
AllTrails / Xm Yn
After hiking along the white-blazed ridge for a mile and a half, look for the Kaiser Trail to your right. From there, it’s just over two downhill miles back to the trailhead.
AllTrails / Scott Anderson II
Have you ever been to the Pahaquarry Copper Mines Trail in New Jersey before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! We’d love to hear about your experience and your favorite parts of the hike.
AllTrails / Katie Worden
With just over 1,300’ elevation gain, this isn’t an easy walk in the park! Plan to take your time and enjoy the views, and it won’t seem as challenging.
AllTrails / Nick Falcone
AllTrails / David Dawnkaski
AllTrails / Erin Lynn
AllTrails / L A
AllTrails / Xm Yn
AllTrails / Scott Anderson II
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Address: Pahaquarry Copper Mines trail, Hardwick Township, NJ 07825, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Coppermine Trail January 24, 2023 Megan Todaro What are the best hikes in New Jersey under five miles? The best hikes in New Jersey clock in at under five miles, which means they are perfect for beginner hikers. The best hikes in New Jersey that are short and sweet include:
Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Tillman Ravine, Stokes State Forest Hawk Rock Viewpoint, Ramapo County Valley Reservation Hacklebarney State Park Boardwalk Hike, Appalachian Trail Thompson Park, Middlesex County Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone Cove Trail, Manasquan Reservoir Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood Goat Hill Overlook, Washington Crossing State Park Batsto Village Trail, Wharton State Forest River Overlook Trail, Peek Preserve Cattus Island Park, Toms River Cape May Point State Park Blue Trail, Rancocas State Park
What these hiking trails have in common is that they are manageable and not too strenuous. Families often hike these trails with younger kids, and elevation changes are at a minimum. Are there any waterfall trails in New Jersey? Yes, there are plenty of waterfall trails in New Jersey worth exploring. But what’s more is that there are even waterfall trails in New Jersey that you can access with no hiking required. So no need to bring hiking boots when you visit Buttermilk Falls in Stokes State Forest or Great Falls in Paterson. Both of these hiking trails can be accessed with ease. What is the most unique hiking trail in New Jersey? Some of the best hikes in New Jersey have the most unique features. The most unique hiking trail in New Jersey is a rail trail located in Mount Holly. The Creek Island Park Rail Trail is less than a mile long and follows an old, abandoned railroad line. The history behind this trail is that it was built in the 1830s and eventually decommissioned in the 1920s. Today, visitors can hike along this flat slice of history and keep an eye out for railroad ties, old line poles, and even creek-crossing bridges!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Coppermine Trail
January 24, 2023
Megan Todaro
What are the best hikes in New Jersey under five miles? The best hikes in New Jersey clock in at under five miles, which means they are perfect for beginner hikers. The best hikes in New Jersey that are short and sweet include:
Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Tillman Ravine, Stokes State Forest Hawk Rock Viewpoint, Ramapo County Valley Reservation Hacklebarney State Park Boardwalk Hike, Appalachian Trail Thompson Park, Middlesex County Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone Cove Trail, Manasquan Reservoir Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood Goat Hill Overlook, Washington Crossing State Park Batsto Village Trail, Wharton State Forest River Overlook Trail, Peek Preserve Cattus Island Park, Toms River Cape May Point State Park Blue Trail, Rancocas State Park
What these hiking trails have in common is that they are manageable and not too strenuous. Families often hike these trails with younger kids, and elevation changes are at a minimum. Are there any waterfall trails in New Jersey? Yes, there are plenty of waterfall trails in New Jersey worth exploring. But what’s more is that there are even waterfall trails in New Jersey that you can access with no hiking required. So no need to bring hiking boots when you visit Buttermilk Falls in Stokes State Forest or Great Falls in Paterson. Both of these hiking trails can be accessed with ease. What is the most unique hiking trail in New Jersey? Some of the best hikes in New Jersey have the most unique features. The most unique hiking trail in New Jersey is a rail trail located in Mount Holly. The Creek Island Park Rail Trail is less than a mile long and follows an old, abandoned railroad line. The history behind this trail is that it was built in the 1830s and eventually decommissioned in the 1920s. Today, visitors can hike along this flat slice of history and keep an eye out for railroad ties, old line poles, and even creek-crossing bridges!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best hikes in New Jersey clock in at under five miles, which means they are perfect for beginner hikers. The best hikes in New Jersey that are short and sweet include:
- Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Tillman Ravine, Stokes State Forest
- Hawk Rock Viewpoint, Ramapo County Valley Reservation
- Hacklebarney State Park
- Boardwalk Hike, Appalachian Trail
- Thompson Park, Middlesex County
- Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone
- Cove Trail, Manasquan Reservoir
- Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
- Goat Hill Overlook, Washington Crossing State Park
- Batsto Village Trail, Wharton State Forest
- River Overlook Trail, Peek Preserve
- Cattus Island Park, Toms River
- Cape May Point State Park
- Blue Trail, Rancocas State Park
What these hiking trails have in common is that they are manageable and not too strenuous. Families often hike these trails with younger kids, and elevation changes are at a minimum.
Are there any waterfall trails in New Jersey?
Yes, there are plenty of waterfall trails in New Jersey worth exploring. But what’s more is that there are even waterfall trails in New Jersey that you can access with no hiking required. So no need to bring hiking boots when you visit Buttermilk Falls in Stokes State Forest or Great Falls in Paterson. Both of these hiking trails can be accessed with ease.
What is the most unique hiking trail in New Jersey?
Some of the best hikes in New Jersey have the most unique features. The most unique hiking trail in New Jersey is a rail trail located in Mount Holly. The Creek Island Park Rail Trail is less than a mile long and follows an old, abandoned railroad line. The history behind this trail is that it was built in the 1830s and eventually decommissioned in the 1920s. Today, visitors can hike along this flat slice of history and keep an eye out for railroad ties, old line poles, and even creek-crossing bridges!
