New Jersey is a lot more beautiful than people give it credit for. One of the best ways to enjoy our natural beauty is by taking scenic hikes across the state. There are many benefits to hiking and we’ve got incredible trails from north to south that can be explored all year long. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, here are a few local favorites – one for each month of the year. The short version of the Cushetunk Trail comes in at 3.4 miles each way, making for a 6.8-mile out and back trek. This trail is rated moderate with 1,220 feet of elevation gain along the way. In the winter, with no leaves on the trees, you'll enjoy terrific views of the Round Valley Reservoir. Leashed dogs are welcome. Thompson Park is home to this easy out and back trail with lake views. There's minimal elevation gain, making this a great choice for kids and families. This unique trail is one of the longest in New Jersey and it traverses 19 Essex County parks. If you want to hike it in its entirety, we recommend you do so in late March when the weather is cool. Much of the trail is paved, making for a manageable journey. Along the way, you'll pass historic and cultural sites like Kips Castle and Newark's Branch Brook Park. April showers bring rushing waterfalls at South Mountain Reservation. This 5.8-mile loop trail is a moderate hike that's best enjoyed when Hemlock Falls is at peak water levels. Leashed dogs are welcome. This short and scenic wildflower trail at Tourne County Park is best in mid to late May. It's a fun, family-friendly hike featuring 250 plant and flower species native to New Jersey, all labeled. Historic Smithville Park is one the most beautiful parks in the Burlington County Park System. It offers 4.5 miles of trails but the 1.8-mile loop that combines the Red and Green Trails is a family favorite. You'll visit a butterfly garden and cross a unique floating section of trail! Enjoy ocean, pond, lighthouse, and bunker views from this beautiful beachfront trail. It's easy, family-friendly, and perfect for summer. Visit historic Batsto Village and stroll past Batsto Lake on this easy loop trail in Wharton State Forest. This wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail at Richard W. DeKorte Park is perfect for families, beginners, and birdwatchers. It's a great place to enjoy local nature and wildlife! Leashed dogs are allowed. Picnic areas are available. Enjoy breathtaking views of High Point State Monument and fall foliage across three states (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) on this easy-moderate loop trail with 515 feet of elevation gain. This approximately 70-mile trail spans Hunterdon, Mercer, and Somerset Counties. The trail is divided into several key sections along the D&R Canal - both the Main Canal Trail (34 miles long) and the Feeder Canal Trail (31.5 miles long) are ADA accessible. Visit in early November and you'll still enjoy some colorful fall foliage. December – Great Falls Loop – .8 Miles – Paterson This short and easy trail is more beautiful in the winter than you’d ever believe unless you visit for yourself. However, this stunning video by Peter Alessandria Photography on YouTube comes pretty close to capturing its partially-frozen glory. Address: Round Valley Reservoir, Clinton Township, NJ 08833, USA Address: 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738, USA Address: Lake St & Park Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104, USA Address: Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA Address: 83 Old Denville Rd, Boonton, NJ 07005, USA Address: 803 Smithville Rd, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060, USA Address: 215 Light House Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA Address: 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037, USA Address: 1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA Address: Montague, NJ 07827, USA Address: Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA Address: 72 McBride Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA |
AuthorContent gathered & updated by the Bergen Review Media team. Archives
May 2024
Categories
All
|