Paterson, New Jersey

Top Spots in and near Paterson

  • Cold Spring, New York

    Hike the Cornish/Brook/Notch/Washburn/Undercliff Loop

    8 mi / 1500 ft gain
    This loop is a great option to avoid crowds on the west side of the Washburn trail.  Start at the same trailhead for the Washburn Trail.  The Cornish Trail is on the left and there is an obvious sign at the trail split a few feet from the parking area.  The Cornish Trail is an old road from about...
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  • Cold Spring, New York

    Hike the Washburn/Nelsonville/Undercliff Loop

    7.2 mi / 2000 ft gain
    This is a difficult loop hike that has several different starting points.  I chose to start at the Washburn Trail Head, which is the lowest starting point you can select.  Nearly on the Hudson River, the trail ascends immediately along a well maintained road designated by white disc markers.  Aft...
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  • Sandyston, New Jersey

    Hike the AT to Culvers Lookout Tower

    3.2 mi
    Start your journey in Stokes State Forest at the Culver Gap Parking Lot, located at 41.180239, -74.787954. From the parking lot, jump on over to the Appalachian Trail and hike Northbound. You know you're headed the right way if you are going away from the small town and cross over Sunrise Mountai...
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  • Wantage, New Jersey

    Hike the Iris Tail - Appalachian Tail Loop

    4.0
    9 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Start this hike from the Appalachian Trail parking area off route 23, south bound side, south of the park office. Follow the Blue Dot trail until is intersects with the Iris Trail. The Iris Trail (marked with red blazes) is a through hike that is about 5 miles long. It parallels the Appalachian T...
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  • Cold Spring, New York

    Sugarloaf Mountain and Breakneck Ridge Loop

    4.7
    4.33 mi / 1562 ft gain
    The Breakneck Ridge to Sugar Loaf Loop gives rise to various bypasses that offer hikers moderate to advanced terrain and multiple rock scrambles. The loop entails a total elevation gain of 1,670 feet and a total distance of 5.5 miles. The start of the trail begins at the (white blazes) at the no...
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  • Cold Spring, New York

    Breakneck Ridge Loop

    5.0
    5.91 mi / 1526 ft gain
    This short but steep loop hike in Hudson Highlands State Park offers multiple panoramic views of the Hudson River along the way. Please note that only experienced hikers should attempt this route – although the hike seems short, the elevation gain and steep rocky scrambles offer serious technical...
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  • Pound Ridge, New York

    Leatherman's Loop

    1.25 mi / 1183 ft gain
    This loop trail is moderately rated and reaches a total elevation gain of approximately 1,183 feet. It’s located in the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, which spans roughly 4,315 acres. It is Westchester County’s largest park and includes roughly 35 plus miles of hiking trails to explore. The Ward...
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  • Califon, New Jersey

    Bike the Columbia Trail: Califon to High Bridge

    There are multiple places to pick up the Columbia Trail (High Bridge, Califon, Long Valley, Flanders) but this post is for biking or running from Califon to High Bridge and back. The best place to park is at the old town railroad station on, of course, Railroad Ave. You will be able to see the en...
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  • Beacon, New York

    Sunset Point - South Beacon Mountain Loop

    4.0
    8.92 mi / 2470 ft gain
    This loop hike form the Notch Trail northern trailhead on Route 9D.  There is enough parking at this trailhead for about 5-6 cars.  The Notch Trail is identified with blue trail markers.  It is well maintained and plenty of markers to guide your way.  This is important because there are m...
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  • Beacon, New York

    Sugarloaf Mountain via Wilkinson Memorial Trail

    5.0
    2.15 mi / 820 ft gain
    Trail is currently closed. Get updates at parks.ny.gov.  Sugarloaf Mountain is part of the Hudson Highlands State Park, along with Breakneck Ridge, Bull Hill, and Mt Beacon. Though the views are just as impressive as its sister trails, it is never as crowded and it's one of my favorite spots in ...
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  • Sussex, New Jersey

    Camp at High Point State Park

    4.0
    You'll need at least a weekend to sample all that High Point State Park has to offer. One of the park's must-do hikes is to High Point Monument (1,803 ft), where you have panoramic views of the Pocono and Catskill Mountains, and the Wallkill River Valley. Additionally, there are 50 total miles of...
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  • Sea Bright, New Jersey

    Bike the Sandy Hook Pathway

    8.7 mi
    A beautiful paved pathway that travels 8.7 miles along beaches and historical monuments located on the Sandy Hook peninsula. The path begins at the Gateway National Recreation Area and loops around Fort Hancock, a former U.S. base that housed 12,000 soldiers at its peak during WWII. Along the way...
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  • Califon, New Jersey

    Explore the Ken Lockwood Gorge

    4.3
    One of New Jerseys best kept secrets has to be the Ken Lockwood Gorge. If you are looking for a relaxing, beautiful, and nature packs place then this area is perfect for you. You can access the gorge from two different points, either by driving down Raritan River Rd. and parking right before you ...
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  • Blairstown, New Jersey

    White Lake

    5.0
    3.81 mi / 285 ft gain
    White Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hardwick Township, New Jersey. The White Lake Loop in New Jersey is a relatively easy 3.8-mile loop trail located near Hardwick Township. This trail offers a peaceful hike through wooded areas and around White Lake, with sceni...
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  • Cold Spring, New York

    Hike the Perkins/Fahnestock/Charcoal Burners Trail Loop

    7.5 mi / 800 ft gain
    This is one of my favorite hikes in the Clarence Fahnestock State Park. A real mixed bag but mostly very enjoyable. The trail starts at the Charcoal Burners Trailhead Route 301. There is only road side parking on a soft shoulder, both sides of the road.  After a short walk into the forest, you re...
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  • Sandyston, New Jersey

    Explore the Sussex County Sunflower Maze

    5.0
    3 mi
    I stumbled upon the Sunflower Maze by accident when I was driving through NJ and was quickly distracted by the enormous yellow flowers. So of course, I had to check it out! It opens at 9AM and last admission is at 6PM. The maze is only open from around August to October for the flower bloom. 3...
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