New Jersey

Start out on Ridge Trail (yellow blazes), found at the rear of the parking lot. Shortly, you will come to a stream crossing, followed by a set of wooden steps. Just before the next stream, turn left following the white blazes. This section of the trail makes a moderately rocky descent, as it follows...

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 entra...

Starting at about 520 feet, the White path takes you along the Stateline Lookout which is a small stone building overlooking the Hudson River. The initial descent is your average hike through the woods and across a couple of wooden bridges until you reach the Giant Steps. The Giant Steps take you to...

This is a very easy hike, and a great day trip to take if you're looking for something simple and relaxing, but still want beautiful scenery and wildlife. For quick access to the cranberry bog trails, the lot on Double Trouble Road near the Historic Village is where you'll want to start. Entering th...

At the end of the parking lot, cross over the bridge and follow the Appalachian Trail (AT, white blazes) to a V-intersection. Turn right onto Dunnfield Creek Trail (green blazes), which will take you past a few cascades and up to Sunfish Pond. Relax and eat lunch at the pond. When you're ready, take...

The parking lot on Pleasant Valley Road provides access to the trailhead for this 1.25 mile loop hike. Starting at the trailhead, take the Ridge Trail (white) going West. The ridge trail is wide and flat, and branches off to many other smaller trails throughout the preserve. After about 0.25 miles, ...

This loop hike can be started from several different places. I chose to start from Allison Park which overlooks the Hudson River in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. From the parking area, walk out to the entrance road and travel south to Saint Peter's College. The Long Path Trail, which you join from Allison P...

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 tr...

Looking at a map of New Jersey, you'll notice that the biggest green patch of forest on the map is Wharton State Forest, in the southern half of the state. There are many great hikes to do in the state forest, described here is a relatively easy 7 mile hike that serves a nice introduction to hiking ...

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 Trai...

The Four Birds Trail is about 19 miles long and is a great thru hike or can be done in sections as out and back hikes or part of loop hikes with other trails. Starting from the north, the trail ascends gradually over easy terrain until you reach a cliff ridge. There are several good view points to t...

Mills Reservation is over 150 acres of wooded area located off of Normal Ave. near the Cedar Grove reservoir. Parking space is limited due to the small size but there is another hidden lot towards the back if you make a right out of the parking lot and then the first right turn onto Highland Ave. Dr...

A fun place for all things nature, from a easy nature walk to camping! Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Lake Nummy is available for swimmers. There are picnic tables and grills and a concession stand (open in summer) on the beach. Camping is open all year...

To start, I recommend coming in the early morning or afternoon, as the parking lot fills up with people hiking, fishing or going for a walk with their family. I usually get my luckiest before 9. This park is as relaxing or exciting as you want to make it. Here is a good map to use/ print out. We mad...

This point to point hike can be done in either direction. There is parking at the entrance to Worthington Campground. Cross Old Mine Road and start up the Garvey Spring Trail (orange markers). The trail passes Laurel Falls on the right then ascends steeply until you reach an old forest road. The tra...

From Warwick Road, parking at the northernmost road side parking area, cross the road, and the Terrace Pond North trail (marked with blue blazes) begins as a steady climb until you gain a ridge that offers some great views for several miles. Eventually, you'll reach a power line where you turn right...