Jersey City, New Jersey
Top Spots in and near Jersey City
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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...Read more -
Cortlandt, New York
Hike the Camp Smith Trail
4.55.92 mi / 1759 ft gainThis approximately 3-hour hike borders the Hudson River, and is one of the best in Westchester County. Start off at the parking area at the Bear Mountain Tollhouse, or at a small parking area farther up Bear Mountain Road, if you want a slightly shorter hike. The trail is fairly steep in places, ...Read more -
Princeton, New Jersey
Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve Loop
4.52.3 mi / 157 ft gainAn 8-mile network of maintained trails traversing this Preserve, Mountain Lakes North, John Witherspoon Woods,parts of Tusculum (private) and Community Park North makes a variety of loop hikes possible. Pathways include a boardwalk (over wetlands) and paved bicycle roads. Click here for a trail...Read more -
Bear Mountain, New York
Hike Bald Mountain, Bear Mountain State Park
4.76.8 mi / 1080 ft gainFrom your starting point at the Bear Mountain Inn, go left along the Cornell Mine Trail. (This part can be a bit confusing, but go past the carousel to a shaded picnic area; that is where the trail starts.) You will go under a bridge and follow the trail until it takes a sharp left and descends t...Read more -
Vernon Township, New Jersey
Stairway to Heaven
4.86.8 mi / 1089 ft gainThis popular hike starts out on the Appalachian Trail (AT, white blazes). You begin on a boardwalk that crosses over a marsh, then you leave the boardwalk and enter a forested area. At around 1.4 miles, follow a bicycle path, Canal Road, then turn right, cross over a bridge, and take a left throu...Read more -
Califon, New Jersey
Explore the Ken Lockwood Gorge
4.3One 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 ...Read more -
Highland Falls, New York
Popolopen Torne
4.51.18 mi / 531 ft gainPopolopen Torne is a hidden gem in the Hudson Valley, a surprisingly unknown trail with a beautiful payoff and a far deeper meaning. A short hike to the top puts you at the foot of a memorial to those who have served their country, a pile of painted rocks carried up by those who want to pay their...Read more -
Philipstown, New York
Anthony's Nose via Appalachian Trail
4.61.95 mi / 682 ft gainParking for the trail runs along both sides of 9D right up until the Bear Mountain Bridge. It can be busy on the weekends so just make sure you're as far off the road as you can and be especially careful unloading kids and dogs. The trailhead is located at approximately 41.322571, -73.975949 and ...Read more -
Princeton, New Jersey
Visit the Princeton Battlefield Park Suspension Bridge
4.80.5 miTo find this bridge, you essentially park at the Princeton Battlefield Park and walk all the way down towards the woods (you'll pass an old house if you're going the right way). When you enter the woods there will be a tight trail but it will quickly open up. When it does, you want to take a left...Read more -
Philipstown, New York
Hike the Osborn Loop
7.6 mi / 850 ft gainThe Osborn Loop trail itself is not a loop. It connects to a 2.5 mile section of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking these together creates the loop. Start at the trail head for the Appalachian Trail on South Mountain Pass Road. There is parking for two or three cars. Walk up the road a short dist...Read more -
Hopewell, New Jersey
Hike through the Sourland Mountain Preserve
5.02.91 miThe Sourland Mountain Preserve stretches from Hunterdon County all the way into Somerset County. The trails referenced here are on the southwest side of the preserve in Hunterdon County. They are accessible from an on site parking lot at 233 Rileyville Road in Ringoes NJ.There are several trails ...Read more -
Monroe, New York
Hike the Jessup/Highlands/Long Path Trails
7.8 mi / 500 ft gainThis trails starts at a small park in Woodbury called Gonzaga Park. Closed from mid-November to April, you are still able to park just outside the gate if that is the time of year you are hiking. Three different trail names share this path. The Jessup trail starts/end at Gonzaga Park and trave...Read more -
Pound Ridge, New York
Leatherman's Loop
1.25 mi / 1183 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Kings Park, New York
Kayaking the Nissequogue River
5.0Starting on the banks of Nissequogue River State Park, this 6 mile journey makes you feel like you’re cruising down river in the south, when you’re really on Long Island. I really suggest going as high tide is rolling in as there can be some shallow sections along this trip. Head out into the ope...Read more -
Point Pleasant, New Jersey
Kayak to Herring Island
Starting at the small beach at the end of Bay Blvd, paddle heading south. You will need to pass through the boat canal so keep an eye out for speeding boats. You're able to see the island from the starting point so you really don’t have to worry about getting lost. You will reach the island after...Read more -
New Windsor, New York
Hike Jessup/West Ridge Loop via the Sweet Clover Trail
10 mi / 1700 ft gainSchunnemunk Mountain State Park is one of my favorite parks. It offers many trails and possibilities for different loops. The attraction of Schunnemunk Mountain is the long double ridges running parallel to each other and amazing views in all directions.This hike starts at the Taylor Road parki...Read more