Paterson, New Jersey

This 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...

The 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...

This is a relatively easy hike through Hacklebarney State Park that is great for families with younger children, rock scrambling, photography, and just hanging out in nature. There are two different ways to explore Hacklebarney, either by staying on the packed gravel path or by following the bank...

Cheesequake Yellow and Blue Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Old Bridge, New Jersey.

Schunnemunk 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...

This pavilion is one of the key features along the New Jersey section of the Appalachian Trail. There is a parking lot a very short hike part way down the mountain, but I recommend backpacking in from a different area to take in more of the beauty of the trail, mountains, and views in this area. ...

This is about as short a walk and as little effort as you can put in for a beautiful waterfall. You can barely call it a hike, but I'll list it as such since you do walk through the woods for 5 minutes. The trail is extremely well built, and is pretty easily accessible through the winter.The trai...

This is an easy, yet very rewarding hike with a lot of viewpoints on the way up. Technically you scale up two mountains, Butter Hill and Storm King, but most people just describe it as Storm King Mountain. This is a great hike for families with younger kids, those who don't have much time but wan...

There is three different trailheads to access the North Point Loop.  I chose the trailhead that would give me the longest hike.  That would be the Butter Hill parking area on Route 9W north.  From the parking lot, start on the connector trail designated with white markers.  Follow this for about ...

This trail is accessible year round and features water views of the Long Island Sound with beach access. The trail is a popular spot for walking, biking, fishing, and even bird watching. But if you’re not quite in the mood to get your steps in, you can use the small beach to sit and chat with a f...

North of New York City by 90 minutes lies the town of Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley. Cold Spring has a hometown quality with a Main Street, a firehouse, and art galleries of local artists. Despite its proximity to NYC, locals maintain a slower pace and enjoy many outdoor activities. Just a sho...

This loop hike starts at the northern trailhead of the park where the Stillman Trail begins.  The parking area has enough space for only 6 or 7 cars.  Start off on a wide maintained carriage road.  After about a half mile, the Stillman Trail (yellow markers) breaks of to the left.  However, stay ...

Mt. Taurus (or Bull Hill) is a short, family and dog friendly, hike just outside the town of Cold Spring, easily accessible by car or taking the train into town. It snakes along the edge of an old quarry that is just now being retaken by nature and provides lookouts towards the Hudson, other near...

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...

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...

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...