North Jersey
Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area
Standout Trail: A scenic 7.5-mile hike covers Buttermilk Falls, Crater Lake, and Hemlock Pond. Begin at Buttermilk Falls, then head onto the Appalachian Trail until you reach the Crater Lake Trail; you’ll then use the Blue Mountain Lakes Trail to link back up with the Buttermilk Falls Trails and return using that route.
Location: Layton, Sussex County
Estimated Duration: 6 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: Buttermilk Falls is NJ’s highest waterfall, and a favorite destination of visitors to the park. In other words, plan your hike after a period of rain to get the best views of the waterfall.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Hacklebarney State Park
Standout Trail: The Yellow Saxophone Loop is a 2.7 mile jaunt that begins at the Red Wallaby Loop; you can also lengthen the hike by adding on the 1-mile long Bee Green Loop at the finish. The many colors on display make for a great fall hiking trip.
Location: Morris County
Estimated Duration: 1.5 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: Hacklebarney’s choose-your-own-adventure set of loops only allow traffic in one direction; as a result, they offer maximum social distancing while on the paths.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Norvin Green State Forest
Standout Trail: This four-mile trail takes you to one of the best views in New Jersey, Wyanokie High Point. First, begin on the Otter Hole Trail until you come to the Hewitt-Butler Trail; then follow this trail to the Wyanokie Circular Trail. From here, continue along until the Wyanokie Circular Trail splits from the Mine Trail; at this point, follow the Mine Trail to the Roomy Mine Trail. Next, stick to this trail until you once again reach the Mine Trail. From here, follow markers for the Hewitt-Butler Trail; finally, take the Otter Hole Trail back to your starting point.
Location: Passaic County
Estimated Duration: 3 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: Wyanokie High Point features breathtaking skyline views, and also overlooks the Wanaque Reservoir. You’ll see an old copper mine, as well as many streams and unique rock formations.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Palisades Interstate Park
Standout Trail: Take the Long Path, which starts at the stunning State Line Lookout. This perfect fall hike moves through the park, hitting many other places of interest along the way.
Location: Bergen County
Estimated Duration: 4 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: State Line Lookout features a breathtaking panoramic view of the Hudson River. The park also boasts Greenbrook Sanctuary, a secluded woodland preserve; in addition to three historic sites including the Kearney House, a nineteenth century tavern; as well as four picnic areas and three boat basins.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
Standout Trail: Pyramid Mountain staff members recommend a 3.5-mile, moderately challenging trail that begins in the parking area; it then passes through a scenic overlook, and culminates at Tripod Rock. Plus, the return loop also has a stretch along the Taylortown Reservoir.
Location: Montville Township
Estimated Duration: 2.5 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: The trail boasts stunning views of the New York City skyline, waterfalls, wetlands, and Tripod Rock. For those who don’t know, Tripod Rock is a glacial erratic — aka, a rock not native to the area. In particular, Tripod Rock is a 160-ton boulder balancing on three smaller stones, and a striking feat of nature.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest
Standout Trail: We like the five-mile route that takes hikers along Ramapo Lake and passes through the ruins of Van Slyke Castle. Start off on the MacEvoy Trail for about 1.5 miles, then turn off onto Castle Point Trail; after that, use the Todd Trail to loop back around to the MacEvoy Trail (and your starting point).
Location: Bergen and Passaic counties
Estimated Duration: 3.5 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: The trails are flexible, so hikers can mix-and-match routes per their interest and ability. Of course, Ramapo also boasts New York City skyline views, as well as the ruins of Van Slyke Castle.
More info: Click here for trail details.
South Mountain Reservation
Standout Trail: Follow the yellow blazes to complete the 6 mile Lenape Trail; along the way, you’ll find fall hiking treasures such as various hardwood trees, hemlocks, and even a waterfall.
Location: Essex County
Estimated Duration: 2.5 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: Kids will love the fairy homes they spot at the beginning of the trail.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Worthington State Forest
Standout Trail: A 7.8-mile trek follows the park’s Dunnfield Creek trail from the parking area for the first 3.5 miles; it then reaches Sunfish Pond before it returns on the Appalachian Trail.
Location: Hardwick Township, Warren County
Estimated Duration: 5.5 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: You can enjoy gorgeous views of both Delaware Water Gap and Sunfish Pond, a stunning glacial lake. Warning: This terrain is rocky, so hiking boots are a must!
More info: Click here for trail details.
Central Jersey
Baldpate Mountain
Standout Trail: A variety of rare birds and other wildlife can be found during fall hiking at Baldpate Mountain; which is, in fact, the highest point in Mercer County. The 7-mile Ted Stiles Preserve loop (which combines several smaller trails) takes you on a hilly journey through the forest.
Location: Mercer County
Estimated Duration: 2.5 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: Parts of the trail may be wet, muddy, and steep, making this hike also a real workout.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Cheesequake State Park
Standout Trail: A 4.5-mile hike explores Hooks Creeks Lake, Perrine Pond, and terrain ranging from forests to salt marshes. For this hike, take the Yellow Trail to the Blue Trail until you reach the Green Trail, which will complete the loop.
Location: Middlesex County
Estimated Duration: 3 hours
Hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Why it’s Great: This park boasts a rare combo of vegetation, from salt marshes to wetlands to forests; but the best part is that all of them are easily accessible to hikers through various trails.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Sourland Mountain Preserve
Standout Trail: The Ridge Trail takes you on a 5-mile trek where you will see gorgeous fall foliage; as well as a variety of birds like the Summer Tanager, the Winter Wren, and the Carolina Chickadee.
Location: Somerset County
Estimated Duration: 2.5 hours
Hours: 7:00 am to sunset
Why it’s Great: The Ridge Trail takes you past the Devil’s Half-Acre, a group of boulders to admire. (Or even climb on, if you prefer!)
More info: Click here for trail details.
Jersey Shore
Belleplain State Forest
Standout Trail: The East Creek Trail is a 7-mile, mostly flat and sandy path. It starts and then also ends at Lake Nummy.
Location: Cape May and Cumberland Counties
Estimated Duration: 4 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: You can shorten the hike by cutting out the Tom Field Trail loop; but you should bring a map along if you opt for that option, just in case.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Clayton Park
Standout Trail: Five shorter trails make up the seven miles of hiking to enjoy in Clayton Park. The Old Forge Trail is only 1.5 miles, but takes you through a beautiful older part of this diverse forest.
Location: Monmouth County
Estimated Duration: 30 minutes
Hours: 7:00 am to 8:30 pm until September 19; 7:00 am to 8:00 pm from September 20 – 30; and 7:00 am to 7:30 pm from October 1 – 28
Why it’s Great: Clayton Park is also a perfect spot for bird watching. During your fall hiking, look for wood thrush and red-tailed hawks.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Jakes Branch County Park
Standout Trail: There are several hikes here that are less than one mile for the little ones; but if you have more able (and willing) hikers, check out the 3.8-mile Tindey Hiking Trail. It offers great views of the Pine Barrens.
Location: Ocean County
Estimated Duration: 2.5 hours
Hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Why it’s Great: This is a great place for families to spend the day,with picnicking, a playground and a nature center all on the premises.
More info: Click here for trail details.
South Jersey
Cooper River Park
Standout Trail: The Cooper River Trail takes you on a 3.6-mile loop through Cooper River Park; in addition to fall hiking fun, it offers views of the river, trees, and even Philadelphia’s skyline in the distance.
Location: Camden County
Estimated Duration: 1.5 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: Dogs, strollers, and wheelchairs are all welcome on this easy, flat path.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Parvin State Park
Standout Trail: If you’re looking for a flat, quick trail, the Parvin Lake Trail is 3 miles of easy hiking. Of course, as the name implies, this trail takes you around the perimeter of Parvin Lake.
Location: Salem County
Estimated Duration: 1.5 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: You’ll find vegetation from pine forests as well as swamp hardwood forests in the park.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Wharton State Forest
Standout Trail: Take in scenic views of the Mullica River as you embark on the 9-mile Mullica River Trail.
Location: Burlington County
Estimated Duration: 5 hours
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why it’s Great: You start this hike at Batsto Village and end in the Atsion Recreation Area; a spot that has picnic tables and a playground, in addition to fishing, boating, and more.
More info: Click here for trail details.
Credit: bestofnj.com
