Hiking in Central Jersey is diverse – trails may head up mountains, across rolling hills, through forests and pine barrens, skirt fields and farmlands, and cross marshes on boardwalks.
Hikes in north New Jersey may get most of the attention, but the entire state has plenty of excellent hiking available.
The trail surface is less rocky than up north. The area is also a great introduction to hiking since many parks are compact and more manageable for beginners.
For all of our hike guides in this region, see the Central NJ category or the list on our Hiking in NJ page. Be sure to check out the Best Hikes in South Jersey as well! For a map overview of hikes covered on this site try our Hike Finder Map.
Some of the best hikes in central New Jersey are below (in no particular order).
Sourland Mountain Preserve
Easy to moderate hiking over boardwalks and through the boulders of Devil’s Half Acre and Roaring Rocks. Somerset County.
Baldpate Mountain – Ted Stiles Preserve
Moderate hike that includes a view of the Delaware River and passes old farm buildings and the Kuser Estate House. Mercer County.
Cheesequake State Park – Green Trail
Pleasant hike over rolling hills and through beautiful marshlands with the assistance of numerous boardwalks. Middlesex County.
Clayton Park
Hike over rolling forested hills and along Doctor’s Creek in a small park surrounded by Jersey farmlands. Monmouth County.
Musconetcong Gorge Preserve
Plenty of waterfalls and cascades along a stream running through a scenic gorge, plus a section of the Highlands Trail. Hunterdon County.
Washington Crossing State Park
Hike with history at a scenic park near the site of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and the Continental Army’s route to Trenton in 1776. Mercer County.
Hartshorne Woods
Hike through mountain laurel over rolling hills, enjoy river and ocean views, and check out military bunkers from WWII. Monmouth County.