Stairway to Heaven: Pochuck Valley to Pinwheel Vista
Hike over boardwalks and a suspension bridge before climbing the “Stairway to Heaven” to one of the best viewpoints in NJ.
North NJ Hikes
Hike guides for the rugged northern portion of New Jersey. The majority of Jersey’s well known hikes are located across this region – Mt. Tammany, Stairway to Heaven, Wyanokie High Point, and the Giant Stairs. Listed by last updated.
Also check out Best Hikes in NJ for a curated collection or Hiking in NJ for the master list of every hike guide on the site.
Pochuck Boardwalk – Appalachian Trail
Easy hike through a scenic marshy area on a long boardwalk and over the Pochuck Suspension Bridge.
Stairway to Heaven NJ
Hike the “Stairway to Heaven” up a series of steep rock slab steps to a panoramic view from Pinwheel’s Vista.
The Giant Stairs – Palisades
Scramble over the Giant Stairs – a long section of huge boulders that have tumbled from the Palisades – with views over the Hudson River into NY.
Peanut Leap Cascade – Palisades
Enjoy expansive views over the Hudson River to New York City, a pretty waterfall, ruins, and a rope swing.
South Mountain Fairy Trail
Easy, short trail lined with whimsical “fairy houses” made entirely of natural materials.
South Mountain Reservation – Hemlock Falls
Moderate hike that takes in a viewpoint from historic Washington Rock, Hemlock Falls, and the Rahway River.
Hacklebarney State Park
Gorgeous park that has the Black River as it’s centerpiece and is stunning in the fall.
Mt. Tammany – Delaware Water Gap
Climb steeply uphill to a fantastic overlook of the Delaware Water Gap and Mt. Minsi across the way.
Catfish Fire Tower – Appalachian Trail
Hike the Appalachian Trail past Catfish Fire Tower for tons of views over New Jersey.
Lake Sonoma, Overlook Rock, Manaticut Point
Loop featuring Lake Sonoma and views from Overlook Rock and Manaticut Point.
Coppermines, Appalachian Trail, Catfish Fire Tower, Rattlesnake Swamp
Loop with streams, water cascades, mines (closed), ridge views, the Catfish fire tower, rhododendron tunnels, and a swamp.
Terrace Pond – West, Circular, North
A rugged route around scenic Terrace Pond with a floating bridge and lot of scrambling.
Terrace Pond North
Rugged, rocky trail that runs along a ridge with many expansive viewpoints before arriving at Terrace Pond.