Cheesequake – White Trail and Arrowsmith
Short hike with a butterfly garden plus a side trip for viewpoints over pretty marshland.
NJ Hiking
Holmdel Park – North Section
Short, easy trails that are good as a mild introduction to hiking or for hiking with kids.
Stonetown Circular
Climb and descend five mountains – Little Windbeam, Windbeam, Bear, Board, and Harrison – while enjoying views of the Wanaque and Monksville Reservoirs.
Turkey Mountain – Perimeter Loop
Enjoy views of Lake Valhalla and the NYC skyline, a waterfall, and the 100 Steps.
Valhalla Falls Loop – Turkey Mountain
Short hike that includes stone ruins, Lake Valhalla Overlook, a waterfall, and the 100 Steps.
Tillman Ravine
Shady hike in a pretty hemlock forest that features nice cascades and a cemetery dating to the 1800s.
Appalachian Trail – Crater Lake to Blue Mountain
Hike from beautiful Crater Lake and enjoy views along the Appalachian Trail to Rattlesnake, Bird, and Blue Mountains.
Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Hike to Hawk Rock and Cactus Ledge viewpoints, continue to Bear Swamp Lake, and end with a pretty waterfall.
Musconetcong Gorge Preserve
Plenty of waterfalls and cascades along a stream running through a scenic gorge, plus a section of the Highlands Trail.
Commercial Township Wetlands
Easy hike with observation boardwalks along restored wetlands near the Maurice River on the Delaware Bay side of NJ.
Julian Capik Preserve
Julian Capik Preserve is a small park in Sayreville good for a short local hike.