Rancocas State Park
Sandy trail that runs along the winding Rancocas Creek and passes by the remains of an old house.
South NJ Hikes
All hike guides for New Jersey’s southern region. This area is dominated by Jersey pinelands but also contains unique coastal hikes.
Key hiking areas include Wharton State Forest, Belleplain State Forest, Island Beach State Park, Cattus Island, Black Run, Parvin State Park, and Maurice River Bluffs. Listed by last updated.
Also check out Best Hikes in South NJ for a curated collection or Hiking in NJ for the master list of every hike guide on the site.
Commercial Township Wetlands
Easy hike with observation boardwalks along restored wetlands near the Maurice River on the Delaware Bay side of NJ.
Apple Pie Hill – Wharton State Forest
Hike the Batona Trail from the Carranza Memorial to Apple Pie Hill and climb the 60’ tall fire tower for a panoramic view.
Cattus Island Park
Hike through pine forest, around salt marshes, and along beaches while looking for Osprey in nesting platforms.
Island Beach State Park
Hike short trails to the ocean and bay sides of a barrier island, and along an undeveloped beach with views of Barnegat Lighthouse.
Jakes Branch County Park
Easy trails plus a playground and picnic area makes this a great destination for families.
Whitesbog Village
Hike sugar sand trails around cranberry bogs in the heart of Jersey’s pine barrens.
Franklin Parker Preserve
Hike around old cranberry bogs through a beautiful section of NJ’s Pine Barrens, and look for wildlife from an observation platform.
Franklin Parker Preserve – Chatsworth
Hike through a beautiful section of the pine barrens and around old cranberry bogs.
Penn State Forest – Oswego Lake
Hiking sand roads through the undeveloped wilderness of the Pine Barrens.
Brendan Byrne – Pakim Pond and Mt. Misery
A great sample of New Jersey’s pine barrens: endless pine, sandy trails covered in pine needles, and cranberry bogs.