Heather Rafanello 
New Jersey is called the Garden State for a reason. Outside of the cities, residents will find lush greenery galore. As the summer weather continues, locals are taking to the outdoors, and The Hoboken Girl is here with a list of some of the best hikes in Northern New Jersey, including details about how to get there as well as trail routes. Keep reading for a guide to the best hiking trails in Northern New Jersey.
Highlands, Yellow, + White Trail Loop | Allamuchy Mountain State Park, Byram Township
Along the Highlands, Yellow, and White trail loop, hikers can find several viewpoints and a river. This hike is a moderately challenging 4.6-mile loop, with a 787-foot elevation gain, and is estimated to take about two hours. Picnic tables are available along trails to stop and grab a bite as you hike, and the trail is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your (leashed) furry friends along.
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Allamuchy Mountain State Park has over 14 miles of marked trails and 20+ unmarked trails available for biking. In addition to hiking and biking trails, the park has a rock climbing wall available for public use, horseback riding trails, and a public boat launch located at Cranberry Lake, where electric motors, gas motors, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) can launch between sunrise and sunset year round. There is also a three-mile water trail on the Musconetcong River, which is available for canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. For more information on the boat launch and regulations, refer to the park website.
Trailhead GPS: 40° 40’55.16″ N 74° 74’44.18″ W. The trail is located at Waterloo Road/County Road 604. This trail is approximately 39 miles from Hoboken, tucked away from the buzz of surrounding cities.
Getting there: There is no direct public transportation to this trail; however, the Netcong Train Station is 1.6 miles away, so hikers can take the MNBTN train line. If driving, take Route 80 to Exit 25, then take Route 206 North. At the intersection of Route 206 and Waterloo Road (traffic light), turn left onto Waterloo Road (County Road 604). After about one mile, the parking lot will be on the right, across from Continental Drive.
Read More: The Best Spots for a Picnic in Hoboken + Jersey City
Hemlock Falls Loop | South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood
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This trail is an easy-moderate 1.6-mile loop, with a 298-foot elevation gain, and is estimated to take about 45 minutes to complete. Feel free to bring along your leashed dogs on this scenic and popular trail.
South Mountain Reservation covers 2,110 acres and is located between the first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountains.
This serene and beautiful hike includes views of rivers and a breathtaking 25-foot waterfall. Hikers should expect to encounter rockier terrain as well as wildlife along the trails. The reservation has been mostly preserved in its wild state, changing only slightly through the years.
Trailhead GPS: N40.75567° W74.29172°. 40-36 Bear Lane, South Orange Village, NJ 07079. This trail is approximately 19 miles from Hoboken.
Getting there: This trail is accessible by car or train. Take the M&E or MNBTN train line to Maplewood Train Station, which is approximately 1.5 miles from the trail.
Mount Tammany via Red Dot + Blue Dot Loop Trail | Delaware Water Gap, Pahaquarry
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Intended for more experienced hikers, this trail is a challenging 3.6-mile loop, with a 1,213-foot elevation gain. While not necessarily long, this hike is considered challenging due to its steepness. Dogs are permitted on a leash, and hikers can expect to encounter wildlife, rivers, waterfalls, and rocky terrain. This is one of the most popular hikes in New Jersey because of its full panoramic views of the Delaware Water Gap, making the challenge worth it.
Trailhead GPS: N40.97213° W75.12592° Dunnfield Creek Natural Area, I-80, Columbia, NJ 07832. This trail is approximately 71 miles from Hoboken.
Getting there: The trailhead is easily accessible, right off Interstate 80. Take I-80 W and get off two exits before the toll bridge. Look for the signs to the Dunnfield Parking area. Due to its location, this is best accessed by car and is not easily accessible via public transportation.
Stairway to Heaven | Vernon
Photo Credit: Jordan Velez
This trail is a moderately challenging 2.8-mile out-and-back hike, with an 882-foot elevation gain, taking approximately one hour and 45 minutes to complete.
The trail is kid and dog-friendly, known for bird-watching and wildflowers, making it an exciting excursion for the entire family. Bathrooms are located at the visitor center.
Trailhead GPS: 41.219472, -74.455083. 443 Vernon Warwick Road, Vernon Township, NJ 07462. This trail is approximately 50 miles from Hoboken.
Getting there: Take Route 23 North into the town of Hamburg and make a right onto Route. 94 toward Vernon. Make a left, continuing on Route 94. Go past the chainsaw woodcarving stand and make a right into the AT lot. If you go past Heaven Hill Farm, you’ve gone too far. Due to its location, this is best accessed by car, and it’s not easily accessible via public transportation.
Long Path + Shore Loop | Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine
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This trail is a moderately challenging 5.7-mile loop, with a 685-foot elevation gain, taking approximately two hours and 20 minutes to complete. Dogs are permitted and must remain on their leashes.
It is recommended to take the loop counterclockwise, beginning with a steep descent down towards the Hudson River. Hikers will trek along the scenic river for about a mile and a half before returning. This section of the trail is short, yet steep. Once hiked, the remainder of the hike will be more flat until the beginning of the loop.
This 2,500-acre riverfront park has 30 miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, and a nature sanctuary. There are also plenty of picnic spots, a gift shop, and a snack stand. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River, historic sites, and wildlife as they hike.
Trailhead GPS: N40.98849° W73.90704° This trail is approximately 20 miles directly north of Hoboken, along the Hudson River.
Getting there: While close in distance, there isn’t a direct route to this spot without a car. Locals can take the bus (126, or 119) to the Rockland Coaches Route 9/9A bus, or take the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line train to the Rockland Coaches Route 20 bus, both of which get riders to a station about a mile away from the park.
Tripod Rock | Pyramid Mountain, Boonton
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This hike is a moderate 5.9-mile loop, with an 816-foot elevation gain, taking approximately two hours and 32 minutes to complete.
While the trail is a popular one, hikers can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area follows the Taylortown Reservoir, providing a mixture of views of the water, shaded forest trails, and geological formations, including Tripod Rock, Bear Rock, and Whale Head Rock. Some parts of the hike are steep and rocky, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Trailhead GPS: N40.94700° W74.38780° 472 Boonton Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005. This trail is approximately 23 miles from Hoboken.
Getting there: 20 miles northeast of Hoboken, this spot is just shy of an hour by car. Tip: Take a pit stop at Cafe Club Montville for a little pick-me-up. No car, no problem — take the Montclair-Boonton Line train to the Towaco, Boonton, or Lincoln Park stations and take a quick Uber ride.
Vista Loop Trail | Ramapo Valley County Reservation
This hike is a moderate 3.5-mile loop, with a 639-foot elevation gain, taking approximately one hour and 40 minutes to complete. For an even shorter loop, 1.4 miles round-trip, hikers take the yellow trail and turn left at the sign for “waterfall” and then retrace their steps. This hike is known to be buggy, so be sure to pack bug spray. It is also kid-friendly, and dogs are welcome, but must remain on a leash.
Trailhead GPS: N41.07758° W74.18748° This trail is approximately 32 miles from Hoboken.
Getting there: Take Route 287N to exit 58 to 202N/Ramapo Valley Road. A parking lot is located off Route 202 in Mahwah. Route 202 is also accessible via Route 17 and Route 208. There are several bus routes that locals can take if driving is not an option, including the 126, 84, 123, and 119, all of which stop at Ramapo College, which is a half mile from the park entrance.
Watchung Reservation History Trail | Watchung Reservation, Mountainside
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This hike is a moderate six-mile loop, with a 446-foot elevation gain, taking approximately two hours and 10 minutes to complete. The hike is mostly wooded, though it hugs the shores of Lake Surprise at points. For an easier hike, take the Lake Surprise Loop, which is only 1.7 miles around the lake.
Trailhead GPS: N40.68340° W74.37297° 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092.
Getting there: This trail is approximately 20 miles east of Hoboken. Hikers can also take the Path to Newark-Penn Station and take one of several bus routes, or take the M&E NJ Transit Train to Summit or New Providence and take a short Uber ride.
See More: Where to Go Hiking in the Montclair Area
Official trails are typically marked with colored swatches on posts and trees. For habitat protection and your safety, please stay on the trails and do not alter trail markings or create new trails. It is recommended to wear sturdy footwear and bring water/snacks as needed. Please leave the parks as they were found, and bring all trash back out of the park when leaving. Happy hiking!
