In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible New Jersey Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
There are many benefits to hiking and we’ve got incredible trails from north to south that can be explored all year long. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, here are a few local favorites – one for each month of the year.
January - Cushetunk Trail - 6.8 Miles - Lebanon
The short version of the Cushetunk Trail comes in at 3.4 miles each way, making for a 6.8-mile out and back trek. This trail is rated moderate with 1,220 feet of elevation gain along the way. In the winter, with no leaves on the trees, you'll enjoy terrific views of the Round Valley Reservoir. Leashed dogs are welcome.
February - Swimming River Reservoir Trail - 1.7 Miles - Lincroft
Thompson Park is home to this easy out and back trail with lake views. There's minimal elevation gain, making this a great choice for kids and families.
March - Lenape Trail - 34 Miles - West Orange To Newark
This unique trail is one of the longest in New Jersey and it traverses 19 Essex County parks. If you want to hike it in its entirety, we recommend you do so in late March when the weather is cool. Much of the trail is paved, making for a manageable journey. Along the way, you'll pass historic and cultural sites like Kips Castle and Newark's Branch Brook Park.
April - Hemlock Falls Trail - 5.8 Miles - Millburn
April showers bring rushing waterfalls at South Mountain Reservation. This 5.8-mile loop trail is a moderate hike that's best enjoyed when Hemlock Falls is at peak water levels. Leashed dogs are welcome.
May - Emily K. Hammond Wildflower Trail - 1 Mile - Boonton
This short and scenic wildflower trail at Tourne County Park is best in mid to late May. It's a fun, family-friendly hike featuring 250 plant and flower species native to New Jersey, all labeled.
June - Red & Green Loop - 1.8 Miles - Eastampton
Historic Smithville Park is one the most beautiful parks in the Burlington County Park System. It offers 4.5 miles of trails but the 1.8-mile loop that combines the Red and Green Trails is a family favorite. You'll visit a butterfly garden and cross a unique floating section of trail!
July - Cape May Point Trail - 1.7 Miles - Cape May
Enjoy ocean, pond, lighthouse, and bunker views from this beautiful beachfront trail. It's easy, family-friendly, and perfect for summer.
August - Batsto Lake Trail - 4 Miles - Hammonton
Visit historic Batsto Village and stroll past Batsto Lake on this easy loop trail in Wharton State Forest.
September - Marsh Discovery Trail Loop - 1 Mile - Lyndhurst
This wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail at Richard W. DeKorte Park is perfect for families, beginners, and birdwatchers. It's a great place to enjoy local nature and wildlife! Leashed dogs are allowed. Picnic areas are available.
October - Monument Trail - 3.5 Miles - Wantage
Enjoy breathtaking views of High Point State Monument and fall foliage across three states (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) on this easy-moderate loop trail with 515 feet of elevation gain.
November - D & R Canal Trail - 70 Miles - Frenchtown To New Brunswick
This approximately 70-mile trail spans Hunterdon, Mercer, and Somerset Counties. The trail is divided into several key sections along the D&R Canal - both the Main Canal Trail (34 miles long) and the Feeder Canal Trail (31.5 miles long) are ADA accessible. Visit in early November and you'll still enjoy some colorful fall foliage.
December – Great Falls Loop – .8 Miles – Paterson
This short and easy trail is more beautiful in the winter than you’d ever believe unless you visit for yourself. However, this stunning video by Peter Alessandria Photography on YouTube comes pretty close to capturing its partially-frozen glory.
Address: Round Valley Reservoir, Clinton Township, NJ 08833, USA
Address: 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738, USA
Address: Lake St & Park Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104, USA
Address: Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA
Address: 83 Old Denville Rd, Boonton, NJ 07005, USA
Address: 803 Smithville Rd, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060, USA
Address: 215 Light House Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Address: 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037, USA
Address: 1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA
Address: Montague, NJ 07827, USA
Address: Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA
Address: 72 McBride Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA
Address: 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738, USA
Address: Lake St & Park Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104, USA
Address: Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA
Address: 83 Old Denville Rd, Boonton, NJ 07005, USA
Address: 803 Smithville Rd, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060, USA
Address: 215 Light House Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Address: 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037, USA
Address: 1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA
Address: Montague, NJ 07827, USA
Address: Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA
Address: 72 McBride Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA
