While nothing is more charming than the tree-lined streets of Hoboken and Jersey City all year round, sometimes the best way to appreciate the colorful landscape of the northeast is to go on a hike. Whether you have a full day or just a morning to spare, there are plenty of options around to lace up your hiking boots, discover a new hiking trail, and embark on one of these great hikes near Hoboken and Jersey City. Keep reading to discover where to go hiking near Hoboken + Jersey City.
Bear Mountain
Distance from Hoboken: 46 miles, 1.5-hour drive
Drive an hour northwest of Hoboken and you’ll see signs for Bear Mountain State Park — a 5,205-acre state park in Rockland County New York. With 22+ hiking trails, picnic areas, a merry-go-round, and a walking bridge over the Hudson River, there are plenty of activities to make Bear Mountain a full day outing. Check out all trails ahead of time or download the app for trail routes and information.
Breakneck Ridge | Philipstown/Fishkill, New York
(Photo credit: @hudsonvalleyhappenings)
Distance from Hoboken: 63 miles, 1 hour 50 min drive, 1.5-hour train from Grand Central
Considered the most strenuous hike in the East Hudson Highlands, Breakneck Ridge is not for the faint of heart. Steep hiking trails through wooded pines are rewarded with panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. Be sure to wear proper hiking boots before setting out on this adventure. While strenuous, the hike is only about three miles long and takes an estimated three and a half hours. Visit the NY/NJ trail website to learn more. Finish the hike in the town of Cold Spring, NY to enjoy lunch at one of the town’s quaint waterfront restaurants. The trailhead is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Hoboken or accessible via Metro-North from Grand Central (depart at either the Breakneck Ridge or Cold Spring station).
Giant Stairs Palisades | Closter, NJ
Distance from Hoboken: 19 miles, 43 min drive
Just 19 miles from Hoboken, Giant Stairs offers another nearby hiking destination different from the rest of the trails on this list. Boulders that once fell from the Palisades now line this hiking trail and provide a challenging rock scramble to visitors. The full trail is just over four miles long, of which one mile is over boulders. Hike along steep cliff drop-offs while looking over the Hudson River.
Minnewaska State Park | Kerhonkson, NY
Distance from Hoboken: 87 miles, 2-hour drive
Another great hiking destination in Ulster County is Minnewaska State Park. Situated on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge, 2,000+ feet above sea level, this park offers 50 miles of hiking trails. From foliage to waterfalls and crystal clear lakes, the views at Minnewaska are endless. Drive just under two hours via I-87 N, or hop on a Trailways bus to New Paltz (from there it’s a 10 min Uber ride to the park’s entrance).
Mohonk Preserve | Gardiner, NY
(Photo credit: Mohonk Mountain)
Distance from Hoboken: 92 miles, 2+ hour drive
Perhaps the heart of the Hudson Valley, Mohonk Preserve boasts picturesque views of the Hudson Valley amidst 40,000 acres of forest. Set out on one of the mountain’s hiking trails {85 miles total} — from easy wooded walks to rock scrambles like the infamous Lemon Squeeze. Cap off the day at Mohonk Mountain House, a historic resort with a restaurant, spa, and guest rooms, or stop in the village of New Paltz for a bite to eat. Bonus tip: plan a visit in the winter for ice skating and snow-shoeing. Mohonk is a two-hour and 15 minute drive from Hoboken.
See More: Best Waterfront Views in Hoboken, Jersey City + Weehawken
Palisades Interstate Park/Fort Lee Historic Park | Alpine/Fort Lee, NJ
Distance from Hoboken: 10 miles, 30 min drive
The closest hike on the list, and easiest to get to from Hudson County, is Palisades Interstate Park/Fort Lee Historic Park which lies just north of Hoboken on the Hudson River. The park has about 30 miles of trails, ranging from leisurely riverside walks to challenging rock scrambles. Enter the park south of the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee. To get there, embark on a 10-mile bike ride along the Hudson River waterfront {which starts as far south as Bayonne and continues up to the GW bridge}, catch the 158 bus, or drive. Head to the park’s website for information on different trails, and to download a full map of the park.
Read more The Black Tusk Hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC Canada
Watchung Reservation | Mountainside, NJ
Distance from Hoboken: 29 miles, 49 min drive
Head southwest into New Jersey to find Watchung Reservation, a 2,000-acre preserve in the northern part of Union County. The park was designed by the Olmsted brothers, the same architects who designed New York’s Central Park. Embark on the six-mile history trail to discover various sites of historic interest in the reservation. You can visit ucnj.org/wrht in advance to virtually explore the trail and prepare yourself for the sites and animal life you might encounter on your hike. If you’re looking for more activities, the reservation also offers horseback riding, biking, nature, and a science center, as well as a deserted village that has been empty since the early 1920s.
— Update: 21-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article 12 Best Hiking Trails for Families Near Jersey City from the website jcfamilies.com for the keyword hiking jersey city.
The weather on the weekend will be warm and sunny; Hiking can be a great way to enjoy all that nature offers while spending quality time with the ones you love. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic workout. So now take a hike before it gets too cold. To help you find the perfect trail, we’ve created a list of the 10 Best Hiking Trails for Families Near Jersey City. So now take a hike!
Palisades Interstate Park
Palisades Interstate Park is about twelve miles long and half a mile wide, containing 2,500 acres of wild Hudson River shorefront, uplands, and cliffs. This National Historic Landmark offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore! Trails are open year-round during daylight only. There is a Long Path and Shore Trail, which are the two main National Recreational Trails, each covering most of the 12-mile length of the park. But that isn’t all! There are more trails for you and your family to explore. Make sure to download their park map so you can get familiar with the area! This park is located about 40 minutes from Jersey City! One of the very beautiful trail hiking trails near Jersey City.
Cheesequake State Park
Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park. There are five designated trails at the park. The Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue pathways are for hiking and walking. The White Trail is a multi-use trail for bikers and hiking. The park is open daily from 8 AM – 7 PM! Make sure to keep the park clean! Cheesequake’s Carry-In/Carry-Out program requires visitors to carry out any trash that they carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site! This park is located about 40 minutes from Jersey City.
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
Pyramid Mountain’s 1,545 acres of rugged trails, fields, forests, and wetlands are just a 50-minute drive from Jersey City! You’ll also be walking through history! Over three hundred years ago, the Lenape Indians experienced their first encounter with European colonizers. The unusual glacial erratics are easily visible to hikers, such as Tripod Rock, a 180-ton boulder balanced on three smaller boulders deposited by the Wisconsin Glacier over 18,000 years ago, and Bear Rock, located nearby, is one of New Jersey’s most enormous glacial erratics. After an exhilarating hike on the trails, stop by the Pyramid Mountain Visitor Center to experience a variety of interactive educational exhibits about the history and wildlife of the area! The park’s trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, while the Visitors Center is open seven days a week from 9 AM- 4:30 PM. You can find a copy of the map online!
Ramapo Mountain State Forest
There will be no shortage of animal sightings on this hike! This hilly forest provides a sanctuary for wildlife and is located about an hour from Jersey City. Ramapo Mountain State Forest includes 14 official trails, totaling more than 28 miles. Many multi-use trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. A 120-acre clearwater mountain lake provides an excellent spot for fishing and birdwatching. There is no swimming permitted in this lake. The area is open every day from 8 AM-8 PM and is a 1-hour drive from Jersey City.
Read more Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking Oahu’s Diamond Head Crater Hike
Norvin Green State Forest
The undisturbed forest and rugged terrain of Norvin Green offer sanctuary for birds and other wildlife about 50 minutes from Jersey City. The forest is near the Wanaque Reservoir and is home to an extensive trail built from old logging roads. Eighteen official trails total more than 50 miles in Norvin Green State Forest. The trails are well-marked, and hikers can vary their hiking distance and challenges by connecting sections of trails to suit their needs. With hills ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet in elevation, Norvin Green provides the avid hiker with scenic vistas, including the New York skyline, Burnt Meadow Brook, and Lake Sonoma. This area is accessible only by foot and is open daily from sunrise to sunset!
Manasquan Reservoir
The Manasquan Reservoir is a water source for towns and a natural setting for recreational and outdoor enjoyment located an hour from Jersey City! You can spend your day fishing, boating, and walking the 5-mile perimeter and 1-mile nature trails. This trail is highly recommended if you prefer light strolling instead of hiking over rugged terrain. The park is open daily, but times do vary depending on the time of the year. For example, from November 1st-March 31st, the park opens at 7 AM, and 6 AM April 1st-October 31st! Learn more about the reservoir’s history and other activities here!
Hacklebarney State Park
The freshwater Black River briskly cuts its way through rocky Hacklebarney State Park, located an hour from Jersey City. Today Hacklebarney is a favorite place for avid anglers, hikers, and picnickers, yet in the 19th century, the park was a mined iron ore site. The park offers nine official trails, totaling almost 5 miles. The area may be small, but the terrain is quite diverse. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and only hiking is permitted on the trails.
Bridal Veil Falls
Located a little under 40 minutes from Jersey City is Bridal Veil Falls. This prettily named fall is located on the campus of William Paterson University. It is one of New Jersey’s most accessible falls and is perfect for novice hikers. A trail passes behind the falls, allowing visitors to stand in a “cave” of falling water. In the winter, the fall freezes into a stack of giant icicles.
Mills Reservation
Mills Reservation is a 157.15-acre reservation located in Cedar Grove and Montclair, which is just about 35 minutes from Jersey City! The park has a network of loop trails totaling six miles. The seven individual blazed trails range from 0.1-mile up to 1.5 miles. The trail is dog-friendly, but please keep your furry friend on a leash!
Schooley’s Mountain County Park
Nestled among the hills of western Morris County, Schooley’s Mountain County Park offers visitors 791.51 acres of recreational and leisure activities. Although Schooley’s Mountain County Park features a large picnic area, a lodge, and other developed recreational facilities, most of the park remains in its natural state. Schooley’s Mountain County Park is open daily sunrise to sunset throughout the year and is located a little over an hour from Jersey City.
You are now a hiking trail master! Well, sort of. Make sure to pack plenty of healthy snacks and water before you head out! Looking to get the most out of the great outdoors? Camping is always an option! You can also stay close to home and still enjoy nature by visiting your local parks.
Watchung Reservation
Watchung Reservation Trails is a 4.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Mountainside, New Jersey, that features a river and is suitable for all skill levels. The trail offers several activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash. Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County, New Jersey, United States. It is bounded by the city of Summit, the borough of Mountainside, and the townships of Berkeley Heights, Scotch Plains, and Springfield. So explore this beautiful hiking trails near Jersey City.
Read more The Best, Most Beautiful Hikes around Jersey City
South Mountain Fairy Trail
— Update: 23-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article The Best, Most Beautiful Hikes around Jersey City from the website www.libertyharbor.com for the keyword hiking jersey city.
As the humid days of summer begin to cool down, we return to the outdoors. Fall hiking around Jersey City brings together the best of many worlds. Spend time with family, take in the changing foliage and social distance with a friend. Because of our great location, we have access to a variety of options. Choose from morning or afternoon hikes around Jersey City or day trips to exciting trails. Read on to find how you can enjoy some fall hikes even before it’s officially fall.
Best Hikes Near Jersey City for Families
It’s been a challenging year since the Coronavirus outbreak in late winter. Outdoor activities and exercise have been lifesavers for so many of us now spending more time in our homes. Getting everyone outside after much screen time is key to wellbeing. Try these local favorites with your kids.
Liberty State Park – Folks of all ages love to walk along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway trail. Enjoy a perfect view of NYC, a nature center and the 9/11 memorial. Also, check out the park’s Facebook page for fall events, virtual and in-person.
Cheesequake State Park – Enjoy a 4.5-mile hike around Hooks Creek Lake and Perrine Pond. Kids love hiking from the forest to the salt marshes. Since the area is only 40 minutes from Jersey City, you can be spontaneous in your plans.
Watchung Reservation – Plan your day trip virtually before you visit the beauty that is Watchung. Sites and sounds will delight families and provide a beautiful backdrop for changing colors of fall. History buff? Discover historic trails where you can learn about early uses of the area land. The reservation also has activities like horseback riding and biking.
For the Leaf Peepers
The fall foliage will be another welcome change in season this year. If you know the best spots, you can plan around the weather for some stunning views of nature. Check these parks out, especially if you’ve never gone before.
Palisades Interstate Park – For a gorgeous and panoramic view of the Hudson River, visit State Line Lookout. Look for critters in nearby Greenbrook Sanctuary and enjoy a choice of four picnic areas. Boat basins and historic sites provide fun options for a lovely day away.
Hacklebarney State Park – The Black River gorge offers cool relief from late summer heat. The fall foliage in this area is known to be particularly gorgeous because of its proximity to water. The Rinehard and Trout Brooks also contribute to the sounds and scenery of this hiking area. The combination of grey boulders and green hemlocks is portrait-worthy.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest – Hikers can mix and match trails based on ability and interest. And every path through over 4,000 acres of forest affords a impressive view of fall color. Some trails even showcase the New York skyline in the background.
Exhilarating Hikes – Not for the Faint of Heart
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area – Over 1,500 acres of rugged country and a variety of terrain to choose from. Hikers love the glacial formations like Tripod Rock, or tons of fields and trails through wetlands. Tie up your hiking boots and bring your appetite. Afterwards you can stop by the Visitor Center to look through some interactive exhibits.
Worthington State Forest – This rocky terrain provides an amazing hiking experience but make sure you wear your hiking boots. This challenging course is great for kids and adults alike. You’ll enjoy great views of Delaware Water Gap and Sunfish Pond.
Hiking around Jersey City is one of the best ways to feel at peace with nature. We need this escape now more than ever! As late summer turns to fall, set aside time for you and your family. You’ll feel refreshed and focused. Finally, check out some new hiking gear to help you get motivated and set aside time in your busy schedule.
