13 Short New Jersey Hikes That Are Almost Too Beautiful To Believe
New Jersey might surprise you with its incredible natural beauty hidden in plain sight.
From cascading waterfalls to stunning mountain views, the Garden State offers short trails that pack serious scenic punch without requiring hours of trekking.
Whether you’re looking for a quick morning adventure or an afternoon escape into nature, these hikes prove that breathtaking landscapes are closer than you think.
1. Van Campens Glen Trail
Waterfalls tumble over moss-covered rocks along this magical 1.6-mile trail that feels like stepping into a fairytale forest.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area hides this gem where multiple cascades create a soothing soundtrack throughout your entire walk.
Families love this route because kids can splash in shallow pools during warmer months while adults soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Spring brings the most dramatic water flow, transforming the glen into a rushing wonderland.
The trail stays relatively flat, making it accessible for most fitness levels without sacrificing any of the wow factor.
Wooden bridges cross the stream at several points, offering perfect photo opportunities framed by towering hemlocks and ferns.
2. Tillman Ravine Trail
Ancient hemlocks stand guard over rushing streams that dance down this 2.3-mile trail in Stokes State Forest.
The path winds through a ravine where water seems to be everywhere, creating miniature waterfalls at every turn.
Historic Walpack Cemetery sits nearby, adding a touch of mysterious history to your outdoor adventure.
Summer shade keeps the temperature comfortable even on hot days, while autumn transforms the canopy into a blazing display of reds and golds.
Rocky sections require careful footing, but nothing too challenging for anyone wearing proper hiking shoes.
The constant sound of flowing water creates a meditative quality that helps melt away stress from daily life.
3. Hawk Rock Viewpoint
Just one mile of walking rewards hikers with sweeping views that stretch across the Ramapo Valley like a living painting.
This quick climb in Ramapo Valley County Reservation delivers maximum scenery with minimum effort, making it perfect for those short on time but hungry for nature.
The rocky outcrop at the summit provides a natural viewing platform where you can spot hawks riding thermal currents below.
Fall foliage season turns this hike into something truly spectacular, with endless waves of color rolling across the hillsides.
Sunset visits offer particularly stunning light, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks.
Pack a snack and plan to linger at the top, because rushing away from this view would feel like a crime.
4. Hacklebarney State Park Loop
The Black River creates a symphony of cascades along this 2.6-mile loop that combines natural beauty with perfect picnic spots.
Hacklebarney State Park might have a funny name, but there’s nothing silly about the gorgeous scenery packed into this compact trail system.
Multiple small waterfalls tumble over rock formations, creating countless spots to pause and appreciate the power of moving water.
Picnic tables dot the landscape, inviting visitors to turn their hike into an all-day outing complete with lunch by the river.
The trail follows the water closely, meaning you’re never far from the soothing sounds of flowing streams.
Winter visits reveal frozen waterfalls that glisten like crystal chandeliers in the cold sunlight.
5. Appalachian Trail Boardwalk
Wooden planks carry hikers across wetlands where the Wallkill River creates a unique ecosystem teeming with bird life and wildflowers.
This 2-mile round-trip section of the famous Appalachian Trail offers something completely different from typical forest hikes.
The elevated boardwalk keeps your feet dry while providing unobstructed views of marshlands that change dramatically with the seasons.
Birdwatchers bring binoculars to spot herons, egrets, and migrating waterfowl that use these wetlands as crucial habitat.
Spring explodes with blooming marsh marigolds and purple irises that paint the landscape in unexpected colors.
The flat, easy terrain makes this trail perfect for younger children or anyone recovering from injury who still wants outdoor adventure.
6. Hemlock Pond Trail
A hidden pond reflects towering trees like a mirror dropped in the forest, creating double the beauty along this peaceful 1.5-mile loop.
South Mountain Reservation protects this tranquil spot where hemlock trees lean over still water that rarely shows even a ripple.
The trail circles the pond completely, offering constantly changing perspectives and photography angles.
Turtles sun themselves on half-submerged logs while dragonflies skim the water’s surface during summer months.
The relatively unknown status of this trail means you might have the entire pond to yourself on weekday mornings.
Benches positioned at scenic spots invite quiet contemplation, making this hike as much about mental restoration as physical exercise.
7. Pakim Pond Trail
White sand beaches meet crystal-clear water in the heart of the Pine Barrens, creating a scene that belongs on a tropical postcard rather than New Jersey.
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest hides this 1.5-mile gem where the landscape shifts dramatically from dense pines to open shoreline.
The sandy trail feels soft underfoot, completely different from rocky mountain paths most people associate with hiking.
Swimming is popular during hot summer days when the cedar-tinted water provides refreshing relief from humidity.
The unique ecology of the Pine Barrens means you’re walking through one of the most unusual ecosystems on the East Coast.
Wildlife sightings might include white-tailed deer, red foxes, or even the occasional pine snake sunning itself beside the path.
8. Buttermilk Falls Trail
Water plunges dramatically down a rocky cliff face, creating the tallest waterfall in New Jersey along this short but steep 0.8-mile trail.
The hike to Buttermilk Falls packs serious elevation change into a compact distance, so expect your legs to feel the burn.
Located in the Delaware Water Gap area, this trail rewards the effort with a spectacular cascade that thunders during spring melt.
The viewing area sits right at the base of the falls, where mist creates natural air conditioning and tiny rainbows dance in the spray.
Photographers should bring tripods to capture the silky water effect using longer exposures.
The trail can get slippery near the falls, so good traction and careful footing become essential for safety.
9. Sunfish Pond Trail
A glacial pond sits atop the Kittatinny Ridge like a jewel in a crown, accessible via a challenging but short 3.5-mile out-and-back hike.
This section of the Appalachian Trail climbs steadily through rocky terrain before revealing one of New Jersey’s most pristine natural features.
Sunfish Pond formed thousands of years ago when retreating glaciers carved out a depression that filled with crystal-clear water.
The effort required makes this hike more demanding than others on this list, but the payoff justifies every uphill step.
Camping is prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem, but daytime visits allow plenty of time to circle the shore and absorb the alpine-like atmosphere.
Mountain laurel blooms in early summer, adding splashes of pink to the green forest surrounding the water.
10. Pyramid Mountain Summit
Exposed rock formations crown this 2.5-mile climb that offers 360-degree views and fascinating geological features including tripod rock.
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area protects unique glacial erratics massive boulders left behind by retreating ice sheets thousands of years ago.
The summit trail passes several of these geological curiosities before reaching the bare rock peak.
Views extend in all directions, revealing the patchwork of forests, towns, and distant mountains that define northern New Jersey.
The unusual rock formations create natural climbing opportunities for adventurous kids who love scrambling over boulders.
Trail markers are clear and frequent, making navigation simple even for first-time visitors to this remarkable natural area.
11. Cheesequake State Park Trails
Where salt marshes meet freshwater swamps, this unique 2-mile trail system showcases an ecological transition zone found nowhere else in New Jersey.
Cheesequake State Park sits at the meeting point of two distinct ecosystems, creating unusual biodiversity that fascinates nature lovers.
The trails wind through pine forests, hardwood stands, and open wetlands, offering incredible variety in a compact area.
Boardwalks protect sensitive marsh areas while giving hikers close-up views of specialized plants adapted to brackish conditions.
The flat terrain and well-maintained paths make this destination family-friendly and accessible to strollers or wheelchairs in many sections.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with everything from fiddler crabs to red-tailed hawks calling this transition zone home.
12. High Point Monument Trail
Standing at 1,803 feet, the highest point in New Jersey offers a quick 0.5-mile walk to a towering monument with three-state views.
High Point State Park crowns the Kittatinny Ridge with a 220-foot obelisk that can be seen for miles in every direction.
The short paved trail from the parking area makes this stunning viewpoint accessible to almost everyone regardless of fitness level.
On clear days, the Catskill Mountains rise to the north while the Pocono Mountains dominate the western horizon.
The monument itself honors New Jersey’s war veterans, adding historical significance to the natural beauty.
Sunrise visits reward early risers with spectacular light painting the valleys below in golden hues.
13. Cooper Mill Trail
A restored 18th-century grist mill sits beside a rushing stream along this easy 1.2-mile trail that combines history with natural beauty.
Cooper Mill Park protects both the historic structure and the scenic landscape that made this location perfect for water-powered industry centuries ago.
The trail follows the stream past the mill, where volunteers sometimes demonstrate grinding grain using traditional methods.
Wildflowers bloom along the banks during spring and summer, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to the meadows.
The gentle terrain and short distance make this trail perfect for introducing young children to hiking while teaching local history.
Picnic areas near the mill invite visitors to pack lunch and make a leisurely afternoon of their visit to this peaceful spot.
