New Jersey is hiding some of America’s most gorgeous mountain trails

Beyond the Jersey turnpike

New Jersey is often stereotyped as highways and industrial skylines, but the state’s northwest offers ridgelines, forests, and overlooks that feel far removed from the commute.

New Jersey’s park and trail networks add up to roughly 1,500 miles of trails, and the Appalachian Trail crosses about 72 miles of the state. From Kittatinny Ridge to quieter highland viewpoints, these routes show a calmer, more rugged side of the Garden State.

The crown jewel: Mount Tammany

Mount Tammany is a signature hike in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, rising sharply above the river corridor and delivering big views for the effort.

The National Park Service lists an elevation change of about 1,201 feet on the steep Mount Tammany (Red Dot) climb, and it’s commonly combined into a loop.

For a loop route, the Park Service notes you can climb the Red Dot trail and descend via the Pahaquarry Trail (blue blaze), with Dunnfield Creek routes available nearby for a streamside finish.

High Point State Park

High Point is New Jersey’s highest point at 1,803 feet, topped by the High Point Monument, an obelisk-style memorial dedicated to the state’s war veterans.

From the monument area, the view is widely described as spanning the Tri-State region, with distant ridges and valleys visible in multiple directions on clear days.

A network of marked trails leads to the summit and monument through wooded terrain, making it one of the state’s best “big view” stops with relatively short hiking options.

The “Stairway to Heaven” and Pinwheel’s Vista

One of New Jersey’s best-known Appalachian Trail climbs is nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven,” leading up to Pinwheel’s Vista on Wawayanda Mountain near the Wawayanda area.

Before the steep ascent, hikers pass through the Pochuck wetlands on long boardwalk sections and cross the Pochuck suspension bridge on the Appalachian Trail.

From Pinwheel’s Vista, the payoff is a broad overlook across the Vernon Valley and surrounding ridgelines—one of the standout viewpoints on this stretch of trail.

Sunfish Pond, a glacial mountain lake

Sunfish Pond is one of the most peaceful locations along the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey. This crystal-clear glacial lake sits high on Kittatinny Ridge and has been designated a National Natural Landmark.

Surrounded by forests and ancient boulders left by glaciers, the pond offers a serene resting place for hikers. Long-distance Appalachian Trail travelers often stop here to relax before continuing their journey north.

The Giant Stairs

The Giant Stairs is a famously rugged section of the Shore Trail in Palisades Interstate Park, known for steep, rocky terrain along the Hudson River’s dramatic cliffline.

However, as of January 9, 2026, the New York–New Jersey Trail Conference and park partners reported that the Giant Stairs section was closed due to a major rockfall and landslide, with ongoing warnings of rockfall risk.

When conditions allow access, the Palisades are still one of the closest places to New York City where you can experience near-500-foot cliffs above the river and sweeping Hudson views.

Wyanokie High Point and the Wanaque Reservoir view

Wyanokie High Point is a well-known viewpoint on the Highlands Trail system, associated with Norvin Green State Forest in northern New Jersey.

Hikers come for sweeping ridge views that can include the Wanaque Reservoir and surrounding Highlands landscapes, with rugged, rocky footing common on this terrain.

Because visibility varies, the most reliable payoff is the reservoir-and-ridge panorama rather than distant city skylines.

Pyramid Mountain

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area is famous for its unusual glacial erratics. The most famous formation is Tripod Rock, a massive stone balanced on three smaller rocks.

The park’s trails also pass Whale Head Rock and Bear Rock, another giant glacial formation. In addition to geology, hikers can enjoy scenic viewpoints such as Lucy’s Overlook, which offers sweeping views of northern New Jersey forests.

Sourland Mountain Preserve shows Central Jersey’s rocky side

Sourland Mountain Preserve is a rugged, heavily wooded hiking area in central New Jersey, known for rocky terrain and boulder fields that can feel surprisingly remote.

A well-known loop includes Devil’s Half-Acre, and hikers commonly describe long stretches of stone and uneven footing across the ridge system.

It’s a close-to-home escape for Central Jersey hikers who want a tougher, rockier walk without driving to the far north of the state.

Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is one of New Jersey’s tallest waterfalls and a highlight of the Delaware Water Gap area in Sussex County. The hike climbs past the falls, then continues steeply up to the Appalachian Trail for broader valley views.

The National Park Service notes that you can extend the route by following the Appalachian Trail to connect with nearby loop hikes, including the Crater Lake and Hemlock Pond loops.

It’s an easy place to pair a waterfall stop with a longer ridge walk in the surrounding forest.

The Highlands Trail

The Highlands Trail is a long-distance route that extends over 180 miles, linking the Delaware and Hudson Rivers across the Highlands region through forests, reservoirs, and ridgelines.

In New Jersey, published guides describe it running through places such as Long Pond Ironworks and Norvin Green State Forest, as well as many other public lands.

Because it’s far less famous than the Appalachian Trail, many sections can feel quieter—especially on weekdays and outside peak hiking season.

Jenny Jump Mountain

Jenny Jump Mountain State Forest combines scenic hiking with local legend. According to folklore, the mountain was named after a young woman who leaped from the cliffs centuries ago.

Today, the forest offers beautiful views of the surrounding valleys. The park also hosts an observatory run by the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, allowing visitors to enjoy both daytime hikes and nighttime stargazing.

Also, did you know? Missouri’s Katy Trail is so beautiful that it inspired a $2 million personal investment.

Tillman Ravine, a hidden woodland escape

Tillman Ravine in Stokes State Forest offers one of the most tranquil environments in New Jersey. The trail follows Tillman Brook as it flows through a lush ravine filled with moss-covered rocks and hemlock trees.

A unique circular rock formation known as the Teacup sits along the stream. Nearby Silver Spray Falls provides a small but beautiful waterfall hidden within the forest.

But if you don’t like the harsh terrains, you can also go to these trail running routes with leaf mulch cushioning your steps.

Which New Jersey trail would you love to explore first? Tell us in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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