3 Trails for Beginner Birders
Pack your binocs on these day trips along fall migration paths.
New Jersey, located in the northeastern U.S., is mostly covered by coastal plains, defined by gently rolling hills along the shoreline.
The Kittatinny Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains, occupy the northwest corner of the state. Here, the Delaware River has cut through and formed a deep water gap, the Delaware Water Gap. The 2,184-mile-long Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, passes through this area. Moving southeast, New Jersey's terrain is dominated by the Piedmont Plateau, dotted with small lakes, rivers, streams and valleys.
The editors at Backpacker have created an extensive collection of popular trails and trips for hiking and backpacking New Jersey.
Pack your binocs on these day trips along fall migration paths.
Amble past amber maples on Kittatinny Ridge as golden eagles and hawks soar overhead on this overnight loop. BY KATRINA ROSSOS
Hike, ski, or bike a hidden pocket of sylvan wilderness just an hour from Manhattan.
This 11.8-miler traces the Appalachian Trail along an idyllic ridgeline to New Jersey's highpoint, 60 miles from Manhattan.
Connect New Jersey and New York on this rugged 8.6-mile route that traverses the glacier-cut spine of Bellvale Mountain.
This sweet 5.3-miler charges up Wawayanda Mountain, crosses a 19th century iron bridge, and cruises past Luther’s Rock, a boulder left by retreating glaciers.
Ten miles is all it takes to tour this medley of landscapes ranging from giant swamps in Vernon Valley to the glacier-scraped summit of Pochuck Mountain.
Soon after its start in Highpoint State Park, this 9.5-miler travels the New Jersey-New York border then crosses tens of small bridges through the Vernie Swamp. Add-on: Follow spur trail to New Jersey's highpoint.
Walk along Kittatinny Ridge to the crest of Sunrise Mountain to photograph panoramas of the New Jersey Highlands and the Poconos before dropping down to High Point State Park.
This 13.7-miler unfurls across the backbone of Kittatinny Ridge showcasing lake-dotted landscapes and views above Culvers Lake. Must see!: Take the sidetrip to Buttermilk Falls, New Jersey’s highest waterfall.
Start where the Delaware River pours through Kittatinny Ridge to explore this 13.3-mile trek of a wooded ridgeline that runs past a glacial pond and a 60-foot fire tower.
Relive summer camp on a hike full of mini-habitats, historic relics, and hilltop views.
See a different side of North Jersey from the Grand Tour Trail.
Hike to hidden falls, summit views and a Revolutionary War-era landmark on this 6-mile loop in South Mountain Reservation.
Follow George Washington's footsteps through swamplands and forests on this 7.6-mile trek (one-way) to Morristown National Historical Park.
Traipse along the Great Swamp's boardwalk to sprawling, wildflower-speckled everglades and three world-class birding spots on this easy, two-mile loop near Morristown.
Trek up 1,500-foot Mount Tammany for far-reaching views of the Kittatinny Mountains and the Delaware Water Gap on this 3.6-mile loop.
Explore bayside birding spots, forest-lined beaches, a historic army base, and the nation's oldest standing lighthouse on this 13-miler at Sandy Hook.
Walk between a vast everglade, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island on this 5-mile loop through New Jersey's largest urban park.
Hike quiet trails along the seam where oak forests, hardwood swamps, and pitch pine lowlands meet. Cross streams tinted brown by cedar and bog iron, and take a dip in the park’s large, centerpiece lake on this easy 4.6-miler in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.
Find solitude atop rugged, open rock faces on this 5.6-mile loop in Norvin Green State Forest.
Follow a river through the surprisingly wild Pine Barrens.
Snag Big Apple skyline views, tackle four peaks in a day, rack up waterfalls, hike through history on the AT, and climb Vermont's highest peak.
Head out on one of these trails in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.