Hiking Trails Near the Jersey Shore
From coastal bluffs overlooking the Atlantic to peaceful pine barrens paths, discover 223 hiking trails across 48 parks in the shore region.
Find by Difficulty
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What Each Difficulty Really Means
Shore-area trails range from flat boardwalks to challenging elevation changes. Here's what each difficulty level really means.
🟢Easy Trails
Who it's for: Beginners, families with young kids, casual walkers
Terrain: Flat or minimal elevation, well-maintained paths, often paved or boardwalk
Typical length: 0.5-2 miles
Example trails:
- • Cattus Island Boardwalk
- • Forsythe Wildlife Drive
- • Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path
Wide, clear paths with minimal obstacles. Good for strollers. Little physical challenge.
🟡Moderate Trails
Who it's for: Regular walkers, families with older kids, casual hikers
Terrain: Some elevation changes, natural surfaces (dirt, sand, roots), occasional obstacles
Typical length: 2-5 miles
Example trails:
- • Grand Tour (Hartshorne Woods)
- • Belleplain Lake Loop
- • Allaire Orange Trail
Expect some huffing and puffing. May have sandy sections, roots, or moderate hills. Good fitness recommended.
🔴Difficult Trails
Who it's for: Experienced hikers, fitness enthusiasts, adventure seekers
Terrain: Significant elevation, steep sections, challenging surfaces, longer distances
Typical length: 5+ miles
Example trails:
- • Rocky Point Trail (Hartshorne)
- • Batona Trail sections
- • Seven Presidents multi-loop
Sustained physical effort required. Steep climbs, technical sections, and long distances. Come prepared.
Shore-Specific Challenges
Sandy terrain
Pine Barrens trails can be soft sand—like walking on a beach. Expect 30-50% more effort than hard-packed trails.
No shade
Coastal and beach trails often have zero shade. Brutal in summer. Time your hike accordingly.
Ticks
NJ has serious tick issues. Long pants, DEET, and post-hike checks are non-negotiable.
Flooding
Low-lying trails flood after rain. Check conditions before marsh or pine barrens hikes.
Best Trails for Your Experience Level
Match your experience level to the right trail for maximum enjoyment.
Never Hiked Before
Cattus Island Boardwalk Trail
Cattus Island County Park
Flat boardwalk, interpretive signs, impossible to get lost
Forsythe Wildlife Drive
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Drive or walk on flat gravel, amazing birding
Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path
Sandy Hook
Paved, flat, beach views, facilities nearby
Occasional Walker
Laurel Hill Trail
Hartshorne Woods
Some elevation but well-marked, stunning views reward the effort
Lake Absegami Trail
Bass River State Forest
Loop around a lake, mostly flat, pine barrens beauty
Red/White Trail Loop
Cattus Island County Park
Natural surface but easy terrain, good next step
Regular Hiker
Grand Tour
Hartshorne Woods
6+ miles combining multiple trails, full park experience
East Creek Trail
Belleplain State Forest
Longer pine barrens loop, quieter, more remote feel
Allaire State Park Loops
Allaire State Park
Multiple connecting trails, historic village bonus
Experienced Hiker
Rocky Point Trail
Hartshorne Woods
Steepest elevation in the area, technical sections, bay views
Batona Trail (sections)
Multiple parks
50-mile Pine Barrens thru-hike, can do day sections
Full Hartshorne Loop
Hartshorne Woods
All trails combined, 10+ miles, full-day adventure
What to Bring
Shore hiking has unique challenges. Here's what you need.
Water (1 liter per hour)
No water sources on most trails. Dehydration risk is real, especially in summer heat.
Tick/bug spray (DEET or picaridin)
Non-negotiable in NJ. Apply before you start, reapply after 2 hours.
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Coastal trails have no shade. Burns happen fast.
Hat with brim
Sun protection plus helps spot ticks.
Trail map/downloaded app
Cell service is spotty. AllTrails works offline if you download first.
Sturdy footwear
Sandy trails need ankle support. Skip the flip-flops.
Seasonal Packing Guide
Summer (June-August)
Extra water (double your estimate) • Cooling towel • Electrolyte tablets • Light, breathable clothes
Avoid: Hiking 11 AM - 3 PM. Heat exhaustion is common.
Fall (September-November)
Bright orange clothing • Layers • Binoculars
Avoid: Hunting season in some areas. Wear orange, check park rules.
Winter (December-February)
Warm layers • Hand warmers • Traction devices for icy trails
Avoid: Trails after snow—many aren't maintained. Check conditions.
Spring (March-May)
Rain jacket • Waterproof boots • Extra socks
Avoid: Muddy trails after rain. Ticks emerge in April—be extra vigilant.
Leave at Home
First-Timer's Guide
New to hiking at the shore? Here's how to have a great first experience.
Before You Go
Start with an Easy trail
Don't overestimate your fitness. A 2-mile easy trail is perfect for your first outing.
Check the weather
Rain makes trails muddy and miserable. Heat over 85°F is dangerous. Pick a good day.
Tell someone your plans
Share your trailhead and expected return time. Cell service is unreliable.
Download maps offline
Get AllTrails or NJ Trail Maps and download the specific trail before you leave.
Arrive early
Parking fills up. Wildlife is active. Weather is cooler. 8-9 AM is ideal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating water needs
Dehydration, headache, ruined hike
Fix: Bring twice what you think you need.
Starting too late in summer
Peak heat, exhaustion, no parking
Fix: Start before 9 AM in summer.
Wearing cotton
Chafing, stays wet from sweat
Fix: Synthetic or merino wool clothes.
Skipping tick check
Lyme disease is serious
Fix: Full body check immediately after. Shower within 2 hours.
Choosing sandy trail first time
Exhausting, kills enthusiasm
Fix: Start with paved or hard-packed trails.
If Something Goes Wrong
- •Stay calm. Most problems are minor.
- •If lost: Stay on trail, don't panic, retrace steps.
- •If injured: Call 911 if serious. Otherwise, rest, assess, and slowly exit.
- •If dehydrated: Find shade, rest, sip water slowly.
- •If tick bite: Remove with tweezers, clean area, monitor for rash.
Best Times to Hike
When you hike matters as much as where. Time it right.
Dawn (6-8 AM)
Pros: Coolest temps, wildlife active, empty trails, best photography
Cons: Some gates may be locked, dew on vegetation
Best for: Summer hikes, birding, sunrise photos
Morning (8-11 AM)
Pros: Good temps, trails open, parking available
Cons: Filling up by 10 AM on nice days
Best for: Year-round sweet spot, especially spring/fall
Midday (11 AM-3 PM)
Pros: Winter warmth
Cons: Too hot in summer, peak crowds, no shade on coastal trails
Best for: Only in winter or overcast days
Late Afternoon (3-6 PM)
Pros: Cooling temps, golden light, thinning crowds
Cons: Must finish before dark, some animals less active
Best for: Summer second-choice, fall foliage photography
Season Ratings
Spring
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wildflowers, migrating birds, moderate temps
Muddy after rain, tick season begins
Summer
⭐⭐
Long days, full facilities, swimming options nearby
Extreme heat, crowds, greenhead flies at coast
Fall
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best weather, fall colors, bird migration, fewer crowds
Hunting season in some areas
Winter
⭐⭐⭐
Solitude, no bugs, clear views through bare trees
Short days, limited facilities, icy sections
Best Parks for Hiking
Gateway National Recreation Area
Monmouth County
Allaire State Park
Monmouth County
Hartshorne Woods Park
Monmouth County
Holmdel Park
Monmouth County
Holmdel Park / Ramanessin
Monmouth County
Belleplain State Forest
Cape May County
Hiking by County
Popular Hiking Trails
Union Transportation Trail
Union Transportation Trail • Monmouth County
Existing Atlantic County Bicycle Facility Trail
Existing Atlantic County Bicycle Facility • Atlantic County
Existing Municipal Bicycle Facility Trail
Existing Municipal Bicycle Facility • Atlantic County
Multi-use Trail
Wells Mills County Park • Ocean County
Boardwalk
Atlantic City Beach • Atlantic County
Perimeter trail
Manasquan Reservoir • Monmouth County
Henry Hudson Trail
Henry Hudson Trail • Monmouth County
Henry Hudson Trail
Henry Hudson Trail • Monmouth County
Pine Acres Trail
Forest Resource Education Center • Ocean County
Farms Trail
Monmouth Battlefield State Park • Monmouth County
Philadelphia Avenue
Atlantic County
Barnegat Branch Trail Phase V - Lacey
Barnegat Branch Trail • Ocean County
Shore Hiking Tips
Tick Prevention
Ticks are common in NJ trails. Use DEET or permethrin, wear long pants tucked into socks, and check thoroughly after hiking.
Sun & Heat
Coastal and pine barrens trails offer little shade. Bring extra water, wear sunscreen, and start early in summer.
Sandy Terrain
Pine Barrens trails can be soft sand. Wear sturdy footwear and expect slower going than hard-packed trails.
Seasonal Access
Some trails in wildlife areas close during hunting season. Check current conditions before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hiking trails near the Jersey Shore?
Top hiking spots include Hartshorne Woods Park for coastal bluff views, Island Beach State Park for dune walks, Belleplain State Forest for pine barrens exploration, and Cape May Point State Park for birding trails.
Are there beginner-friendly hiking trails at the shore?
Yes! Many shore-area trails are flat and well-marked. The Wildlife Drive at Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, boardwalk trails at Cattus Island, and paved paths at many county parks are perfect for beginners.
What should I bring on a shore-area hike?
Bring plenty of water (more than you think), sunscreen, tick spray (essential in NJ!), a hat for sun protection, and sturdy footwear. Pine Barrens trails can be sandy, requiring extra effort.
When is the best time to hike near the Jersey Shore?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer hiking is possible but hot on exposed trails. Winter provides solitude but limited facilities.