Hiking & Biking Trails Near the Jersey Shore
From pine barrens paths to coastal boardwalks, discover trails across parks in the shore region. Whether you're seeking a peaceful nature walk or a challenging hike, find your perfect trail.
Find by Activity
Featured Parks
View All Parks →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
Trails by County
Monmouth County
Hartshorne Woods, Henry Hudson Trail
Ocean County
Island Beach State Park, Cattus Island
Atlantic County
Forsythe NWR, Lake Lenape Park
Cape May County
Cape May Point, Belleplain State Forest
Find by Difficulty
Major State Parks & Preserves
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
Wells Mills County Park
Ocean County
Island Beach State Park
Ocean County
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Monmouth County
County Parks & Nature Preserves
Lake Lenape Park
Atlantic County
Deep Run
Atlantic County
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Cape May County
Assunpink Wildlife Management Area
Monmouth County
Huber Woods Park
Monmouth County
Thompson Park
Monmouth County
Henry Hudson Trail
Monmouth County
Manasquan Reservoir
Monmouth County
Clayton Park
Monmouth County
Shark River Park
Monmouth County
Turkey Swamp Park
Monmouth County
Union Transportation Trail
Monmouth County
Trail Safety Tips
Tick Prevention
Ticks are common in shore-area trails, especially in wooded and grassy areas. Use DEET or permethrin, wear long pants, and check thoroughly after hiking.
Sun & Hydration
Coastal and open trails offer little shade. Bring plenty of water (more than you think), wear sunscreen, and consider a hat for exposed trails.
Sandy Trails
Pine Barrens trails can be soft sand. Wear sturdy footwear, expect slower going, and bring extra water as it's more tiring than hard-packed trails.
Wildlife
Wildlife refuges are home to diverse species. Keep distance from wildlife, stay on marked trails, and bring binoculars for birding opportunities.
Best Time to Hit the Trails
The shore trails offer different experiences each season. Here's when to go for what.
Spring (March-May)
Low to moderate crowds
Best for:
Trails can be muddy after rain. Ticks emerge—use repellent.
Top picks:
Cape May Point (birding), Forsythe NWR (waterfowl), Hartshorne Woods (wildflowers)
Summer (June-August)
High on weekends, moderate weekdays crowds
Best for:
Hot and humid. Start early (before 9am) or go at sunset. Bring extra water.
Top picks:
Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook (early AM), Henry Hudson Trail
Fall (September-November)
Moderate (locals return) crowds
Best for:
Best hiking weather of the year. Peak foliage mid-October to early November.
Top picks:
Belleplain State Forest, Hartshorne Woods, Cape May (hawk watch)
Winter (December-February)
Low (you'll have trails to yourself) crowds
Best for:
Cold but doable. Some trails close for hunting season. Check before going.
Top picks:
Forsythe NWR (winter birds), Cattus Island, Coastal boardwalks
What to Bring
What to bring depends on your trail and season. Here's the essentials.
Always Bring
Summer Additions:
Extra water (freeze overnight) • Electrolytes • Bug spray • Light layers
Winter Additions:
Layers (removable) • Warm hat • Gloves • Hand warmers
Spring/Fall Additions:
Rain jacket • Extra socks • Binoculars (migration)
🌲 Pine Barrens Special Gear
First-Timer? Start Here
New to shore-area trails? Start here.
Easiest First Trail
Cattus Island County Park
Boardwalk trail, well-marked, accessible facilities, nature center. Can't get lost.
Length: 2-3 miles round trip
Best Scenic Introduction
Forsythe Wildlife Drive
Drive or bike an 8-mile loop through salt marsh. Incredible birding without hiking.
Length: 8 mile loop (driving)
Best Beach Trail
Island Beach State Park
Flat, sandy paths through dunes to pristine beach. Easy walking, stunning views.
Length: Variable (up to 6 miles)
Best Rail-Trail
Henry Hudson Trail
Paved, flat, easy. Good for biking or long walks. Water views.
Length: Up to 10+ miles
Common First-Timer Mistakes
Learn from others' errors
▼
Common First-Timer Mistakes
Learn from others' errors
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Trails
Shore trails are great for kids—if you pick the right ones.
Cattus Island County Park
Ages: All ages
💡 Start at the nature center. Kids love the critters inside.
Island Beach State Park (nature trail)
Ages: 5+
💡 Promise beach time after hiking. Motivation works.
Cape May Point State Park
Ages: All ages
💡 Kids love the WWII bunkers. Bring flashlights.
Forsythe Wildlife Drive
Ages: All ages (from car)
💡 Make it a game: count herons, spot turtles.
Pack for Kids:
Snacks (more than you think) • Extra water • Bug spray (kid-friendly) • First aid kit • Entertainment for the car ride • Change of clothes • Wet wipes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hiking trails near the Jersey Shore?
Top trails include Hartshorne Woods Park in Monmouth County for scenic bay views, Island Beach State Park for coastal dune walks, Belleplain State Forest for pine barrens exploration, and Cape May Point State Park for birding. Each offers a unique Jersey Shore outdoor experience.
Are there paved bike trails along the Jersey Shore?
Yes! The Henry Hudson Trail offers over 10 miles of paved rail-trail from Aberdeen to Atlantic Highlands. The Edgar Felix Bikeway in Manasquan and various boardwalk paths provide smooth cycling. Many state parks also have paved accessible trails.
Which trails are ADA accessible?
Several shore-area parks offer accessible trails including boardwalk paths at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, paved trails at Cattus Island County Park, and portions of the Henry Hudson Trail. Always check current conditions before visiting.
What should I know about hiking in the Pine Barrens?
The Pine Barrens offer unique sandy trails through pitch pine and oak forests. Bring plenty of water, use tick prevention, and be aware that trails can be soft sand. Belleplain State Forest and Wells Mills County Park are excellent entry points.