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The Ultimate Guide to Stunning National Parks and Incredible Hiking Trails in PA&NJ

36 items

Alexandria Lynch

If you're anything like me, I LOVE hiking/ walking in parks in the spring and fall especially when the foliage is beautiful and the views are breathtaking. I grew up in PA and currently live in NJ so I wanted to compile a list for you of all the spot...

Sections

PA's Best Gems

NJ Must-See Spots

PA's Best Gems

From rolling ridges to hidden forest paths, Pennsylvania offers hikes for every adventurer. This list highlights the state’s most scenic, diverse, and unforgettable trails — whether you’re chasing waterfalls, panoramic views, or peaceful woodland esc...

This is my most recently explored trail. When we reached the summit, it literally took my breath away. We happened to go on a perfect 70 degree day! It's challenging for sure but SO worth it.

Glen Onoko Falls and Lehigh Gorge Overlook Trail, Pennsylvania

This is my absolute favorite trail in Philly. I stumbled upon it at the start of Covid and it's been my go to ever since. If you're lucky, you'll get a parking spot right before the start of the trail!

Forbidden Drive, Wissahickon Valley Park Trail

The Toleration Statue is located in Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia. It stands atop Mom Rinker’s Rock, a historical site named after a Revolutionary War patriot who was known for dropping messages from the rock. One of the reasons I love Philly...

Toleration Statue

This trail is a 7.2-mile loop that features 21 named waterfalls including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga FallsIt's actually a National Natural Landmark!

Ricketts Glen Falls Loop, Pennsylvania

This is called “The PA Grand Canyon” for a reason. Leonard Harrison State Park has a really cool hike called The Turkey Path that takes you to the bottom of the gorge. There's also a firetower that gives amazing viewsnear that state park!

Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon)

Pennsylvania's most popular waterfall destination with 8 waterfalls and well-maintained trails. It's one of the shorter trails on this list ranging from 0.25 - 4 miles (multiple trails) and the difficulty level is easy.

Bushkill Falls

70,000 acres of protected wilderness featuring multiple waterfalls including Dingmans Falls (130ft) and Raymondskill Falls (tallest in PA at 470ft). Best Trails: Dingmans Falls, Mount Tammany. The difficulty level is easy AND it's free!

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

So this hike has dramatic canyon overlooks and challenging mountain terrain. Best Trails: Canyon Vista, Loyalsock Trail. The difficult level is moderate - difficult!

Worlds End State Park

This was one of the first state parks I ever went to and one that I try and frequent everytime I go to Bucks County. It's so beautiful the pictures don't do it justice. Definitely more of a park/ long walk vibe then a hike!

Tyler State Park

This park is home to the unique Boulder Field - a 16-acre field of glacial boulders. Diverse trail system through various Pocono Mountain ecosystems. Best Trail: Boulder Field Trail. The difficulty level is easy to moderate

Hickory Run State Park

I used to walk this park by myself for hours at a time. It's historic and beautiful and you still end up getting a good workout in because of how hilly the terrain is!

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Pennsylvania's premier old-growth forest with ancient hemlock and pine trees. Multiple trail options, the best of which being: Forest Cathedral and Seneca Trail. The difficulty level is easy - moderate!

Cook Forest State Park | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

A beachy hike?! Pennsylvania's unique Lake Erie peninsula with 13 miles of trails through beaches, wetlands, and forests. Completely different hiking experience.

Presque Isle State Park

This trail currently spans 75 miles of mixed-use terrain, including a 30+ mile stretch from Philadelphia to Parkerford that’s perfect for a day-long hike or a multi-day expedition. In Hamburg, trail users can access a scenic seven-mile stretch to Aub...

Schuylkill River Trail

The 84-mile scenic trail! Near Mount Union, be sure to climb the popular Thousand Steps portion of the trail (or 1,036 steps to be exact!) that was used by silica quarry workers almost 100 years ago and offers great views of the mountains and the sur...

The Standing Stone Trail

You'll see the Youghiogheny River and Laurel Mountain during a hike along the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. The trail offers both challenging sections for seasoned backpackers, with several steep, rugged areas, and reasonably easy, level sec...

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail | Department of Conservation and ...

NJ Must-See Spots

Beyond the shorelines, New Jersey is home to rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, and lush pine forests. Explore this curated list of trails that showcase the Garden State’s surprising natural beauty — from easy strolls to challenging summit climbs.

The Mount Tammany Trail is the most popular in all of NJ! Dunnfield Creek leads you to the beautiful overlooks of Mount Tammany. Early on, as you make your way through the dense and shaded forest, a steady incline increases into a laborious grind. As...

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 3.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,122 Feet

Mount Tammany via Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail, New Jersey

From West Milford, drive east on Marshall Hill Rd for 2.5 Miles and turn right on Burnt Meadow Road. Head south on Burnt Meadow for a short while until you find an unmarked turnout where the trail begins. The Burnt Meadow Loop Trail is a secluded hik...

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 567 Feet

Burnt Meadow Trailhead

The hike up the Stairway to Heaven is unique for several reasons. But the unique attraction here is the construction and variety of the trail surfaces. From the onset, you will be hiking across boardwalks that lead to narrow wood plank walkways and e...

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,122 Feet

Stairway to Heaven NJ | njHiking.com

Located at the meeting point of the Pine Barrens and a saltwater marsh, Cheesequake State Park offers diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore its trails, which range from easy walks to challenging hikes. The park also has a lake for swimming and fis...

Cheesequake State Park

The hike to high-cascading Hemlock Falls is a journey with both history and mysticism. The rocky trail leads you to the top of Washington Rock, a former signal beacon point used to warn the armies in Morristown of potential British threats. Don't for...

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 301 Feet

Hemlock Falls

Dunncreek Natural Area will be your GPS destination. The connection towards Sunfish Pond via the Appalachian Trail will be here. The climb can be steep and rocky, but it leads through miles of beautiful forest lands before finally reaching the reflec...

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,200 Feet

Sunfish Pond

Roaring waterfalls, beautiful panoramic overlooks of the entire park, and refreshing swimming holes.?! Oh My. Both Chikahoki Falls and Otter Hole are stunning waterfalls that create perfect mountain ponds while Wyanokie High Point is an excellent ove...

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 6.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,387 Feet

Norvin Green – Wyanokie High Point, Chikahoki Falls, Otter Hole

The trail and park names in NJ really just take the cake for me. Peanut Leap Cascade, Giant Stairs, and Closter Dock - not your typical day hike. The highlight (and most intense) section of the trail is the aptly named, Giant Stairs – a mile-long roc...

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,092 Feet

Peanut Leap Cascade

This loop takes you through the dense forests of Jockey Hollow, once serving as the winter living quarters for the Continental Army from 1777-1780. You will travel through “Patriot’s Path,” with signage marking where the brigades once occupied the ar...

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance:7.1 Miles E
levation Gain: 1,030 Feet

Morristown National Historical Park

The Manaticut Point Trail is found in one of the more secluded sections of the Norvin Green State Forest. The moderate out-and-back hike is serene, lending you the sights and sounds of the green New Jersey wilderness as your approach the beautiful an...

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 770 Feet

Manaticut Point Trailhead

The path leads to excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in the Cape May Wetlands Natural area and around the shores of Bunker Pond – A haven for rare migratory birds.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.8 Miles

Cape May Point State Park

This gorgeous section of Wawayanda State Park is also a place with an opportunity to see the rare and endangered, red-shouldered hawk. For a less strenuous journey, there is an easier route to the pond via Clinton Road that bypasses much of the eleva...

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 593 Feet

Terrace Pond North

This trail is "reserved for the bold". Along the route, several streams are crossed by exposed boulders that can be difficult to navigate during high water levels. The hike is an unrelenting trek through the rolling hills of the highlands, only takin...

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,673

Splitrock Reservoir Trail

Located at the highest elevation in New Jersey, it offers breathtaking views of the Pocono and Catskill Mountains. Hike the Appalachian Trail, swim in Lake Marcia, or take in the views from the High Point Monument!

High Point State Park

Island Beach State Park is a barrier island stretching 10 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. The park’s pristine beaches, dunes, and maritime forest are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and birdwatching. Surf fishing is another popular activity here!

Island Beach State Park

This one offers a mix of scenic forests and peaceful lakes. The park is perfect for hiking, with trails that lead through hardwood forests and alongside Wawayanda Lake, which is excellent for canoeing and fishing.

Wawayanda State Park

Hacklebarney State Park is known for its beautiful rocky gorges, waterfalls, and tranquil Black River!

Hacklebarney State Park

Bass River State Forest is in the Pine Barrens and offers a unique landscape of pinelands and cranberry bogs. The park has excellent hiking trails, camping areas, and Lake Absegami, perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing!

Bass River State Forest

Double Trouble State Park features a historic village and cranberry bogs, reflecting the area’s rich agricultural past. Visitors can explore the historic sites or take a peaceful hike through the park’s pine forests and wetlands.

Double Trouble State Park

Kittatinny Valley State Park, located in the Ridge and Valley region, has glacial lakes, limestone ridges, and scenic vistas. The park is a popular hiking, mountain biking, and fishing destination. Birdwatchers will also love the variety of species f...

Kittatinny Valley State Park