There are many great hiking trails in New Jersey. Some are perfect for the advanced hiker who enjoys a challenge. These trails are not recommended for families with kids. Below is an overview of the best hiking trails for kids in New Jersey.
Some characteristics of the best hiking trails for kids in New Jersey include shorter length, sites of interest, small altitude change, and historical associations for education.
New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids – Monument Trail
This New Jersey hiking trail is found in High Point State Park in Sussex, NJ. It is named for the large monument to war veterans. The path is nearly five miles long and requires a long climb up many stairs to reach the top. This is a challenging path with several sections of boulders to scramble across. It is best suited for older kids with some hiking experience.
New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids – Cedar Swamp
The Cedar Swamp trail is in Wawayanda State Park in the Highland Lakes area of north Jersey. This is an easy four-mile hiking trail for kids. It has a small elevation gain that should not cause any trouble.
The main attraction of the Cedar Swamp hiking trail is the long boardwalk that takes you through a real cedar swamp. There are many swamp plants, birds, and frogs in this interesting ecosystem.
New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids – Lost Brook Preserve
This is another easy hiking trail for kids in New Jersey. It is about four miles and begins at the Tenafly Nature Center where you and your kids can speak to a naturalist and view various animals, insects, and birds from the area.
This hiking trail winds through woods and fields and passes the tiny Pfister’s Pond. The area is abundant in wildflowers.
New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids – Jenny Jump
The Jenny Jump state forest in Hope, New Jersey offers multiple easy to moderate hiking trails for kids and their parents. The main trail is a three mile long loop with a moderate elevation gain.
This hiking trail gives you pleasing vistas of the farmland below and the Kittatiny Mountain ridge.
New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids – Washington Crossing State Park
Washington Crossing State Park is near the famous site of George Washington crossing the Delaware River. The park actually spans the river with areas in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
There are many hiking trails perfect for kids in this park. There is also a Nature Center crammed with hands-on exhibits, playgrounds, and an open-air theater.
New Jersey Hiking Trail for Kids – Allaire State Park
The main draw of Allaire State Park is Allaire Village, a historic site peopled by reenactors that educate and entertain. Beyond the village, there are almost four miles of hiking trails that are perfect for kids. After hiking, the kids might like a ride on the Pine Creek railroad, a steam train in the park.
