732.389.4800Jersey Shore Hiking Trails – The Ultimate Guide
You’ve never experienced the wonders of New Jersey until you’ve explored the Jersey Shore hiking trails.
Whether you’re looking for scenic beaches, calming forests, challenging terrains, or something in between, hiking trails in the Jersey Shore deliver an unmatched experience. Many Jersey Shore hiking trails traverse protected land. They provide a serene oasis for hikers of all abilities to explore nature as it was intended to be.
We’ve put together a list of the 15 trails you don’t want to miss below.
- Island Beach State Park
- Cape May Point State Park
- Corson’s Inlet State Park
- Brigantine North End Natural Area
- Atlantic Highlands – Popamora Point
- Henry Hudson Trail
- Manasquan Reservoir (Howell)
- Allaire State Park (Wall/Howell)
- Wells Mills County Park (Waretown)
- Shark River Park (Wall Township)
- Hartshorne Woods Park (Highlands)
- Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
- Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
- Cattus Island County Park (Toms River)
- Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway
Read on to learn more about what makes them stand out, tips to make the most of your hiking experience, more things to do in the Jersey Shore area, and where you can stay to help you unwind after a long day.
The 15 Best Hiking Trails in the Jersey Shore
New Jersey has thousands of hiking trails across the state, and we’ve narrowed down the top 15 best hiking trails in the Jersey Shore for you to explore.
Island Beach State Park
Location: Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734
Phone Number: 732-793-0506
The natural beauty of Island Beach State Park has been shaped by centuries of crashing tides. If you’re looking for more coastal scenery, don’t miss this roundup of the best beaches near Asbury Park, just a short drive away.
It’s a must-see for anyone hoping for island vibes, complete with breathtaking maritime plants and untouched animal habitats without leaving the continental United States.
- Trail Length: 10 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Environment Type: Beach
- Key Features: Island Beach State Park offers eight trails, including Buster Islands Water Trail (3 mi), Spizzle Creek Water Trail (1.5 mi), Marsh Elder Water Trail (1.5 mi), Little Bay Water Trail (3 mi), Cranberry Trail(0.1 mi), Johnny Allen’s Cove Trail (0.4 mi), and Spizzle Creek Trail (0.8 mi). Each trail provides a different look into island wildlife.
Remember to bring bug sprays as the beach environment attracts insects.
Cape May Point State Park
Location: Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Phone Number: 609-884-2159
Cape May Point State Park is one of the premier Jersey Shore hiking trails. The famous Cape May Lighthouse that attracts visitors from all over the world to this 244-acre park.
- Trail length: 4 mi
- Difficulty: Easy
- Environment Type: Coastal Dune, Marsh, Forest, and Beach
- Key features: The Cape May Point State Park offers three trails that weave through various habitats. The trails include the Red Trail (0.5 mi), Yellow Trail (1.5 mi), and Blue Trail (2 mi), and each provides observation spots so you don’t miss a thing.
Additionally, there is a world-renowned bird migration in the fall, monarch butterflies’ habitat, and Cape May diamond rocks you can explore throughout the year.
Corson’s Inlet State Park
Location: County Hwy 619, Ocean City, NJ 08214
Phone Number: 609-861-2404
Corson’s Inlet State Park is one of the last underdeveloped pieces of land along the shoreline, which is why it’s one of the best hiking trails in Jersey Shore.
- Trail Length: 1 mi
- Difficulty: Easy
- Environment Type: Grass, Forest, Coastal, Wetland
- Key Features: Corson’s Inlet State Park helps preserve nature’s beauty, providing a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and boating. Explore the Fox Run Trail (0.45 mi), Inlet Trail (0.02 mi), Ocean Trail (0.3 mi) or the Rail Trail (0.4 mi).
Keep in mind that swimming is not permitted at Corson’s Inlet State Park.
Brigantine North End Natural Area
Location: Brigantine, NJ 08203
Phone Number: 609-296-1114
The Brigantine North End Natural Area is a nature preserve established in 1967. It was created to help conserve the area’s salt marsh habitat, coastal dune, and rare species habitat.
- Trail Length: 5.8 mi
- Difficulty: Easy
- Environment Type: Beach, Coastal Dune
- Key Features: The Brigantine North End Natural Area is a popular trail, allowing guests to see unique birds, endangered habitats, and more. The trail is open all year round, but dogs are not permitted between April 1 and September 15.
One of the biggest draws of the Brigantine North End Natural Area is the beach-nesting birds. You can catch them laying eggs on the beach, making you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Atlantic Highlands – Popamora Point
Location: Henry Hudson Trail / Popamora Point, Shore Dr, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Phone Number: 732-495-2115
Walk along Popamora Point, a bayfront beach that’s part of the Atlantic Highlands. Its scenic view takes hikers to a more mindful place, helping them get lost in nature’s beauty.
- Trail Length: 0.3 mi
- Difficulty: Easy
- Environment Type: Beach
- Key Features: Hikers can experience New Jersey’s famous dunes, wetlands, and cliffs when they visit this historic beach.
Popamora Point is also one of the starting points of the Henry Hudson Trail if you’re looking for a longer hiking path.
Henry Hudson Trail
Location: 945 State Hwy 36, Leonardo, NJ 07737
Phone Number: 732-495-2115
Once a railroad, the Henry Hudson Trail is now a historic path that boasts miles of hiking trails, biking paths, and more. It is one of the Jersey Shore hiking trails you do not want to miss.
- Trail Length: 24 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Environment Type: Urban and Natural Environments
- Key Features: The Garden State Parkway actually divides this trail into north and south sections, but there’s a route that connects both areas. You can complete the full trail or take smaller sections, including the Monmouth Heritage Trail (5.9 mi), Morganville to Matawan (4.8 mi), Aberdeen Township to Atlantic Highlands (9.7 mi), or Bayshore Trail (2.1 mi)
As you hike, keep an eye out for bike riders, skaters, and horseback riders, who are also allowed on the trail.
Manasquan Reservoir (Howell)
Location: 311 Windeler Road, Howell, NJ 07731
Phone Number: 732-919-0996
The Manasquan Reservoir is one of the most popular parks in Monmouth County, and with good reason. With plenty of room to hike, kayak, fish, and boat, there is something for everyone at this hiking trail in New Jersey.
- Trail Length: 6 mi
- Difficulty: Easy
- Environment Type: Woods, Wetlands
- Key Features: The Manasquan Reservoir trails take you through natural habitats so you can spot unique wildlife. The Perimeter Trail (5 mi) and Nature Trail (1 mi) are partially shaded and traverse various terrains.
Stop at the on-site Visitor and Environmental Center to learn more about the environment and activities available at the Manasquan Reservoir.
Allaire State Park (Wall/Howell)
Location: 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07727
Phone Number: 732-938-2371
Visiting Allaire State Park is like stepping back into the 19th century thanks to the historic village and the Pike Creek Railroad. It’s an attractive spot for visitors looking for Jersey Shore hiking trails.
- Trail Length: 4.5 mi
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Environment Type:
- Key Features: Allaire State Park boasts a network of trails for hikers of all skill levels, The South Side trails include Pine Trail (4.5 mi), Mountain Laurel Trail (3 mi loop), Oak Trail (2.6 mi loop), and Boy Scout Trail (3 mi loop). The Allaire State Park Trails include Nature Center Trail (1.5 mi loop), Upper Squankum Trail (2.2 mi), Canal Trail (2.7 mi loop), Brisbane Trail (2.8 mi), and Capital to the Coast Trail (2 mi).
Some trails are multi-use, so keep an eye out for bikers, horseback riders, runners, and other individuals on the path.
Wells Mills County Park (Waretown)
Location: 905 Wells Mills Road (Route 532) Waretown, NJ 08758
Phone Number: 609-971-3085
Wells Mills County Park is the largest park in the Ocean County Park System. The park offers a variety of Jersey Shore hiking trails, observation decks, canoes, and activities for all outdoor enthusiasts.
- Trail Length: 8.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Environment Type: Forest, Lake, Swamps
- Key Features: Wells Mills County Park offers 10 different hiking trails of varying difficulty and lengths for aspiring hikers. Trails include Cold Brook (0.5 mi), Macri (8.5 mi), Estlow (3.5 mi), Conrad (0.9 mi), Ridge Road (0.9 mi), and Wildlife Ecology (2.6 mi). There is also a multi-use trail (6.2 mi) for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as an ADA accessible trail (0.2 mi), a nature observation blind (0.1 mi), and a tree ID trail (0.3 mi).
Stop by in October and catch the annual Pine Barrens Jamboree featuring live music, crafts, entertainment, and more.
Shark River Park (Wall Township)
Location: 1101 Schoolhouse Road, Wall, NJ 07753
Phone Number: 732-922-4080
The Shark River Park was the New Jersey park system’s first-ever park, and it’s been delighting visitors since 1961. It offers 992 acres of nature, waterfront views, playgrounds, observation decks, and restored landscaping.
- Trail Length: 9 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Challenging, including Fitness Trails
- Environment Type: Forest, Wetlands
- Key Features: There are seven Jersey Shore Hiking Trails available at Shark River Park. They include Bridge Loop (0.4 mi), Cedar Loop (1.2 mi), Hidden Creek (2 mi), Pine Hills (1.4 mi), Shark River Run (2.4 mi), River’s Edge (1 mi), and a fitness trail.
Depending on the trail, it may be used for purposes other than hiking. Be sure to keep an eye out and wear appropriate safety gear during your hike.
Hartshorne Woods Park (Highlands)
Location: 1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
Phone Number: 732-872-0336
Hartshorne Woods Park offers more than 831 acres of land overlooking the Navesink River. It’s among the highest elevations, offering visitors a fantastic view in addition to some of the most extensive and challenging hiking trails in the Jersey Shore.
- Trail Length: 14 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Challenging
- Environment Type: Forest, River, Wetlands
- Key Features: Hartshorne Woods Park offers 12 trails for hikers of all abilities. They are segmented into three sections. The Buttermilk Valley Section includes King’s Hollow (0.7 mi), Candlestick (1.5 mi), and Laurel Ridge (2.5 mi). The Monmouth Hills Section includes Cuesta Ridge (1.6 mi) and Grand Tour (3.1 mi). The Rocky Point Section includes Battery Lewis (0.4 mi), Lewis Overlook (0.2 mi), Command Loop (0.4 mi), Bunker Loop (0.3 mi), Battery Loop (1.3 mi), Black Fish Cover (0.2 mi), and Rocky Point Trail.
Easily access the Monmouth Hills and Rocky Point trails when you enter using the Rocky Point entrance in Highlands.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Location: 800 Great Creek Rd, Galloway, NJ 08205
Phone Number: 609-652-1665
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge helps protect New Jersey’s coastal habitats, providing a home for many endangered wildlife. It’s internationally recognized as a birding hotspot,
- Trail Length: 9 mi
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Environment Type: Forest, Field, Marsh, Water
- Key Features: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge offers 10 trails. The biggest draw to the trails are the types of birds you will encounter. The Akers Woodland Trail (0.4 mi) offers migrating warblers and nesting birds, Bristow Trail (2.7 mi) has migratory songbirds, and the Grassland Trail (0.19 mi) has a purple martin colony. There is also the Cedar Bonnet Island Trail (1.5 mi), Eno’s Pond Trail (0.61 mi), Graveling Point Trail (0.85 mi), Jen’s Trail (0.52 mi), Leeds Eco-Trail (0.33 mi), and deCamp Wildlife Trail (1.74 mi).
The Holgate Clamming Trail (0.4 mi) is open seasonally from September 1 through March 31, and in addition to hiking, you can go shell fishing and birding.
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
Location: 2nd Ave. & 112th St., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Phone Number: 609-368-5102
Located in the middle of a city, the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary provides a natural habitat and oasis for many different birds. You’d never know you’re just steps away from homes and urban life once you’re in the sanctuary.
- Trail Length: 0.3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Environment Type: Forest
- Key Features: The type of wildlife you’ll experience on this Jersey Shore hiking trail varies based on the time of year you visit and the path you take. There are four paths to take, including the Heron Overlook Path, Meadow Walk Path, Egret Espy Path, and Holly Path.
Explore the grounds on your own terms or join one of the many sanctuary tours that are available year-round.
Cattus Island County Park (Toms River)
Location: 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753
Phone Number: 732-270-6960
The newly renovated Cattus Island County Park offers seven Jersey Shore hiking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Barnegat Bay area’s natural beauty.
- Trail Length: 7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Environment Type: Water, Beach, Wetlands, Uplands
- Key Features: Cattus Island County Park has seven trails that cover beaches, vistas, woodlands, and even a butterfly garden. The main trail is 1 mi, and there’s also the Maritime Forest Trail (1.6 mi), Swamp Crossing Trail (0.4 mi), Island Trail (1.5 mi) and extension (0.8 mi), Yellowback Trail (1.6 mi), Hidden Beach Trail (0.6 mi) and the Boardwalk Trail (0.2 mi).
The Cooper Environmental Center is a hub for many of the park’s trails, allowing a place for visitors to rest and observe.
Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway
Location: Manasquan, NJ 08736
Phone Number: 732-223-0544 ext.260
The Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway is part of the Capitol to the Coast Trail, which is a 55-mile trail that spans the entire state of New Jersey.
- Trail Length: 5.4 mi
- Difficulty: Easy
- Environment Type: Forests
- Key Features: The Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway was the first cycling trail in New Jersey. It’s a rail trail that can be picked up at Allaire State Park (west), Route 18 Bikeway Spur (north), or Manasquan (east).
While it’s a cycling path, the Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway is also a popular Jersey Shore hiking path.
Local Hiking Tips for the Jersey Shore
There’s technically no bad time to explore coastal hiking trails in Jersey Shore. However, most hikers prefer to visit in the spring and fall to avoid the hot, humid summer temperatures and bustling crowds. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, consider these fun indoor activities on the Jersey Shore to make the most of your visit.
As you prepare to visit Jersey Shore hiking trails, here are additional tips to keep in mind.
- Pack bug spray, water, and sunscreen. You may want to consider bringing a portable charger so your phone doesn’t die in case of an emergency.
- Many hiking trails in the Jersey Shore have various trailhead access points. Make sure you are accessing the trails from your preferred point and that parking is available.
- Many trails along the shoreline may be closed if the tides are too high. Check the weather for current conditions.
- Wear the right footwear for long hikes, including hiking shoes and water-friendly sneakers. You want to wear shoes that can dry quickly if they get wet.
Remember to have fun on your Jersey Shore hikes – there is truly nothing like it anywhere else in the world.
Where to stay → Latitude Suites
Latitude Suites is the perfect place to stay when you’re planning to visit the best Jersey Shore hiking trails or explore other outdoor activities on the Jersey Shore like biking, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
It feels like your home away from home, providing convenient access to hiking trails, Jersey Shore nightlife, and golf courses.
The hotel’s spacious suites offer more than 504 square feet in each room, including full kitchens, premium amenities, and access to a cutting-edge fitness center. The concierge service is on hand to provide tips and guidance on the best trails to check out based on your skill level and the type of environment you wish to explore.
Latitude Suites blends a luxury experience with unparalleled customer service, making it the best hotel to stay at on the Jersey Shore.
Conclusion
Hiking trails in the Jersey Shore are unforgettable, and we’ve shared 15 of the best so you can start planning your next trip. Whether you’re looking to walk along the beach or go birding, Jersey Shore hiking trails have it all.
Latitude Suites is the perfect place to crash after a long day of hiking. It’s centrally located and spacious with a luxurious touch. Book your stay at the Latitude Suites today and start planning your next hiking trip.
