Jersey Shore Hiking Trails by Trip Type, Region, and Season

Looking for the best Jersey Shore hiking trails? 

The right trail depends on what kind of outing you want. Some are short beach and birding walks, some are paved paths that work well for families, and some are longer wooded routes with climbs and river views. 

This guide breaks down the best Jersey Shore hiking trails by trail type, scenery, and trip style so you can pick the right one faster.

Quick Picks

• Best beach scenery: Island Beach State Park
• Best for birding: Cape May Point State Park
• Best challenging hike: Hartshorne Woods Park
• Best paved walk: Henry Hudson Trail
• Best easy loop: Manasquan Reservoir
• Best accessible pick: Cattus Island County Park or Forsythe’s accessible trails

How we chose these Jersey Shore hiking trails

We chose these trails based on scenery, habitat variety, trail experience, trip-planning value, and how useful they are for different kinds of visitors. That includes beach walks, birding trails, paved walking paths, family-friendly loops, and longer wooded hikes.

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

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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.

Island Beach State Park is a strong pick for barrier-island scenery, short nature trails, and long beach walks. Its dune, marsh, and maritime forest habitats make it one of the most distinctive coastal parks on the Jersey Shore. 

• Trail system: 8 official trails, each under 1 mile, plus 10 miles of beach for walking.
• 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

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Cape May Point State Park is one of the best Jersey Shore hikes for birding, lighthouse views, and habitat variety. The 244-acre park is especially well known for fall bird migration, monarch butterflies, dunes, ponds, and beach access.

• Trail system: About 3 miles of park trails through dunes, ponds, forest, and beach.
• 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

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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).

Know before you go: Swimming is not allowed, and dogs are not allowed from April 1 through September 15.

Brigantine North End Natural Area

Location: Brigantine, NJ 08203

Phone Number: 609-296-1114

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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

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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

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The Henry Hudson Trail is best described as a paved walking and biking rail-trail rather than a traditional natural-surface hike. It is a relatively flat, 10-foot-wide, 24-mile former railroad right-of-way that passes through both developed and natural areas.

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)

Because this is a multi-use trail, expect walkers, runners, cyclists, and occasional temporary maintenance closures, so it is smart to check the county page before you go.

Manasquan Reservoir (Howell)

Location: 311 Windeler Road, Howell, NJ 07731

Phone Number: 732-919-0996

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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 system: 5.1-mile Perimeter Trail plus the shorter Cove Trail.
• Difficulty: Moderate overall, mostly because of trail length.
• 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 Visitor Center before your walk. Note that the Environmental Center is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in spring 2027.

Allaire State Park (Wall/Howell)

Location: 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07727

Phone Number: 732-938-2371

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Allaire State Park stands out because it combines a historic village with one of the broader trail systems in this roundup. It is a better pick for visitors who want more route choice, woodland walking, and a history stop in the same outing.

• Trail system: Over 20 miles of official, blazed trails.
• Environment Type: Forest, River, Wetlands, Historic village
• 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

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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 system: 23 miles of hiking trails, with routes of different lengths and difficulty levels.
• 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). 

Wells Mills County Park is a good pick for a quieter Pine Barrens-style walk with more trail choice than many shorefront parks. The Nature Center is now open after renovations, which gives you a better starting point for maps and current trail info.

Shark River Park (Wall Township)

Location: 1101 Schoolhouse Road, Wall, NJ 07753

Phone Number: 732-922-4080

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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 system: 7.5 miles of trails, plus a fitness trail.
• 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

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Hartshorne Woods Park offers more than 831 acres of land overlooking the Navesink River. Hartshorne Woods Park is one of the strongest picks in this guide for hikers who want longer routes, steeper sections, and river overlooks instead of flat beach walking.

• Trail system: Approximately 16 miles of trails.
• 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

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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. 

This is one of the best options in the guide for birding and wildlife viewing, especially if you want easy walking, observation areas, and accessible trail options.

• Trail system: Over 8 miles of hiking trails across the refuge, plus an 8-mile Wildlife Drive.
• 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

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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. 

Know before you go: The sanctuary’s current guidance says Holly Path is open year-round, but from March through October visitors are asked to stay quiet and remain on the trail near sensitive bird habitat.

Cattus Island County Park (Toms River) 

Location: 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753

Phone Number: 732-270-6960

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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). 

Cattus Island is a strong family-friendly option because the park spans 530 acres and 7 miles of trails, and it includes a wheelchair-accessible 1,000-foot ADA boardwalk. 

Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway 

Location: Manasquan, NJ 08736

Phone Number: 732-223-0544

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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). 

Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway is best for an easy paved walk, jog, or bike ride rather than a classic nature hike.

Local Hiking Tips for the Jersey Shore

Check the official park page before you leave. Seasonal bird protections, temporary maintenance work, tide conditions, and facility closures can affect access.

On beach and marsh trails, bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray. On paved multi-use paths like Henry Hudson, expect cyclists and other users.

If you are visiting wildlife-heavy sites like Forsythe, Stone Harbor, or Corson’s Inlet, stay on marked paths and respect posted closures.

For easier planning, choose trails by trip type: beach walk, birding stop, paved walk, family loop, or longer wooded hike. 

Where to Stay for Jersey Shore Hiking Trips

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.

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