12 AMAZING NEW JERSEY HIKES UNDER 3 MILES YOU’LL ABSOLUTELY LOVE

tillman-ravine-new-jersey

New Jersey offers hundreds of incredible hiking opportunities, though some are more manageable than others. There’s nothing more relaxing than a long hike, but we don’t all have the time and energy. Shorter hikes are perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking to take a brief but rewarding stroll through New Jersey’s natural beauty. We’ve searched through dozens of trails to bring you some of the best short hikes in the state. All of the hikes below are manageable for most, coming in at three miles or less! Come see why we think these are among the best hikes in New Jersey:

1. Tillman Ravine, Stokes State Forest
Tillman Ravine, Tilman Rd, Branchville, NJ 07826, USA
Frank DeBonis / iStock via Getty Images Plus
This 2.3-mile hike is often combined with the adjoining Van Campens Glen Trail for a longer (yet still manageable) hike. As a standalone hike, it still has plenty to offer, featuring several cascades and the historic Walpack Cemetery. This is one of our favorite hiking trails in New Jersey.

Take one of the best hiking trails in New Jersey to the Tillman Ravine in Stokes State Forest in this video from Mommy University NJ: 

2. Hawk Rock Viewpoint, Ramapo County Valley Reservation
Ramapo Valley County Reservation, 608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA
NJHiking.com
Starting at the wooden kiosk near the parking area, take the main path past Scarlet Oak Pond and then follow the green trail toward Hawk Rock at the Ramapo County Valley Reservation. The trek offers lovely pond views and an incredibly scenic outlook, pictured. The hike to the viewpoint is just one mile long, though you’ll need to take the same trails back for a total of two miles.
3. Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
VanCampens Glen Falls, Old Mine Rd, Hardwick Township, NJ 07825, USA
NJHiking.com
Van Campens Glen, located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, may be the most rewarding short hike in New Jersey. This easy-to-navigate trail comes in at just 1.6 miles round trip and offers spectacular views of several waterfalls.
4. Hacklebarney State Park
Hacklebarney State Park, 119 Hacklebarney Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853, USA
NJHiking.com
There are only 6 miles of trails in this state park, so you really can’t go wrong here when looking for a short hike. All of the trails are enjoyable, though there are two that I feel stand out. The first is an approximately 2.6-mile loop that takes you around the Main and Red Trails. The Red Trail runs along the beautiful black river and offers numerous spots for fishing and picnicking along the way. The second trail is even shorter at just around .75 miles. Take the Main Trail to the Waterfall Trail, and make a left on the Red Trail to get back to the parking lot. It’s that easy, and you’ll score great views of Hacklebarney Falls.
5. Thompson Park, Middlesex County
Thompson Park, Thompson Drive and, Lakeview Ave, Monroe Township, NJ 08831, USA
Angela Cleveland/AllTrails
Enjoy a short hike and a long day of family fun. Besides offering several short trails, you’ll find a lake, playground, picnic areas, dog park, basketball and tennis courts, and even a small sanctuary featuring farm and barn animals. The White Trail is a good pick, coming in at under a mile out-and-back. It’s right near a parking area, lake, and animal haven. Thompson Park is also one of the best places for fall color in New Jersey.
6. Cove Trail, Manasquan Reservoir
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell Township, NJ 07731, USA
joiseyshowaa/Flickr
This Howell hike is absolutely breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. The 1.1-mile Cove Trail will take you past a portion of the reservoir itself, wetlands for wildlife viewing and the environmental center. If you’re up for a longer hike, the 5.1-mile Perimeter Trail loops around the entire reservoir offering incredible scenery from all angles.

Let’s continue our exploration of fun New Jersey hikes by taking the 5-mile loop trail around the Manasquan Reservoir: 

7. Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone
Perrineville Lake Park, 143 Baird Rd, Millstone, NJ 08535, USA
NJHiking.com
There are several multi-use trails at Perrineville Lake Park, but one of the easiest is also the most scenic. The 1.5-mile Lakeside Loop trail takes hikers along the lake and features opportunities for fishing and boating, there is also a picnic area at the very end, right near the parking lot.
8. Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
Jakes Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Rd, Beachwood, NJ 08722, USA
Hypnotica Studios Infinite/Flickr
The highlight of this Pinelands park is the five-story visitor’s center with an amazing observation deck. We highly recommend the .5-mile Plant Discovery Trail for an easy pondside stroll surrounded by gardens. For a more challenging hike, consider the 3.8-mile Tindey (Blue) Trail.
9. Goat Hill Overlook, Washington Crossing State Park
Goat Hill Overlook Trail, West Amwell Township, NJ 08530, USA
NJHiking.com
About 2 miles out and back, this short hike offers some seriously scenic viewpoints. Look out on the Delaware River, New Hope, and Lambertville from atop Goat Hill. There are several other, more rugged, trails to enjoy though they aren’t as clearly marked.
10. Cattus Island Park, Toms River
Cattus Island Road, Cattus Island Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753, USA
Andrea Noren/Flickr
This waterfront park is a popular spot for birdwatchers and has two great trails to choose from. While there were once more, several are currently closed due to storm damage. The 1.5-mile Yellowbrook Trail is the easiest of the two, located right off the Bandon Road Parking Area. The 2.2-mile Island Loop is also bike friendly and offers several osprey nesting areas along the path. The trek to and from the Cattus Island Boulevard Parking Area will add an extra .75 miles or so to the trip.
11. River Overlook Trail, Peek Preserve
Peek Preserve, 1720 S 2nd St #1600, Millville, NJ 08332, USA
NJHiking.com
River Overlook Trail comes in at around .75 miles round trip, offers views of the Maurice River, and exceptional odds of spotting a bald eagle. To up your chances even more, add the 1.5-mile Red Overlook Trail to your trip. Combined, they still come in at under 3 miles, and you’ll also enjoy white cedar swamp views.
12. Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, USA
pml2008/Flickr
All three of Cape May Point State Park‘s trails offer something extra special – both pond and lighthouse views. Ranging from .5 to 1.5 miles, these trails also provide several spots for wildlife viewing, and the park features a concession stand and interpretive center.

Take a virtual tour of Cape May Point State Park with this flyover video from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: 

Who says a hike has to last forever to be amazing? These short trails offer a bit of everything and they’re only just the start. For directions, additional information, and more New Jersey hiking trails, try out AllTrails+. For more of the best hikes in New Jersey, check out these epic New Jersey trails, and for a challenging hike, explore the BaToNa Trail.

What hikes in New Jersey would you call the best hikes in New Jersey?