The Shawangunk Ridge Trail allows you to hike two trails at once in New York and New Jersey—with over 68 miles of trailway.

Imagine: you're hiking one of the most beautiful trails in Northern New Jersey. The trailhead, near Sussex and Wantage, offers amazing mountain views and challenging terrain perfect for an experienced hiker. You're so immersed in the beauty around you that you don't even notice that you've crossed the state line and you're now hiking in New York! There aren't many cross-state hikes in the northeast, with most being sections of much larger hikes like the Appalachian Trail. But if you're looking to hike two states at once in New Jersey and New York, one trail will take you all the way from Wantage to Poughkeepsie—if you're up for a 68-mile trek.

Relatively few people traverse the entirety of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, and even fewer do the entire thing on foot. But that's fine; if you want the experience of this cross-state hiking trail, the first part of the hike is where you'll cross the border. The start of the hike is in High Point State Park, and from there, the only limit is just how far you want to go. For those who conquer the entire thing, it's usually a multi-day adventure, and one that's well worth the effort.

How This New Jersey Trail Lets You Hike in Two States in One Day

Some of New Jersey's best state parks are right near the New York border, so it's no surprise that you can start hiking this long-distance trail and cross over into the Empire State casually. The trail is full of dense forests and mountain hikes, so it's especially stunning in the fall.

Most people don't hike the entire trail, which is composed of a network of smaller trails that take you through parks, wildlife refuges, and small towns. But if you do want to take it in its entirety, it'll take you near Poughkeepsie and offer you some beautiful photo ops along the way.

Trail Overview: Distance, Difficulty, and Scenic Highlights

There's a wide array of terrain over the 68.4-mile trail, which is primarily located in rural and wooded areas. While some portions of the trail are covered by a boardwalk, others feature uneven terrain and are best tackled by experienced hikers with a good pair of hiking boots. The trail features a total of 10,328 feet in elevation gain, which can be taxing.

But that challenge will be well worth the effort. The main scenic highlight of this hike is the many peaks you'll encounter along the way, which offer views for miles around. Near the beginning, if you turn around at the right time, you'll be able to take in the views from New York and New Jersey in the same spot.

Have you had the chance to hike two states in one day on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail? If not, tell an ambitious hiking buddy about this cross-state hiking trail and see it for yourself! You can see more pictures of this trail on the AllTrails trail listing, and before you head out, make sure to explore this beautiful area of New Jersey. High Point State Park lives up to the hype as one of New Jersey's most stunning state parks, and the nearby Lusscroft Farm offers delicious treats and charming sights.

For a complicated hike like this one, we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails+. You'll be exploring some remote locations, and the app's point-by-point directions are invaluable when cell service gets a little spotty. And if you're heading into new areas on a long-distance hike, let Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner help you come up with some unique ideas for activities along the way!