New Jersey
Nature|Hiking

Take A Boardwalk Trail Through Woodlands Near Wawayanda State Park In New Jersey

The Appalachian Trail in New Jersey offers easy and scenic hiking opportunities, including the Pochuck Boardwalk and the Stairway to Heaven trail.

Published Aug 15, 2022

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Did you know that most of the Appalachian Trail that runs through New Jersey is easy to hike? While there are dozens of miles of this National Scenic Trail that run through the northern part of the state, it's also noted as one of the easiest states along the way! Take a day hike on a boardwalk trail in New Jersey to experience a bit of trail magic for yourself.

Not many people realize just how much of the Appalachian Trail runs through New Jersey!

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AllTrails / Sangwoo Lee

The AT is a 2,200 (ish) mile National Scenic Trail that begins in Georgia and ends in Maine, and every year hundreds of hikers set out to walk the entire thing. Their journey takes them through New Jersey, too - over 72 miles of trail are right here in the Garden State.

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After the difficult, rocky hikes of Pennsylvania and the Delaware Water Gap area, many AT hikers are thrilled to find the Pochuck Boardwalk. Of course, you don't have to be on a three-month journey to enjoy the beauty of the Appalachian Trail -- this section of it is perfect for a quick and easy day hike!

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AllTrails / Lenny Gallo
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AllTrails / Kate S.

You'll find yourself discovering woodland areas as well as big, sprawling meadows. In the summertime, the wildflowers truly make the scene.

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AllTrails / Deepak Gupta

The Pochuck Suspension Bridge is along this path, and you can climb the wooden stairs to cross it if you dare!

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AllTrails / Deepak Gupta

The views from the middle are worth the shaky knees you may experience from being high above the ground.

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AllTrails / Kathy Rodzinka

Overall, the Pochuck Boardwalk trail is an easy, accessible boardwalk hike in New Jersey that's a fun and scenic way to spend a few hours out in nature.

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AllTrails / Esther Helms

If you're feeling pretty good about your hiking skill and fitness level and want to challenge yourself, continue on to the Stairway to Heaven trail.

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AllTrails / Rick Ghostkeeper

This extension of the Pochuck Boardwalk trail takes you to one of the famous vistas of the AT. It's 7.3 miles round-trip, and it truly belongs on every New Jersey hiker's bucket list.

For trail maps of the Pochuck Boardwalk trail in New Jersey (and the Stairway to Heaven, too), visit the NYNJTC website.

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in New Jersey Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

Follow this iconic trail in New Jersey to Pinwheel Vista and some of the state's best views.

Published Oct 16, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Hiking in New Jersey, whether on a scenic stroll or a challenging path, offers us the unique opportunity to get outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with nature. Among the more than 1,400 trails that meander through our beautiful state, a few stand out as a must-hike at least once in our lives. This iconic trail in New Jersey isn’t for the faint of heart but, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with sensational views.

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With a name like Stairway to Heaven Trail, you know you’re in for some downright awe-inspiring views, but first, you must work for them. The 2.6-mile trail, which scores a moderate to difficult rating depending on to whom you talk, features steep climbs and rocky terrain. While the dog-friendly trail is considered kid-friendly by some, come prepared.

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All Trails/iroquois Pliskin

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots to support your ankles and help with footing as you navigate the rocky terrain. Because the initial part of the trail is an uphill climb, gear up for a workout. Hikers recommend pacing yourself to avoid getting tired quickly. Bring water, and even though it’s a relatively short trail, you may also want to have snacks.

Set your GPS for the parking lot along Vernon-Warwick Road in Vernon Township. Since the lot is right off the road, you won’t be able to miss it. Because it has limited spaces, you might want to head out on the trail earlier in the day to ensure you snag a spot. Look for the trailhead to Appalachian Boardwalk after you park. The trail follows along the Appalachian Trail in the beginning.

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All Trails/Paulina Pinzon

Stairway to Heaven begins as an uphill climb, and you may have to scramble at times, but it’s all worth it once you reach Pinwheel Vista. Once at the vista, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Pochuck Valley. Be prepared to deal with crowds along the trail and at the vista, but meeting other hikers is part of the fun of this popular trail. The route back down can be just as challenging, especially with the rocky terrain and slippery conditions after it rains, so take your time.

Have you hiked this iconic trail in New Jersey? What did you think? Was it moderately challenging or hard? Let us know in the comments! Fuel up for your epic adventure or grab a bite afterward at The Lamp Post Inn, a mom-and-pop restaurant in Vernon Township, New Jersey. If you’ve got a free evening or two, turn that day trip into an overnight or weekend getaway by booking a local Vrbo.

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Nature|Hiking

The Remote Destination In New Jersey Where The Drive Is Worth The Final View

Windbeam Mountain casts an imposing visage, but one scenic hike in New Jersey offers an incredible way to see it without a long and challenging trek.

Published Sep 21, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Depending on where you come from, the parks and mountains of North Jersey can be a mighty drive. We might be a small state, but those interstates are a challenge! Still, some things are more than worth the trek - and one of those things is the best scenic hike in New Jersey. Windbeam Mountain is an impressive sight in the north of the state, not too far from the New York border. It's not an isolated area - there are plenty of charming towns in the area - but it certainly feels like it once you get on that mountain. The best way to see the sights is the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail, a 2.0-mile moderate trail that takes you to some stunning sights along a short but imposing trek. Are you up for the challenge? If you are, you'll be rewarded with one of the best views in the state.

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Michael Sears/AllTrails

Windbeam Mountain is a fantastic hiking destination, and the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail is a great, accessible way to experience it. This 2.0-mile trail has an elevation gain of 718 feet and is rated as moderately challenging.

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Michael Pasoz/AllTrails

That means you should be relatively experienced to attempt it and you might face some steep climbs, but no real challenging terrain. Keep an eye out for some beautiful local flora based on the season.

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Ashley Hernandez/AllTrails

This is a fairly unspoiled area of North Jersey, and while it's a popular hiking area, you should still have some space to explore and keep an eye out for local wildlife.

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Sue Kvanali/AllTrails

Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they're on a leash. And this is a view worth sharing with man's best friend, if you're both up to the steep climb!

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Michael Pazos/AllTrails

The view from the Windbeam Mountain Overlook is truly stunning, letting you look out at the unspoiled wilderness for miles around. You might even be able to see into New York on a good day!

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Lariba A/AllTrails

The view is stunning throughout the year, but starting in October hikers will be greeted by a landscape of fall colors taking over the entire region. And if you want to wait for cooler weather to take on this hike, there's no better time than leaf-peeping season!

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Have you taken the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail? Let us know about your experience conquering this scenic hike in New Jersey. You can see more pictures of this popular trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and this is the kind of hike AllTrails + was made for - this mobile app will make it easy to stay on track even in remote areas, with downloadable trail maps with point-by-point directions. While you're in the area, why not take the time to check out another great park in the area - the historically significant Long Pond Ironworks State Park.

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