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!
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.
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!
You'll find yourself discovering woodland areas as well as big, sprawling meadows. In the summertime, the wildflowers truly make the scene.
The Pochuck Suspension Bridge is along this path, and you can climb the wooden stairs to cross it if you dare!
The views from the middle are worth the shaky knees you may experience from being high above the ground.
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.
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.
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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