As the weather starts to cool down and fall is in full effect, hiking is definitely on a lot of our minds. Hiking is a perfect opportunity to appreciate the many facets of nature. Whether you are relaxing near a meadow or taking a walk along a wooded trail, each experience will enhance your appreciation for nature.
Where can we hike though in Hoboken, New Jersey? Although there are no hiking trails in Hoboken or Hudson County for that matter, there are plenty of trails within driving distance. Here’s a list of my favorite hiking trails near Hoboken, New Jersey.
Huber Woods in Middletown, New Jersey
Nestled on a hill overlooking the Navesink River, the park was established in 1974 with a 118-acre gift of land from the Huber Family and the J.M. Huber Corporation. Besides forests and meadows, this site offers over 8.5 miles of trails, with walkers, hikers, and equestrians all having their favorites. The short or long loops, steep inclines, and gentle grades offer something for everyone and definitely worth the trip from Hoboken.
Hartshorne Woods in Middletown, New Jersey
A hilly, forested 794-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, Hartshorne Woods is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast. It served as a former coastal defense site, but is now known for its challenging trail system and scenic views. Hartshorne Woods is popular for its trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It’s the perfect place to escape the sounds of Hoboken.
Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, New Jersey
The Watchung Reservation History Trail is a 6-mile trail is a 2,000+ acre preserve located in the northern portion of the County. The Reservation located under an hour from Hoboken, New Jersey, was designed by Olmsted Brothers of Brookline, Mass. These are the same landscape architects who designed New York’s Central Park and scores of other notable public lands. One of the best parts of the trail is the virtual version (www.ucnj.org/wrht), which was designed so that people with disabilities can also experience the trail.
Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey
There are over 30 miles of hiking and ski trails in the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey, ranging from easy, for new hikers and can be completed in less than 2 hours, to challenging, hikes better suited for hikers who have some real hiking experience due to the ruggedness of the trails. The proximity of the Palisades Interstate Park to Hoboken cannot be beat. The Edgewater park entrance is on River Road near the Fort Lee border.
Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park. There are five designated trails, with trail lengths ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 miles, ideal for walkers, hikers and mountain. The park is less than an hour from Hoboken and right off of the parkway.
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