Everybody loves the beach, especially during the warmer months. But the beach is not just for sunbathing and water fun, there are also some amazing trails with lovely scenery. So hikers, don’t despair. We’ve rounded up the best hikes in New Jersey that are along the beach. Visit one today and get some great exercise. Then, if the weather is nice, catch some rays and even go for a dip in the ocean!

1. Gateway National Recreation Area Loop
Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook Unit, 26 Hudson Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA
Tomasz Antczak/AllTrails
Looking for a longer, harder beach trail? This hike is almost 11 miles long and gives great views of the NYC skyline. So if you live in the NYC area and have been searching online for "beach hiking trails near me," your search is over. This is one of the most scenic hikes in New Jersey and is a great way to spend the day. So check it out today.
2. Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve Loop
Nature Reserve Blue Trail, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA
Morgan DeWinne/AllTrails
This trail is close to two miles long and offers great bird-watching opportunities. The trail is also one of the more kid-friendly hike around New Jersey. So grab the little ones and some binoculars and give it a try.
3. Henry Hudson Trail: Highlands to Aberdeen
Henry Hudson Trail County Park., Middletown Township, NJ 07748, USA
EITHNE Notgiven/AllTrails
This walk might be long (a whopping 28 miles!), but it's a very easy one that lets you explore the beach. You will need a whole day to enjoy this one, so don't forget to pack some water, food, and comfy walking shoes.

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4. Cape May Point Trail
Cape May Point, NJ, USA
Chris Sanfino/AllTrails
Historical sites, a lighthouse, a lake, and a stunning beach all await you on this two-mile loop trail. This is one of the best easy hikes in New Jersey, so start planning your visit.
5. Barnegat Lighthouse Trail
Lighthouse Drive, Lighthouse Dr, Ocean Acres, NJ, USA
Suzanne Tapper/AllTrails
Barnegat Lighthouse is one of New Jersey's most iconic attractions, so see it for yourself on this easy, two-mile beach walk. It's worth it! You'll see why it's one of the best hikes in New Jersey.
6. Island Beach State Park Loop Trail
Island Beach State Park, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734, USA
Stephanie Warner/AllTrails
Soak up the sun and sand on this hike, which is about three and a half miles long, in Seaside Park. It's mostly a walk on the beach, which is perfect for summer! Read more about Island Beach State Park and then head on over.
7. Sandy Hook Multi-Use Trail
Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, Middletown Township, NJ 07732, USA
Lynn McCormick/AllTrails
This 10-mile hike takes you past Sandy Hook Beach, stunning wildflowers, a lighthouse, and Fort Hancock. You get nature and history on this trail! Check out this map of the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path and then calendar in your next visit.

These are some of the best hikes in New Jersey, and bonus, they are all along the beach. Which trail are you hitting up first?

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best hikes in New Jersey

Jessica Bohl | March 01, 2022

What are some scenic hikes in New Jersey?

Beach hikes in New Jersey are amazing, but there are also some really scenic hikes in other parts of the state. Take, for instance, a hike through High Point State Park in Sussex. The monument in the park marks the highest point in New Jersey. And as such, it offers breathtaking views of not only New Jersey, but Pennsylvania and New York as well. There is also a gorgeous hike at Pyramid Mountain Park in Kennelon. There is a stunning lake, but also some unique and strange rock formations that make it truly special. Wharton State Forest in Hammonton offers almost 50 miles of trails through a beautiful, forested landscape. As an added bonus, a historic village highlighting the art of blacksmithing is located in the park. So you can enjoy a scenic hike, then a fascinating demonstration. For more beautiful hikes in New Jersey, check out this great article highlighting 11 great hiking spots.

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