There’s nothing like a hike in the New Jersey woods during the summer – especially when you’re close enough to the shore that you can smell that fresh sea air. Many of the best beachside trails in New Jersey are crowded during the summer, which is why it helps to know about the best-kept secret in the state – county parks! These smaller parks, including Hartshorne Woods Park near Rumson, are gorgeous little havens that often only the locals know about. Hartshorne Woods is home to a wonderfully unique trail in New Jersey, the Rocky Point Loop Trail. This peaceful trail is only three miles long and is considered a moderately challenging route, but it’s also home to some unexpected surprises in that short distance. You’ll be walking past water, nature, and even history as you explore!

A three-mile hike into the woods, Rocky Point Loop Trail is a great adventure for experienced hikers.
Annabelle Recierdo/AllTrails
During the bright summer days, you're likely to see the forest filled with blooming wildflowers - perfect for a photo op.
Claudia Ganz/AllTrails
Past visitors have left their mark in environmentally-friendly ways, so keep an eye out for unique rock formations.
Sheldon Hanly/AllTrails
One of the highlights of visiting Rocky Point Loop Trail is the proximity to the water, which comes with some unique surprises.
Edward Crosby/AllTrails

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The trail has a small beach, which is perfect for when you want to relax by the water.
Yongshan Zhan/AllTrails
It also has a long fishing pier, perfect for both beautiful water views and casting a line or two.
CJ/Google Local
The park was home to WW2 military bunkers, which are now permanently on display for visitors to see from the outside.
Dina Belloff/AllTrails
The trail itself only takes a little over an hour, but there's enough to see and do here that you might want to take much longer to explore!
Nadia Carafolo/AllTrails

Have you taken the Rocky Point Loop Trail in Hartshorne Woods Park? Let us know about your journey on this unique trail in New Jersey in the comments section! You can see more pictures on the Rocky Point Loop Trail page on AllTrails, and if you’re a frequent hiker you might want to invest in AllTrails Plus to unlock the site’s full potential. The Monmouth County Parks site has more information on the park’s history. While you’re in Rumson, make sure to stop by this iconic riverside restaurant.

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Hartshorne Woods Park, 1402 Portland Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA