This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of New Jersey

Wherever you are in New Jersey, there’s a beautiful hike nearby. Stroll along our coast or deep into the Pinelands – it isn’t hard to enjoy nature in the Garden State. Singling out just one hike as the most beautiful is a nearly impossible task, but I’ve done my best. Luckily, I had some help from USA Today. The popular publication recently named Mount Tammany (in Warren County) one of the most beautiful places to hike in America. I’ve covered this mountain in the spring and summer months, but it may be even more enchanting in the winter.

Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

It can be found in Worthington State Forest, in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Impossible to miss, trails are accessible just off Route 80. It lies along the Appalachian Trail and is named after the Lenni Lenape chief Tamanend. Best known as a lover of peace and friendship, he was often referred to as the Patron Saint of America. He worked to create amicable relationships between English settlers and local tribes and, to this day, there are celebrations in his honor.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

From the summit, you'll enjoy views of the Kittatinny Mountains, including Mount Minsi, just across the way in Pennsylvania. You'll also be able to take in the spectacular Delaware River, which may be even more impressive when covered with ice and snow. You'll spot small islands, rolling hills, valleys (particularly the Lehigh Valley) miles of trees, wildlife, and more on your hike.

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Image/State Of New Jersey

There are two main trails that will take you up Mount Tammany - the Blue Trail and the Mount Tammany Trail. Neither are particularly lengthy but you will experience significant elevation gains and rocky outcroppings, making for a moderate hike. Both trails can be accessed from a parking area at the base of the mountain, just off Route 80. While I most often hear about people hiking the Blue Trail, the Mount Tammany Trail does have a designated scenic viewpoint, marked on trail maps. The trails do connect and can be made into a loop, which is what I'd recommend.

While the pictures above are beautiful, I think that everyone who can should experience this hike. Trails are much less crowded in the winter and everything is a bit more magical when covered in snow. To see what I mean, watch the short video below (by J.Zion Lo Outdoors) of a hiker’s journey up Mount Tammany – it’s mesmerizing.

It’s rugged, but undeniably incredible. This is New Jersey, people…let’s enjoy it! What’s your favorite hike (winter or otherwise) in the Garden State? For a few short, scenic hikes (under 3 miles), check out this list.