The best walks and hikes around Morris Plains
4.3
(13)
324
hikers
63
hikes
Hiking around Morris Plains, New Jersey, offers a diverse environment with rolling, wooded hills and extensive trail systems. The region features numerous routes alongside lakes, ponds, and brooks, providing varied scenic experiences. Many trails traverse forested parklands, contributing to a rich outdoor setting. The terrain includes a mix of easy to moderate challenges, catering to different ability levels.
Best hiking trails around Morris Plains
- The most popular hiking route is Lewis Morris County Park loop via Yellow Trail, a 4.2 miles (6.8 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to complete. This route follows a path through the forested landscape of a large county park.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Speedwell Lake via Patriots' Path, a moderate 5.8 miles (9.3 km) path. This hike is part of the extensive Patriots' Path network and features lakeside scenery.
- Local hikers also love the Kitchell Pond loop from Loantaka Brook Reservation, a 3.7 miles (5.9 km) trail leading through Loantaka Brook Reservation, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Hiking around Morris Plains is defined by wooded parklands, lakeside paths, and extensive trail systems. The network of routes offers options suitable for different ability levels.
- The routes in Morris Plains are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.25 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 300 hikers have used komoot to explore Morris Plains's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
11.3km
02:52
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
5.18km
01:24
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.0
(1)
5
hikers
6.80km
01:49
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
5.27km
01:26
70m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
4.82km
01:24
150m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Wonderful paved riding area. Note that bikes must stay on paved routes. It's not well marked. Very crowded on the weekends with night weather.
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Kitchell Pond is a beautiful body of water in the Loantaka Brook Reservation. The Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail takes you to the banks of the water and there is another trail that takes you around the perimeter of the pond.
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The trails in the Loantaka Brook Reservation follow the Loantaka Brook for a good distance. This is the only time that you will need to cross the brook without a bridge. There are some rocks that you could use to cross the water and keep your feet dry.
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Kitchell Pond, in the Loantaka Brook Reservation, is a beautiful 5-acre body of water with a lovely greenspace and plenty of waterfowl. It's an ideal spot to stop and enjoy a picnic, play a game of catch, or toss a Frisbee around. There are bike share stations at Kitchell Road and the South Street park entrances, excellent for anyone who wishes to rent a bike to enjoy the paths in the surrounding area.
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Lewis Morris County Park is a 2,196-acre park with over 22 miles of trails, making it the second-largest park in the county park system.
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Loantaka Brook Reservation has over 5 miles of hiking and biking trails. Its name means "Place of the Cold Winter" in the language of the Lenni Lanapes native people.
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Mostly trail, some big hills, be careful if trail is wet (dangerous when raining)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Morris Plains?
Yes, there are over 35 hiking routes to explore in the Morris Plains area. The trails range from short, easy walks in local parks to more extensive hikes within larger county reservations, offering plenty of variety for all skill levels.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The trails around Morris Plains are well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the region's well-maintained paths, beautiful forested scenery, and the peaceful atmosphere around the many lakes and ponds.
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails near Morris Plains?
Many parks in Morris County are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Loantaka Brook Reservation is a popular choice for dog walkers, offering wide, paved paths. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go.
Can I find any easy, family-friendly hikes?
Absolutely. The area has many easy trails perfect for a family outing. A great option is the Mountain Way Park loop via Beacon Hill Trail, which is a short, manageable walk through a lovely wooded park.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls in the region?
While direct trails in Morris Plains don't feature major waterfalls, a short drive will take you to some beautiful spots. Hemlock Falls in the nearby South Mountain Reservation is a highly-rated local favorite, accessible via a pleasant woodland hike.
What is the Patriots' Path and can I hike it near Morris Plains?
The Patriots' Path is an extensive network of trails spanning Morris County. You can access sections of it from various points near Morris Plains. For example, the trail to Speedwell Lake via Patriots' Path offers a scenic hike along a portion of this historic trail system.
Where can I find hikes with good views?
For panoramic views, including vistas of the New York City skyline on a clear day, head to Tourne County Park. The trails there lead to some of the highest points in the area. Another option is Pyramid Mountain, which offers rewarding overlooks after a moderate climb.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, many of the best hikes in the area are loops, allowing you to enjoy a varied route without backtracking. The Lewis Morris County Park loop via Yellow Trail is a fantastic example, taking you through a beautiful forest on a well-marked circuit.
What are some popular places for hiking near Morris Plains?
Locals and visitors enjoy several key hiking destinations.
Loantaka Brook Reservation is a popular park with miles of trails. Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area is famous for its unique geological formations like Tripod Rock. Lewis Morris County Park is another favorite, offering extensive trails and amenities.
What is the terrain like on the hiking trails?
The terrain is generally characterized by rolling, wooded hills and gentle inclines. Most trails are well-maintained dirt or gravel paths. You'll find many routes that follow the shores of lakes, ponds, and brooks, offering mostly flat and scenic walking.
Are there any trails suitable for trail running?
Many of the trails in the area are great for running. Loantaka Brook Reservation features nearly 10 miles of wide, relatively flat paths ideal for a long run. For more of a challenge with hills, the trails in Lewis Morris County Park are an excellent choice.
Where can I find information on parking for the trails?
Most of the major parks and reservations, such as Lewis Morris County Park and Loantaka Brook Reservation, have designated parking areas near the trailheads. The Lewis Morris Park Trail Parking Lot is a well-known access point for both the park's trails and the Patriots' Path.
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