The best walks and hikes around Newark
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Hiking trails near Newark NJ offer a mix of accessible urban parkland and more rugged terrain in nearby reservations. The area's landscape includes riverside paths, large county parks with lakes, and the forested hills of the Watchung Mountains. This provides a variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels, from short walks within the city to longer hikes in the surrounding natural areas.
Best hiking trails around Newark
- The most popular hiking route is the Branch Brook Park loop ââĻ
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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3.81km
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The Branch Brook Loop offers a delightful and easy escape, especially if you visit during spring. This 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hiking route, with a mere 36 feet (11 metres) ofâĻ
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The Stephen R. Gregg Bayonne Park Loop offers a delightful urban escape, winding through tranquil green spaces and along the waterfront. You'll enjoy diverse scenery, from cherry blossom trees andâĻ
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6.78km
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The Lincoln Park East Loop offers a classic urban park experience, blending open green spaces with shaded wooded paths. As you follow this easy 4.2-mile (6.8 km) route, you'll enjoyâĻ
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3.70km
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The Lincoln Park West Nature Trail offers a surprisingly tranquil escape into a restored wetlands environment, right in the heart of Jersey City. This easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) hike, whichâĻ
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The Branch Brook Park loop offers an easy 4.8-mile (7.7 km) hike that feels more like a leisurely stroll, with only 85 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, taking justâĻ
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Tips from the Community
You can't ride a bike there, but still well worth visiting. There are a few bird watching stations, I've seen a couple of herons and a turtle!
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Lincoln Park is one of the county's oldest and largest parks. It is a popular spot with plenty of outdoor activities, including tennis and basketball courts, a softball field, a running track, and bike paths. The park includes Edgewood Lake for fishing and a nature trail, part of the Historic Liberty/Water Gap Trail. A wetland restoration project is underway to enhance wildlife observation, making it a great place to spot rare birds like Black Skimmers, Ospreys, and Egrets. There is also a great dog run, so feel free to bring your pup along to enjoy this fantastic urban community park.
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Clark's Pond is one of the centerpieces of Branch Brook Park. The paths in the park run alongside the pond and there are several spots with benches if you want to take a break during your walk.
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Branch Brook Park is the nation's first county park. In 1981 it was placed on the National Registers of Historic Places. There are several trails that run through the park that are popular with joggers and walkers.
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Little detour here off of JFK Blvd for a quick 1.5 mi loop and nice views of the river.
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Bike lane in each direction around this easy, 1.25-mile loop. Nice views of the water, pleasant park, quiet place to get some laps in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any good hikes with waterfalls near Newark?
Yes, the most well-known waterfall hike is to Hemlock Falls, located within the expansive South Mountain Reservation. This picturesque waterfall is a popular destination, and the trails leading to it offer a refreshing escape into nature. The reservation has a network of paths to explore around the falls.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in the Newark area?
For a very easy and accessible outing, the Riverfront Park Path loop is a great choice. It's a short, flat walk along the Passaic River. For a bit more space, Weequahic Park offers a pleasant trail around the largest lake in Essex County, with playgrounds nearby.
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails around Newark?
Many parks and reservations in the region are dog-friendly, but rules often require dogs to be on a leash. South Mountain Reservation and Watchung Reservation are popular choices for hiking with dogs. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go, as some areas, like nature preserves or specific trails, may have restrictions.
Where can I find hikes with views of the New York City skyline?
Eagle Rock Reservation is famous for its stunning, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. It's a highly-regarded spot, especially for sunrise. The park has several trails that lead to or pass by the scenic overlook, making it a rewarding destination for a hike.
Do I need a permit to hike in the Newark area?
Most parks, like South Mountain Reservation and Branch Brook Park, do not require permits for hiking. However, for a more remote wilderness experience in the Newark Watershed, which includes trails on Bearfort Mountain, a permit is required. You can find more information on the official Newark city website.
What are some easy hikes for beginners near Newark?
The area has many options for beginners. There are over 80 easy routes to choose from. Branch Brook Park, famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, offers gentle, paved walking paths perfect for a leisurely stroll. The trails are mostly flat and well-maintained, making it an ideal starting point.
Are there any challenging day hikes available near Newark?
For a more strenuous hike, head to Palisades Interstate Park to tackle the Giant Stairs. This is a challenging rock scramble along the base of the cliffs by the Hudson River. Another option is exploring the more rugged sections of the Highlands Trail, which can be accessed via the Newark Watershed area.
How do I get to the main hiking areas using public transport?
Many of Newark's city parks, like Weequahic Park and Branch Brook Park, are accessible via NJ Transit buses. For larger reservations like South Mountain, you can often take a train to a nearby town like Millburn or South Orange and then use a short taxi or rideshare to reach the trailheads.
What is parking like at the major reservations?
Major parks like South Mountain Reservation and Eagle Rock Reservation have designated parking lots near main entrances and popular trailheads. These lots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended. Most county parks in the area offer free parking.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Newark?
The hiking routes around Newark are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the surprising variety of scenery so close to the city, from the peaceful lakeside paths to the forested hills and skyline viewpoints.
What kind of scenery can I expect on hikes in this region?
The scenery is quite diverse. You can experience the curated beauty of Branch Brook Park's cherry blossoms, walk along the Passaic River on the Veteran's Memorial Waterfront Park Path, explore the forested Watchung Mountains with their rocky outcrops, or enjoy dramatic cliffside views over the Hudson River in the Palisades.
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