The best walks and hikes around Ledgewood
4.3
(16)
157
hikers
49
hikes
Hikes around Ledgewood NJ explore the state's highlands, offering a mix of woodland paths and lakeside trails. The area's terrain includes rolling hills, glacial rock formations, and sections that follow the historic Morris Canal. The network of routes provides options for various fitness levels, from easy lakeside walks to more demanding hikes in Allamuchy Mountain State Park.
Best hiking trails around Ledgewood
- The most popular hiking route is the Allamuchy Loop – Allamuchy Mountain State Park, a 6.3 mile (10.2 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 50 minutes to complete. This is a moderately challenging route within the state park.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Waterloo Village via Highland Trail — Allamuchy State Park, a moderate 10.0 mile (16.2 km) path. The trail requires a good level of fitness and takes around 4 hours 35 minutes.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Jefferson Lake Loop – Allamuchy Mountain State Park, a 3.2 mile (5.2 km) trail leading around the lake, often completed in about 1 hour 25 minutes.
- Hiking around Ledgewood is defined by forested hills, lakeside paths, and trails along the historic Morris Canal. The trail system offers both easy hikes for beginners and more moderate routes for those seeking a greater challenge.
- The routes in Ledgewood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 150 hikers have used komoot to explore Ledgewood's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
1
hikers
21.1km
05:19
30m
30m
Hike the difficult 13.1-mile West Morris Greenway through wooded areas and past Byram Granite boulders in Morris County, New Jersey.
1.49km
00:23
0m
0m
An easy 0.9-mile hike along the Black River Park Trail, offering natural beauty and historical insights in Morris County, New Jersey.
Sign up for free
4.0
(1)
10
hikers
5.20km
01:24
60m
60m
Hike the easy 3.2-mile Jefferson Lake Loop in Allamuchy Mountain State Park, offering peaceful views of Jefferson Lake.
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
10.2km
02:52
210m
210m
Hike the moderate 6.3-mile Highlands and Pebble Trail Loop in Allamuchy Mountain State Park, featuring Jefferson Lake and scenic viewpoints.
16.2km
04:35
360m
360m
Hike the moderate 10.0 miles (16.2 km) Highlands Trail in Allamuchy Mountain State Park, featuring varied terrain and scenic viewpoints.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Located in the now vacant Waterloo Village, the old canal and locks are still open to visits from the public. When the canal was still in use, the village was an important hub because of its location on the canal. Now, it is home to an abundance of wildflowers, plants, and wildlife.
0
0
The Highlands Trail is a 150-mile hiking trail that runs from the Delaware River to the NJ/NJ border. This section of the trail runs through beautiful green scenery in the Allamuchy State Park and past several lakes. The path crosses Sussex Branch Trail near Jefferson Lake.
0
0
From here, you have great views of the Musconetcong River and surrounding hills. It's the perfect spot for a break!
0
0
This is a beautiful lake. It is a very pleasant spot for a hike.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly hikes in the Ledgewood area?
Yes, there are several great options for beginners. The Horseshoe Lake loop from Sunrise Park is a flat, paved 2.4-mile (3.9 km) path perfect for a gentle walk. For a mix of nature and history, the red trail in Morris Canal Park follows the level towpath of the old canal for 0.8 miles.
What are some good options for a more challenging hike?
For those seeking a challenge, the Waterloo Village via Highland Trail in Allamuchy State Park is a great choice. This 10-mile (16.2 km) route requires a good level of fitness and takes around 4.5 hours. Another option is the yellow trail in Ledgewood Park, which features a short but steep ascent to a scenic overlook.
Can I bring my dog on the trails near Ledgewood?
Many trails in the Ledgewood area and greater Morris County are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. Parks like Allamuchy Mountain State Park and Ledgewood Park/Morris Canal Park generally welcome leashed dogs. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go and be prepared to clean up after your pet.
Are there any hikes with good views or scenic overlooks?
Yes, you can find some rewarding vistas. The Cage Hill – Viewpoint loop from Allamuchy offers nice views after a moderate climb. In Ledgewood Park, the yellow trail leads to a scenic overlook with views to the north and interesting glacial boulders.
What historical remnants can I see while hiking?
The most significant historical feature is the 19th-century Morris Canal. You can walk directly on the old towpath on the red trail in Morris Canal Park and see the historic stonework. The start of the yellow trail in the same park features a preserved turbine and an incline plane from the canal, with interpretive signs explaining their history.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Absolutely. The area has many loop trails, which are great for exploring without backtracking. A popular choice is the Allamuchy Loop, a 6.3-mile (10.2 km) moderate hike. For an easier and shorter option, the Jefferson Lake Loop is a pleasant 3.2-mile (5.2 km) walk around the lake.
What are the trail conditions like in Ledgewood?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find everything from wide, unpaved roads and flat towpaths to rocky, steep ascents with glacial boulders. Many trails in Allamuchy Mountain State Park are classic woodland paths with rolling hills. It's always a good idea to wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip.
Where can I find trail maps for the Ledgewood area?
All routes on komoot include detailed maps that you can use for navigation directly on your phone, even offline. Many of the larger parks, such as Allamuchy Mountain State Park and Morris Canal Park, also have maps available at trailheads or on their official websites.
How many hiking trails are there around Ledgewood?
There are over 35 hiking routes to explore around Ledgewood on komoot. The selection includes 21 easy trails suitable for all skill levels, 16 moderate routes for those with some experience, and one difficult trail for seasoned hikers.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Ledgewood?
The trails around Ledgewood are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of scenery, from peaceful lakeside paths to the interesting historical remnants of the Morris Canal.
Are there any waterfall hikes near Ledgewood?
While the immediate Ledgewood area is better known for its lakes and historic canal, you can find waterfalls in the broader North Jersey region. A short drive will take you to places like Schooley's Mountain Park or Hacklebarney State Park, which feature trails along rivers with scenic cascades.
Where is a good place to park for hiking?
Most designated parks and trailheads have dedicated parking areas. For hikes in Allamuchy Mountain State Park, there are multiple access points with parking, such as near Jefferson Lake or Waterloo Village. For trails in Ledgewood itself, the main lot for Morris Canal Park is located at 1800 US-46.
Most popular attractions around Ledgewood
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
