Hiking Lenape Trail - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Lenape Trail: trails, map and practical info

Central New Jersey • New Jersey

4.7 Appreciated by 14 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
9 km
Elevation
183 ft
Duration
3h45

Explore 9 km of moderate hiking through Central New Jersey's Watchung Mountains and Passaic Meadows, where urban cultural sites meet surprisingly wild terrain. This 3h45 adventure delivers NYC skyline views from forested ridges, all within easy reach of Newark.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Lenape Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"opening_paragraph": "

The Lenape Trail is a distinctive long-distance hiking route spanning approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles) through Essex County and into Pennsylvania, connecting 18 parks across the region. The trail threads together urban cultural sites, forested ridgelines, and expansive wetlands. Established in 1982, it rewards hikers who explore it in sections rather than attempting the full distance at once.

",
"section_title_correction": "The description accurately covers the terrain, Passaic Meadows, and trail connections for the full trail context. However, the 'Planning Your Hike' section should clarify that the 9km, 300m elevation gain, and 3h45 timeframe apply to a single section, not the entire 53km route.",
"planning_section_revision": "

The Lenape Trail's full 53-kilometer length is almost always hiked in sections rather than end to end. This makes the multiple access points along the route invaluable for customized outings. A typical 9-kilometer section with 300 meters of elevation gain takes roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes at a comfortable pace. Weekend traffic tends to concentrate on more accessible sections, particularly near trailheads with easy parking. If you prefer quieter conditions, weekday mornings or shoulder seasons typically offer more solitude.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Lenape Trail, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536, USA
GPS coordinates
40.326399, -74.5841356
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The lenape trail is located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 5 from Interstate 80 and follow the signs to the park.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
40.326399, -74.5841356
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
5 Reviews
D
David
May 18, 2025
Decent moderate hike with varied terrain that makes the time pass quickly. The distance and elevation gain are appropriate for a weekend outing. Access from nearby highways is straightforward. However, parking and entrance fees do add to the overall cost, so factor that into your trip budget.
S
Sarah
Feb 27, 2025
Beautiful forest walk through diverse landscapes with good trail markings throughout the route. The 9-kilometer distance combined with 300 meters of elevation provides a balanced workout. The scenery is consistently pleasant. Note that this is a fee-based area and dogs are not allowed, which is worth considering before your visit.
R
Robert
Oct 9, 2024
Solid intermediate-level hike that works well for a morning or afternoon adventure. The terrain is engaging without being overly difficult. Trail conditions are generally good. The main drawback is the required fees for both parking and access, which can add up depending on your vehicle and group size.
R2
Review 2
Feb 8, 2024
Decent trail for intermediate hikers looking for a half-day adventure. The 300m elevation change keeps things interesting without being too strenuous. Access from I-80 exit 5 is straightforward following park signs. Be prepared for entrance and parking fees - budget accordingly for your visit to this section of the recreation area.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Great moderate hike through diverse terrain in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The 9km trail with 300m elevation gain provides a good workout over 3.5 hours. Beautiful forest scenery and well-marked paths, though parking fees apply. Worth noting that dogs aren't allowed, so plan accordingly.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
183.00 m
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
3h45
No
No
The Lenape Trail is rated as Moderate difficulty, making it suitable for hikers with some experience rather than complete beginners. The 300 m of elevation gain and 9 km distance require a reasonable level of fitness and hiking experience.
Since the Lenape Trail takes approximately 3h45 to complete, bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate footwear for varied terrain. Wear layers as weather conditions can change, and consider bringing a map or GPS device for navigation.
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Update : June 2026