The 7 Best Hiking Trails in Jersey Shore: our selection

7 ideas. Reasons to pick each one.

Compare 7 hiking ideas in Jersey Shore: the duration and the level, then open the trail page for the details.

See the 7 hikes

How to pick the best hiking trails for you?

Three guideposts to compare the ideas in this selection.

The experience

Outings with a good mix of moods and challenges in Jersey Shore.

The scenery

Panoramas, forests and remarkable natural settings.

Who it suits

Outings for different levels and moods, from a serious challenge to an easy stroll.

Our 7 hikes in Jersey Shore

See all trails in Jersey Shore

Hartshorne Woods Park

Jersey Shore

About 16 miles of trails in a hilly, wooded park overlooking the Navesink River.

4 hr 30 min Easy

Who is it for?For walkers, cyclists and horse riders: the trails are marked for all three uses.

Good to knowOpen daily from 7 a.m.; closed until noon on certain deer-hunting days (Nov.-Dec.).

See the trail page
Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook Unit

Jersey Shore

A level 7-mile multi-use path starts at the entrance to the Sandy Hook Unit.

3 hr 45 min Easy

Who is it for?For those who want a flat route with no climbing rather than a forest trail.

Good to knowBeach parking: $20 a day from late May to Labor Day; dogs on a leash (max. 6 ft).

See the trail page
Island Beach State Park

Jersey Shore

A barrier island of nearly 10 miles between the Atlantic and Barnegat Bay, with marked trails.

6 hr 30 min Easy

Who is it for?To walk between dunes and marshes, including Johnny Allen's Cove Trail (0.4 mile).

Good to knowDogs on a 6 ft leash; not allowed on Spizzle Creek Trail or at lifeguarded beaches.

See the trail page

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

Jersey Shore

A 0.2-mile loop through maritime forest at the northern tip of Long Beach Island.

30 min Easy

Who is it for?A short walk through one of New Jersey's last remnants of maritime forest.

Good to knowDogs not allowed on the trail, the inlet walkway or in park buildings.
See the trail page
Joe Palaia Park Addition

Jersey Shore

25 min Easy

Who is it for?

Good to know
See the trail page
Asbury Park Boardwalk

Jersey Shore

30 min Easy

Who is it for?

Good to know
See the trail page
Shark River Park

Jersey Shore

Who is it for?

Good to know
See the trail page

How to choose yours?

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park trail - hiking in Jersey Shore

By your level

Short and easy or more demanding: find a hike that suits your experience and your mood.

See all trails in Jersey Shore

Asbury Park Boardwalk trail - hiking in Jersey Shore

By season

Fall colours, snowy summits, spring flowers: every season offers a different experience.

Explore all regions

Before you book your day

Access, booking, dogs and weather: check the trail page and the site manager.

See our practical tips

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a hike suits my level?

Each trail page gives the level (easy, moderate or hard) and, when it is known, the duration. Compare them with your experience, then add time for breaks and the way back.

Do some trails in Jersey Shore require a booking?

It depends on the site. Some trails are in parks that charge an access fee or require a booking: the trail page says so when the information is known, and the site manager's own website remains the reference.

Can I bring my dog?

The trail page says whether dogs are allowed, when the information is known. Always check the site's rules, especially about leashes.