6 Perfect Hikes For A New Jersey Summer

NEW JERSEY — Think you've seen all New Jersey has to offer? Unless you're a dedicated outdoor enthusiast, you're probably wrong.

New Jersey is made up of 42 percent forest land, which means there is vast diversity in the state's trails, nature and views. Here are six hikes worth venturing out on this summer:

Ramapo Mountain State Forest

Though the 120-acre Ramapo Lake is the obvious draw, there are plenty of ways to work out a trail for both hikers and mountain bikers in this extensive space in Bergen and Passaic County. Take in views of New York City, and even find ruins of the Van Slyke Castle. Read more here.

Wells Mills County Park

The largest park in the Ocean County park system, Wells Mills is also a great introduction to the state's Pine Barrens. Multiple trails, with different degrees of difficulty, can be found within the 900 acres of pine and oak forest. Not much of a hiker? Take in the views from the park's Elizabeth Meirs Morgan Observation Deck. Read more here.

Worthington State Forest

How does walking through "some of the prettiest forest in New Jersey to a glacial lake" sound? Well, that's how njhiking.com describes their Sunfish Pond hike, which spans 7.8 miles. However, there are plenty of other things to see in Worthington State Forest, including Mount Tammany, if walking 7.8 miles in the summer heat sounds like, well, walking 7.8 miles in the summer heat. Read more here.

High Point State Park

The highest point in New Jersey offers "unrivaled views" at the summit of the Kittatinny Ridge, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. There's a lot of science that explains how this majestic view was created, but the important part is that the ridge features views of three states, uncommon plants and plenty of wildlife, as well as the High Point Monument. Interested in all that science stuff? Read more here.

New Jersey Highlands

The New Jersey Highlands "are part of the great sweep of the Appalachians that shadow the East Coast from Maine to Georgia." According to the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, the region contains almost 860,000 acres, which, of course, would be almost impossible to cover in one summer. This route from njhiking.com, however, isn't impossible. The route "takes in Chikahoki Falls, Otter Hole, and an awesome viewpoint at Wyanokie High Point," featuring 360 degree views of the surrounding area, and, on a clear day, New York City. Read more here.

Buttermilk Falls Trail

In this instance, it's ok if you go chasing waterfalls. Folks in New Jersey know Buttermilk Falls as the tallest waterfall in the state, but there's more to the area than that. This trail makes a "steep climb up to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail for spectacular views of the valley below." The hike can continue south down the Appalachian Trail, eventually connecting hikers to Crater Lake and Hemlock Pond loop trails, according to the National Park Service. Read more here.

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