Perhaps deservedly, New Jersey is more often associated with pollution, overdevelopment and political corruption than with outdoor recreation. But the state isn't called the Garden State for nothing. New Jersey is full of naturally beautiful areas, including scenic coastal parks, rolling hills and wooded river valleys. The state is also home to several hiking clubs, some of which are dedicated to specific geographic regions and some of which cater to special interest groups.
Hudson Highlands Region
Though not technically the Adirondacks, North Jersey and New York's Hudson Highlands Region is geographically similar, with rolling hills, rock formations, steep climbs and panoramic views of the Hudson River. The North Jersey Ramapo Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club devotes its three weekly organized hikes throughout the year to exploring this region. New hikers are invited to join on two hikes before deciding whether to become members. After that, hikers can participate in hikes in the Ramapo and Wyanokie Hills of Bergen and Passaic Counties up to the Shawangunks and Catskills, according to the club website. The club also organizes road bike tours of the area, quarterly meetings, an annual holiday social and extended trips to New England. The Interstate Hiking Club, which caters to New York and New Jersey, also organizes hikes in this region.
Appalachian Region
The Appalachian Trail crosses the state from the Pennsylvania border at the Delaware Water Gap and travels up to New York across the Hudson River Valley. This region is the stomping grounds of the local chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, which is geared toward promoting and preserving the natural beauty of the region. North Jersey shares its chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club with New York State, and many of the hikes organized by this club are designed to be accessible by public transportation from the city and the surrounding suburbs. The club also sponsors a variety of other active excursions, including bicycling, canoe and kayaking, rock-climbing and skiing. It also organizes outings for singles and young people, among other groups.
Hunterdon County
With its rolling hills, rocky cliffs, rivers marshes and ponds, Hunterdon County in western New Jersey has ample opportunities for scenic hikes. The county has over 8,100 acres of land devoted to natural preservation. The Hunterdon County Hiking Club, which is affiliated with the county parks and recreation department, devotes its three weekly hikes to exploring this area. The club also sponsors weekly indoor meetings featuring hiking-related talks.
Morris County
About 25 miles west of New York City, Morris County seems much farther away. It is crisscrossed by rivers and is home to several large lakes, including Lake Hopatcong and Lake Parsippany. The county parks commission organizes guided hikes in this region all year long. The not-for-profit Morris Trails Partnership is devoted to maintaining and building trails in the region. Crews meet several times per month.
Southern New Jersey
South Jersey, the regional term for the area between the lower Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean, is home to some of the state's most scenic hikes. The Outdoor Club of South Jersey organizes several weekly hikes in this region, including a weekly Friday fitness hike, an eight-to-10-mile walk through a state forest and several weekly after-work jaunts. The club also organizes bicycling, canoeing and skiing trips.
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