When I was much younger my dad used to take my brother and I hiking in the Delaware Water Gap, specifically Mt. Minsi, and Mt. Tammany. Many times I’ve hiked Tammany. And for the longest time, I thought that was it for hiking in New Jersey. Always the Water Gap.
Since I’ve rediscovered hiking, I’ve been to a whole bunch of new places and experienced some truly amazing hikes; and I know I’ve only scratched the surface. Just recently, my dad and I hiked Pyramid Mountain in the rain to see Bear Rock, Whale Rock, and Tripod Rock. And, my most recent hike was the Lenape and Rahway trails to see Hemlock Falls in South Mountain Reservation – where I got to experience rock-hopping for the first time (write-up coming soon.)
I don’t have “bucket lists” of hikes I have to do. I do have a list of hikes that I’ve discovered while clicking around on the interwebs; mostly getting inspired from online lists I’ve found. I like rock scrambles, I (now) like rock hopping, and I like some strenuous activity. The couple of lists below should help you branch out and find additional great hikes like they have for me.
https://www.njhiking.com/best-hikes-in-nj/
https://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-living/outdoors/ultimate-nj-hiking-guide
50 Hikes in New Jersey (I think I have a different version.)
That’s just a start for NJ. I’m sure I’ll find more and update the list in the future.
edit 9/26/2017 – added the Asbury Park Press article.