Exploring Central Jersey by hiking

Although out-of-staters don’t particularly know New Jersey for its hiking prowess, the state offers a diverse range of hiking trails and parks that are fitting for those looking for a rocky mountain hike, a beachy shore run or a stroll through flat meadows, which Dawn L. McClennen, co-founder of njHiking.com, is well aware of.

“We don’t have the elevation of something out West but it’s actually quite diverse,” said McClennen, who is from Middlesex County and has been hiking the state for about 20 years. “North Jersey is rugged and then Central is more mild and a little more farmlands. The Pine Barrens are flat and sandy with a lot of diverse trails that butt up against the beach. When you hike up a mountain here, you might see a city skyline.”

Some of the more popular hiking destinations in New Jersey include Northern Green State Forest in Ringwood, Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough, Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, Wharton State Forest of Hammonton and Belleplain State Forest of Woodbine.

David Dendler, park ranger manager at the Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC), said that the Sourland Mountain Preserve maintains its popularity because of its rugged terrain and accompanying uniqueness as well as its size, with 14 miles of trails over 4,000 acres.

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