Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in New Jersey (2026 Guide)

Dog Outdoors Hiking in Woods Mixed Breed Labrador Rescue Puppy on a Sunny Day in the Park

New Jersey is known as the Garden State, and there are plenty of amazing parks throughout that reinforce this nickname. New Jersey has several trails that travel through wetlands, coastlines, shady forests, and quaint fields. There are boardwalks, multi-use trails, paved trails, bike trails, and sandy trails to explore with your dog. If you want to get out and see some historical sites and unique nature, these hikes will appeal to you.

Here are 10 dog-friendly trails you can hike in New Jersey this year.

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in New Jersey

1. Manasquan Reservoir

️ Address: 311 Windeler Rd, Howell Township, NJ 07731
Open Times: Sunrise – Sunset
Cost: Free to enter; other fees apply for specific activities
Off-Leash: No
  • Located in the sleepy town of Howell Township
  • 1-mile trail and 5-mile trail available depending on your activity level
  • Large reservoir allows boating, sailing, and fishing
  • Beautiful views and well-maintained trails
  • Great place to bike with your dog, and it even includes a bicycle repair station to maintain your equipment

2. Holmdel Park

️ Address: 44 Longstreet Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Open Times: 7 AM – Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Over 600 acres of wooded land to explore
  • Miles of shady trails to enjoy with your dogs
  • Check out the Historic Longstreet Farm and the Holmes-Hendrickson House
  • Things to do year-round, including picnicking and sledding
  • Located in central New Jersey off of the Garden State Parkway

3. Blueberry Hill Trail

️ Address: 50 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd, Gibbsboro, NJ 08026
Open Times: 24/7
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Multiple miles of trails in Camden County
  • Explore the quarry and the old radar station for some truly unique sites
  • Trail connection to the United States Avenue Trail
  • Things to do during all seasons, including snowshoeing and birding
  • Dogs must remain leashed at all times; please pick up after your pet

4. Estell Manor Park

️ Address: 109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Open Times: 7:30 AM – Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • 1,700 acres of diverse environments
  • Multiple trails, including paved, unpaved, and boardwalk
  • Explore the wooded areas of New Jersey as well as some wet, swampy areas
  • Check out the Warren E. Fox Nature Center
  • Located 25 miles from Atlantic City, so make a trip out of it

5. Cattus Island County Park

️ Address: 1170 Cattus Island Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753
Open Times: 7 AM – Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Over 500 acres of wetland on a peninsula on Jersey’s coast
  • Seven miles of diverse trails to explore that beckon for repeat visits (Trail map)
  • Explore beaches, shaded trails, boardwalks, and more, all with your dog
  • Plenty to do and explore at the nearby Jersey Shore
  • Amenities in nearby Toms River include food and supplies in case you forget anything

6. Cheesequake State Park

️ Address: 300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747
Open Times: 8 AM – 8 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Five trails ranging from 1 to 3.5 miles in length (Trail map)
  • Park sits at a convergence of different biomes, including old hardwood forest and pine scrub
  • Trails are multi-use and can be accessed year-round
  • Hooks Lake Creek is located in the park and offers a small beach to enjoy
  • Located 30 miles south of New York City

7. Billie Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve

️ Address: 30 Mountain Ave, Princeton, NJ 08540
Open Times: 24/7
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Located just minutes from Princeton University
  • Views of streams and lakes that are breathtaking in every season
  • Multiple trails, including winding trails, wide straight trails, and ones with elevation gain
  • The park can get busy during peak times, so keep your dog leashed and pick up after your pet
  • Consider visiting Princeton University when you are in the neighborhood

8. Thompson Park

️ Address: 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Open Times: 7 AM – Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in a designated area
  • Park offers over 14 miles of multipurpose trails, including equestrian and canine
  • 667 total diverse acres of protected land, including picturesque fields and woodland parks
  • Off-leash area allows dogs to explore at their own pace (just watch for others!)
  • Check out the gorgeous visitor center and old homes located in the park
  • Located near New York City and the Jersey shoreline

9. Monroe Township Bike Path

️ Address: Fries Mill Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094
Open Times: 24/7
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • 1-mile trail links Glassboro to Williamstown in Gloucester County
  • Trail passes near and through parts of the expansive Glassboro Wildlife Management Area
  • Trail is paved and multi-use
  • Watch out for other dogs and bikers while on the trail
  • Trail will eventually link up with a regional trail network that spans over 800 miles

10. Lewis Morris County Park

️ Address: 270 Mendham Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960
Open Times: Sunrise – Sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, at dog park
  • Over 2,200 acres of mixed-use land to explore over multiple days
  • 22 miles of trails winding through multiple different biomes
  • Dog park located on-site allows your dog to get some off-leash time
  • Plenty to do, including camping, picnicking, hiking, walking, sledding, and more
  • Located 27 miles west of Newark for easy access to the city

divider-dog paw

Conclusion

Whether you want to see an old radar station, meandering boardwalks, or beachfront parks, there are amazing trails in New Jersey to fit your interests and your lifestyle. There are parks located near the New York City area and in the more rural and remote parts of New Jersey. Most of these hikes can be done in a day and can be reached in a couple of hours from almost anywhere in the Garden State. All you have to do is decide which trail to explore first.


Featured Image Credit: N K, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.


How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

20 Border Collie Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)

Border Collies are intelligent, high-energy, and adorable dogs. And thanks to their distinctive color combinations, many people can spot a Border Collie at...

How to Stop Dogs From Bringing Outdoor Allergens Home: 7 Vet-Approved Ways

Dogs are without a doubt our best pals. Unfortunately, for those of us who love dogs but deal with allergies, the relationship can...

How to Get Sap Out of Dog Hair: 6 Vet-Approved Steps

There are many things your dog can get into that wreak havoc on their coats, but sap pretty much tops the list. In...

10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Poos in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you have a Shih Poo, you know all about little dog preferences and demands. All pup owners want the best for their...

More related

10 Surprising Australia Dog Walking Statistics to Know in 2026

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. Dogs require certain basics to be...

Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

If you pay attention to dog food labels, you might know that salmon is a common protein source, especially in limited-ingredient diets. Knowing...

Dog Nail Grinder vs. Clipper: Which Is Better? 2026 Comparison Guide

When it comes to the world of dog grooming, there are two main tools used to keep a dog’s nails neat and trim:...

How Smart Are Bernese Mountain Dogs? Vet-Verified Canine Intelligence Facts

Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, gorgeous, loyal, and eager to please. They’re also very calm and easygoing and have big hearts that match...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Kale? Vet-Reviewed Facts to Know

Kale is a popular health food in America and around the world, so it’s natural to wonder if dogs can also eat kale and get the same health benefits. The short answer is yes; most dogs can eat kale in...

Can Dogs Eat_Kale

Muenster Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shayna Smith (@feudesetoiles) Muenster Milling Co. has been in business since 1932. Though they have gone through several rebrandings over the years, from operating as a flour mill and...

Dogster_Muenster Dog Food Review

Am I Overfeeding My Dog? 6 Vet-Verified Signs to Watch For

We all know how much dogs enjoy mealtimes and will happily eat whatever you give them. You might mistake their hearty appetite as a sign they need more food or perhaps believe the recommended feeding guidelines are inappropriate for your...

golden retriever dog eating healthy dry food from bowl at home

Wysong Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Wysong is one of the most popular premium dog food brands on the market, producing a wide range of supplements and dog foods. The brand promotes its products as holistic and healthy, with the goal of replicating a...

Dogster_Wysong Dog Food Review

8 Best Dog Foods for Australian Shepherds in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

If you have an Australian Shepherd, you know they’re a breed of their own. These medium-large dogs are highly energetic and intelligent, so it’s no surprise they thrive with the best food. Since Australian Shepherds are so active, they need...

Australian Shepherd

Can Dogs Eat Hay? Vet Approved Facts & Advice

Hay is used as animal feed. However, that doesn’t make it a good choice for your dog. Many dogs will naturally eat a small amount of grass for differing reasons. Therefore, it isn’t odd for them to try a bite...

Can Dogs Eat_hay

10 Best Affordable Dog Foods for Labs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Anyone who’s ever owned a Labrador Retriever knows that they love their food…a lot. In fact, a study has shown that a gene mutation associated with weight and food motivation has been found in Labradors. This means that Labs are...

labrador retriever eating dog food

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Dog Food Review 2026: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary Dr. Marty is a pet food company founded by long-time veterinarian, Dr. Marty, whose focus for the past 45 years has been on creating healthy and nutritious all-natural foods for dogs and cats. Dr. Marty’s mission is to...

Dogster_Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Dog Food Review