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)

Share

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

Marigold Shocks Her Owner By Delivering 17 Irish Doodle Puppies in a Single Day

The one question vets hate hearing as they ultrasound expectant canine mothers is “how many puppies are there?” The reason is that, on...

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Out Adventuring (March 12, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog Gets Reoccurring UTIs (March 9, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

DIY Repellents for the Dog Who Thinks Everywhere Is His Toilet

Dog urine and everything nice have a complicated relationship. One thrives, the other suffers, and if you’re reading this, you already know which...

More related

Why Does Dog Pee Kill Grass? 5 Ways to Prevent This

If you’re a dog parent and the proud owner of a beautifully kept lawn, you’ve no doubt experienced the frustration of finding parts...

Will Golden Retrievers Attack People? Breed Facts & FAQ

When deciding what kind of dog to bring into the family, many people wonder if their new dog will be equipped to protect...

20 Dog Breeds Who Are Escape Artists: Info, Pictures & Origin

All dogs are quite capable of being escape artists, but certain breeds are renowned for their Houdini-like talents. It’s essential to know what...

Borkie (Yorkshire Terrier & Beagle Mix): Info, Pictures & Care

The Borkie is a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Beagle. These are both smaller dogs, but they were bred for different...

Keep reading

What Time Should I Feed My Dog? Vet-Verified Feeding Guide

Canine nutrition can feel like an impossible labyrinth to navigate, whether you’re a first-time dog owner or not. There is so much information—and misinformation—out there, making it hard to know exactly what time of day to feed your dog and...

Schnauzer puppy dog eating tasty dry food from bowl

10 Best Turkey Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Protein is an essential macronutrient that your dog needs to thrive. Unfortunately, not all dogs fare well on all types of protein sources1. It’s simple to find chicken or beef-based dog food options, but turkey or fish aren’t quite as...

Golden Retriever dog eating

11 Best Dog Foods for Dobermans in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

We all know how essential finding the right food for your dog is. You have to take into account their age, activity level, and of course, size. If you’re reading this, chances are that you are the proud owner of...

doberman-sitting-next-to-a-bucket-full-of-food

9 Best Dog Foods for Seizures in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

Seizures are a growing concern amongst dog parents and one that is understood as little by veterinarians as it is by dog owners. While there is debate on the cause and necessary treatment for seizures in dogs, there’s no doubt...

Dog beagle eating canned food from bowl in bright interior

11 Best Wet Dog Food for Huskies in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Every Siberian Husky owner knows that these dogs have tons of energy. Huskies require a quality, high protein diet low in carbs to recharge and refuel, making the decision of what to feed an important task. Huskies are extremely active...

husky eating

Raised Right Human-Grade Dog Food Review 2026: Veterinarian-Backed Dog Food

In 2016, a new dog food company emerged from one family’s desire to feed their own dogs a better food. Braeden Ruud and his family, concerned about a recent outbreak of dog food recalls, had begun cooking for their pets...

Dogster_Raised Right Human-Grade Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Pastrami? Vet-Reviewed Dietary Guidance

As dog owners, we know that we need to be careful when giving our dogs little treats from our plates. Human foods can be risky for dogs because not everything that we enjoy eating is safe for them. If eating...

Can Dogs Eat_Pastrami

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

So, you did it. You welcomed a new Puggle into the family. Now you need to figure out what you need to keep him safe, happy, and healthy. The pet store has so many choices of beds, toys, crates, and...

Puggle dog outdoors

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter