A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Iron Mine Trail

Hike Route

Iron Mine Trail

Lake
easy
3.84 mi
+346 ft
Ranger Loop Trail

Hike Route

Ranger Loop Trail

Lake
easy
3.56 mi
+469 ft
Pebble Trail Loop

Hike Route

Pebble Trail Loop

easy
3.46 mi
+546 ft
Righter Mine Loop

Hike Route

Righter Mine Loop

easy
3.62 mi
+549 ft
Waterloo - Cardiac Loop

Hike Route

Waterloo - Cardiac Loop

easy
3.34 mi
+664 ft
Pyramid Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Pyramid Mountain Loop

Birding
easy
3.49 mi
+519 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

The Highlands Trail - NJ Section

Hike Route

The Highlands Trail - NJ Section

Commonly Backpacked
extreme
123.36 mi
+17,324 ft
Mahlon Dickerson Highlights

Hike Route

Mahlon Dickerson Highlights

Birding
strenuous
10.21 mi
+1,139 ft
Beach Glen Loop via Wildcat Ridge

Hike Route

Beach Glen Loop via Wildcat Ridge

Views
moderate
10.02 mi
+995 ft
Split Rock Loop

Hike Route

Split Rock Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.71 mi
+1,820 ft
Deer Park Loop

Hike Route

Deer Park Loop

Less Crowded
moderate
10.3 mi
+883 ft
Pyramid Mountain-Kakeout Reservoir Loop

Hike Route

Pyramid Mountain-Kakeout Reservoir Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.2 mi
+1,252 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Waving Willie Loop

Hike Route

Waving Willie Loop

Views
moderate
8.47 mi
+714 ft
Hawks Watch via Wildcat Ridge Trail

Hike Route

Hawks Watch via Wildcat Ridge Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
6.38 mi
+680 ft
Stephens State Park Loop

Hike Route

Stephens State Park Loop

Views
moderate
8.02 mi
+923 ft
Buckabear Pond Loop via Bearfort Waters - Clinton Trail

Hike Route

Buckabear Pond Loop via Bearfort Waters - Clinton Trail

Birding
moderate
7.44 mi
+948 ft
Jockey Hollow Grand Loop Variant

Hike Route

Jockey Hollow Grand Loop Variant

River/Creek
moderate
5.78 mi
+797 ft
Loop around Hank's Pond and beyond Stephens Road

Hike Route

Loop around Hank's Pond and beyond Stephens Road

Birding
moderate
9.83 mi
+838 ft