A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Vernon Valley, 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.

Terrace Pond West Loop

Hike Route

Terrace Pond West Loop

Lake
moderate
4.63 mi
+462 ft
Terrace Pond Quick Loop

Hike Route

Terrace Pond Quick Loop

Dogs Allowed
moderate
3.63 mi
+440 ft
Appalachian Trail to Observation Platform

Hike Route

Appalachian Trail to Observation Platform

Fall Colors
strenuous
1.96 mi
+294 ft
Sterling Fire Tower

Hike Route

Sterling Fire Tower

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.91 mi
+639 ft
Shawangunk Ridge Trail: Huckleberry Ridge Section

Hike Route

Shawangunk Ridge Trail: Huckleberry Ridge Section

Lake
easy
2.31 mi
+534 ft
Lakeville Ironworks Trail

Hike Route

Lakeville Ironworks Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.03 mi
+128 ft
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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.

Terrace Pond North - South Loop

Hike Route

Terrace Pond North - South Loop

Lake
strenuous
10.65 mi
+1,528 ft
The Highlands Trail - NJ Section

Hike Route

The Highlands Trail - NJ Section

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
123.36 mi
+17,521 ft
Stonetown Circular Trail

Hike Route

Stonetown Circular Trail

Lakefront
strenuous
11.12 mi
+3,123 ft
Stokes State Forest Loop

Hike Route

Stokes State Forest Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
10.45 mi
+974 ft
Mahlon Dickerson Highlights

Hike Route

Mahlon Dickerson Highlights

Birding
moderate
10.21 mi
+1,121 ft
Tuxedo - Ramapo Torne - Dutch Dr loop

Hike Route

Tuxedo - Ramapo Torne - Dutch Dr loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
13.62 mi
+3,425 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.

Appalachian Trail Boardwalk to Warwick Turnpike Shuttle

Hike Route

Appalachian Trail Boardwalk to Warwick Turnpike Shuttle

Fall Colors
moderate
8.25 mi
+1,858 ft
Pinwheel Vista Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Pinwheel Vista Out-and-Back

Birding
strenuous
6.85 mi
+1,096 ft
Wawayanda Lake Loop

Hike Route

Wawayanda Lake Loop

Lake
moderate
5.38 mi
+240 ft
West Ridge Loop

Hike Route

West Ridge Loop

Lake
strenuous
6.27 mi
+1,345 ft
Bearfort Ridge and Surprise Lake

Hike Route

Bearfort Ridge and Surprise Lake

Birding
strenuous
7.09 mi
+1,315 ft
Bearfort Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Bearfort Ridge Loop

Lake
strenuous
5.58 mi
+990 ft