Home SeasonsFall Where to Go Hiking Near Hoboken + Jersey City

Where to Go Hiking Near Hoboken + Jersey City

by Nadine Ahrabi
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While nothing is more charming than the tree-lined streets of Hoboken and Jersey City all year round, sometimes the best way to appreciate the colorful landscape of the northeast is to go on a hike. Whether you have a full day or just a morning to spare, there are plenty of options around to lace up your hiking boots, discover a new hiking trail, and embark on one of these great hikes near Hoboken and Jersey City. Keep reading to discover where to go hiking near Hoboken + Jersey City.

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Bear Mountain | Bear Mountain, New York

Distance from Hoboken: 46 miles, 1.5-hour drive

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Drive an hour northwest of Hoboken and you’ll see signs for Bear Mountain State Park — a 5,205-acre state park in Rockland County, New York. With 22+ hiking trails, picnic areas, a merry-go-round, and a walking bridge over the Hudson River, there are plenty of activities to make Bear Mountain a full-day outing. Check out all trails ahead of time or download the app for trail routes and information.

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Breakneck Ridge | Philipstown/Fishkill, New York

Distance from Hoboken: 63 miles, 1 hour 50 min drive, 1.5-hour train from Grand Central

Considered the most strenuous hike in the East Hudson Highlands, Breakneck Ridge is not for the faint of heart. Steep hiking trails through wooded pines are rewarded with panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. Be sure to wear proper hiking boots before setting out on this adventure. While strenuous, the hike is only about three miles long and takes an estimated three and a half hours. Visit the NY/NJ trail website to learn more. Finish the hike in the town of Cold Spring, NY to enjoy lunch at one of the town’s quaint waterfront restaurants. The trailhead is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Hoboken or accessible via Metro-North from Grand Central (depart at either the Breakneck Ridge or Cold Spring station).

Giant Stairs Palisades | Closter, NJ

Distance from Hoboken: 19 miles, 43 min drive

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Just 19 miles from Hoboken, Giant Stairs offers another nearby hiking destination different from the rest of the trails on this list. Boulders that once fell from the Palisades now line this hiking trail and provide a challenging rock scramble to visitors. The full trail is just over four miles long, of which one mile is over boulders. Hike along steep cliff drop-offs while looking over the Hudson River.

Minnewaska State Park | Kerhonkson, NY

Distance from Hoboken: 87 miles, 2-hour drive

Another great hiking destination in Ulster County is Minnewaska State Park. Situated on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge, 2,000+ feet above sea level, this park has 50 miles of hiking trails. From foliage to waterfalls and crystal clear lakes, the views at Minnewaska are endless. Drive just under two hours via I-87 N, or hop on a Trailways bus to New Paltz (from there it’s a 10 min Uber ride to the park’s entrance).

Mohonk Preserve | Gardiner, NY

Distance from Hoboken: 92 miles, 2+ hour drive

Perhaps the heart of the Hudson Valley, Mohonk Preserve boasts picturesque views of the Hudson Valley amidst 40,000 acres of forest. Set out on one of the mountain’s hiking trails (85 miles total) — from easy wooded walks to rock scrambles like the infamous Lemon Squeeze. Cap off the day at Mohonk Mountain House, a historic resort with a restaurant, spa, and guest rooms, or stop in the village of New Paltz for a bite to eat. Bonus tip: plan a visit in the winter for ice skating and snow-shoeing. Mohonk is a two-hour and 15-minute drive from Hoboken.

Palisades Interstate Park/Fort Lee Historic Park | Alpine/Fort Lee, NJ

Distance from Hoboken: 10 miles, 30 min drive

The closest hike on the list, and easiest to get to from Hudson County, is Palisades Interstate Park/Fort Lee Historic Park which lies just north of Hoboken on the Hudson River. The park has about 30 miles of trails, ranging from leisurely riverside walks to challenging rock scrambles. Enter the park south of the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee. To get there, embark on a 10-mile bike ride along the Hudson River waterfront (which starts as far south as Bayonne and continues up to the GW bridge), catch the 158 bus, or drive. Head to the park’s website for information on different trails, and to download a full map of the park.

See More: A Guide to Waterfall Hikes in New Jersey

Watchung Reservation | Mountainside, NJ

Distance from Hoboken: 29 miles, 49 min drive

Head southwest into New Jersey to find Watchung Reservation, a 2,000-acre preserve in the northern part of Union County. The park was designed by the Olmsted brothers, the same architects who designed New York’s Central Park. Embark on the six-mile history trail to discover various sites of historic interest in the reservation. Visit the trail map here in advance to virtually explore the trail and prepare for the sights and animal life you might encounter on your hike. If you’re looking for more activities, the reservation also offers horseback riding, biking, nature, and a science center, as well as a deserted village that has been empty since the early 1920s.

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