The best walks and hikes around Highlands
5.0
(11)
219
hikers
28
hikes
Hiking around Highlands, New Jersey, explores the coastal hills and wooded terrain of the Atlantic Highlands. The region is characterized by trails within Hartshorne Woods Park, offering routes with moderate elevation changes and paths along the Navesink River. These trails provide a mix of forest scenery and viewpoints over the surrounding landscape, defined by wooded parkland and rolling coastal hills.
Best hiking trails around Highlands
- The most popular hiking route is Rocky Point and Grand Tour Loop, a 5.5…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
14
hikers
7.16km
01:56
90m
90m
The Rocky Point and Grand Tour Loop takes you on an easy 4.5-mile (7.2 km) hike through the scenic Hartshorne Woods Park, offering a delightful mix of dense forests and…
3
hikers
14.3km
03:36
20m
20m
Hike the 8.9-mile Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, a moderate trail offering coastal views, historic landmarks, and diverse wildlife.
Sign up for free
3
hikers
8.92km
02:26
130m
130m
The Rocky Point and Grand Tour Loop offers a dynamic hiking experience through the lush, hilly woodlands of Hartshorne Woods County Park. You'll traverse varied terrain, from shaded forest paths…
3
hikers
4.26km
01:06
30m
20m
The Henry Hudson Trail offers a delightful, easy escape into nature, tracing a former railroad right-of-way through Monmouth County, New Jersey. You'll find yourself wandering through tree-lined paths, past wetlands,…
5.0
(1)
41
hikers
4.63km
01:16
70m
70m
The Rocky Point and Battery Loop Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through the lush forests of Hartshorne Woods Park. You'll enjoy varied terrain, from unpaved paths to…
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Hartshorne Woods Park, in Monmouth County, is a nature lover's haven. With diverse trails winding through lush woodlands, it offers scenic views of the Navesink River and a pleasant ride.
0
0
Ride a bike, run or walk the beautiful Bayshore shoreline
0
0
Information Panel about Sandy Hook‘s history. At the same time beverages are available during summer times.
0
0
Let 'er rip for a downhill section of trail! Well, maybe only a little bit — this is a shared-use trail, so you do need to stay in control and watch out for slower users, even if the singletrack looks inviting.
0
1
This is where Henry Hudson first anchored his ship when he came to America and sent one of his sailors up onto land only to be shot in the chest by an arrow from the local Indian tribe. Within some hours, they figured out how to communicate with the Indian Indians and the Indian showed him a natural spring for them to refill their water jugs. They went up the Hudson River and the Hudson and that is why it is called the Henry Hudson River. Little bit of history here at the Jersey shore.
0
0
Can get there by foot or by bicycle or by car. This is one of the launch sites for the Nike missiles that were installed in the Cold War days for the last chance defense mechanism against an airborne attack.
0
0
Super awesome bike shop. It was originally the post office back in the 50’s or 60’s (?)… now is a locally owned bike shop with some of Lance Armstrong’s old TDF bikes on display. Great people, awesome atmosphere. They have all sorts of stuff there and good mechanics as well.
0
0
Go early in the morning to have the sunrise behind the old officers houses and the lighthouse in your background. Or go in the evening to stand with the officers houses at your back and watch the sunset over the hills of Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and the Raritan Bay… catch it at the right time of the year and you can watch the sunset looking one way and the moonrise looking the other way :)
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hiking in Highlands, New Jersey like?
Hiking around Highlands explores the coastal hills and wooded terrain of Hartshorne Woods Park. The trails are characterized by a mix of forest scenery, paths along the Navesink River, and moderate elevation changes that provide good viewpoints over the surrounding landscape.
Are there many hiking trails to choose from?
Yes, there are over 25 hiking routes to explore around Highlands. The area offers a good variety, with the majority being easy trails suitable for most fitness levels, alongside a selection of more moderate hikes for those seeking a bit more of a challenge.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Highlands?
The trails are very well-regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths through the woods and the scenic views over the Navesink River.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes?
Definitely. A great option for a family outing is the Hiking loop from Highlands. It's a relatively short walk of about 2.5 miles (4.1 km) through the woods that is manageable for most ages.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails in Hartshorne Woods Park, but they must be kept on a leash. The park's wide paths and wooded environment make it a great place to hike with your canine companion.
Are there any circular walks available?
Most of the popular trails in the area are loops, making it easy to start and end in the same place without backtracking. For a shorter circular route, consider the Hartshorne Woods County Park loop via Rocky Point Trail, which is just under 3 miles.
What should I pack for a day hike in Highlands?
For any hike, it's essential to wear sturdy footwear as some trails can have uneven surfaces and inclines. Bring enough water, especially on warmer days. A map or a GPS device like the komoot app is also recommended to help you navigate the trail network in Hartshorne Woods Park.
Where can I park to access the hiking trails?
Hartshorne Woods Park has several parking areas that provide access to the trail system. The main lots are located at the Buttermilk Valley entrance and the Rocky Point entrance. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Are the trails accessible by public transport?
Yes, Highlands is accessible via the Seastreak ferry from New York City. From the ferry terminal, it's a short walk or bike ride to the entrances of Hartshorne Woods Park. NJ Transit also operates bus services to the area.
What is the terrain like on a moderate hike?
A moderate hike like the Laurel Ridge & Grand Tour loop involves rolling hills with several inclines and declines. You can expect a good workout with about 495 feet (150 m) of elevation gain over its 5.1-mile length.
Are there any particularly scenic viewpoints?
Many trails in Hartshorne Woods Park offer scenic overlooks, especially those on the northern side of the park. The Rocky Point section of the park is well known for its commanding views over the Navesink River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Most popular attractions around Highlands
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
