Join the Passaic County Parks & Recreation staff as we lead you through some of the most picturesque trail systems that our county has to offer!
Visitor Services Rangers offer public hikes throughout the year at various locations throughout Passaic County. Hikes are available for various skill levels, whether you are a novice hiker or experienced trekker.
This list will be updated throughout the year, so be sure to check back often for new hikes!
For your safety, you must come prepared with:
Sufficient water: (0.5 liters/hour recommended)
Sufficient nutrition: (200-300 calories/hour recommended)
Appropriate clothing: We recommend avoiding cotton clothing, especially in cold weather. Instead we recommend fabrics that wick away moisture. Spandex and polyester are great base layers, while wool and fleece are great for keeping warm. Click here to learn more about What to Wear While Hiking.
Footwear: we recommend something that is high traction, sturdy, and comfortable. Sneakers or work boots can suffice in a pinch, but we prefer hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail runners. Please no open toed shoes!
And of course,
A backpack, ideally packed with all of "The Ten Essentials". We don't require every item on this list, but we strongly recommend it! While it may seem cumbersome to pack all of this gear on a simple day hike, doing so is best practices just in case something goes wrong. Our favorites off this list are flashlights, first aid kits, extra clothes, fire starters, and shelter. Click here to learn more about the "10 essentials for hiking".
UPCOMING HIKES
Turkey Burner Hike - Friday, November 24th @ 10:00 AM
Wawayanda State park: Beach Parking Lot. 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ
A slow and easy 6 mile hike in Waywayanda State Park. Wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water and snacks
Surprise Lake Hike - Saturday, December 2nd @ 10:00 AM
Highlands Preserve to Abrahm S. Hewitt State Forest- 22 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ
One of the most challenging hikes in our local lineup! Starting at the Highlands Preserve parking lot at the bottom of Warwick Turnpike, this trail climbs ~7 miles over the rugged mountain terrain. Along the way there are numerous incredible views, geological features, and unique landscapes that blend and shift as we traverse, keeping the whole excursion feeling fresh and memorable.
Ugly Sweater Hike - Saturday, December 16th @ 10:00 AM
Apshawa Preserve- 4 Northwood Dr, West Milford, NJ
Hike with style! This will be a easy-moderate ~2 mile hike. Apshawa Preserve is known for it's rocky terrain and sloping hills. Wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water and snacks, and most importantly, bring your ugliest holiday sweater!
PAST HIKES
First Day Hike - Sunday, January 1st @ 10:00 AM
Wawayanda State Park, NJ
Join us as Passaic County Parks teams up with the staff at Wawayanda State Park to celebrate the first day of the new year! We will be meeting at the Beach Parking Lot area and hiking the Red Dot Trail. Total mileage for this hike will be decided when we meet at the parking area, but it will be no more than six miles.
High Mountain Preserve Hike - Saturday, January 14th @ 10:00 AM
High Mountain Preserve, Wayne NJ
Located adjacent to William Paterson University, High Mountain Preserve encompasses 1,260 acres of land and offers 11 miles of challenging hiking trails. This natural oasis is minutes away from the hustle and bustle, but offers a quiet escape to nature in the midst of suburban New Jersey. Join us as we climb to the summit and enjoy sweeping views of the NYC skyline and metropolitan New Jersey. This is a moderate 4 - 5 mile hike.
Friday Night Hike - Friday, January 20th @ 7:00 PM
Wawayanda State Park, NJ
Passaic County Parks is once again teaming up with our partners at Wawayanda State Park to host a Friday Night Winter Hike. Additional information on this hike is posted on the Wawayanda State Park Facebook page. Please register directly with the Wawayanda State Park Office for this event. The registration fee is $8 and head lamps are required to attend. Note that depending on snow conditions, the hike may be changed to a snowshoe event. If this occurs, notification of this change and any schedule changes, will be posted on the Wawayanda State Park Facebook page. Snowshoe rentals are available through Wawayanda State Park, but they are in limited supply and are required to attend a snowshoe event.
World Wetlands Day Hike - Saturday, February 4, 2023 @ 10:00AM
Pompton Aquatic Park, Pompton Lakes, NJ
What better way to celebrate the importance of wetlands here on Earth than with an easy, yet scenic, 4-mile hike along the beautiful Pompton River! World Wetlands Day was established on February 2, 1971, to stress the importance of these vital ecosystems and begin a worldwide movement to save them. Bring binoculars because you never know who we might see along the river!
Presidents' Day Hike - Monday, February 20, 2023 @ 10:00AM
Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Hewitt, NJ
Located adjacent to Tranquility Ridge County Park, the Monks Trail at Long Pond Ironworks State Park provides the opportunity for a short 3-mile hike with a side trail to an incredible ridge top view of the Monksville Reservoir. This is an excellent trail hike for beginner hikers and young children.
World Wildlife Day Hike - Saturday, March 4, 2023 @ 10:00AM
Apshawa Preserve, West Milford, NJ
Please join us at the Apshawa Preserve in West Milford as we pay tribute to the incredible diversity of species that share our planet and promise to protect them for our future generations! You will enjoy scenic views of the NJ Highlands and Butler Reservoir on this moderate 4-mile hike.
Mother's Day Hike - Saturday, May 13, 2023 @ 10:00AM
Garret Mountain, Woodland Park, NJ
Please join us at Garret Mountain Reservation for a fun hike around the park in celebration of Mother's Day weekend! Mom will enjoy beautiful views of the NYC skyline, Paterson, and serene woodland trails on this moderate 3-mile hike.
Memorial Day Hike - Saturday, May 27, 2023 @ 9:00AM
Apshawa Preserve, West Milford, NJ
Please join Passaic County Parks & Recreation staff in remembering all the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. We will enjoy scenic views of the NJ Highlands and the Kathleen M. Caren Memorial Reservoir on this moderate 4-mile hike.
World Dog Day Hike - Saturday, August 26th @ 10:00 AM
Rifle Camp Park, Woodland Park NJ
"The International Dog Day is observed annually on August 26 to honour all dogs – no matter shapes, sizes, age and breeds – and encourage adoption to all those who have yet to find a home and a family forever... Be sure to spend this day acknowledging how wonderful and valuable dogs are and give them something positive back as they deserve." -International Organization for Animal Protection
Wyanokie High Point Hike- Saturday, October 28th @ 9:00 AM
Norvin Green State Forest, NJ- 150 Snake Den Road in Ringwood NJ
A North Jersey favorite! The Wyanokie High Point hike is a 3.5 mile journey over hills and rough terrain, to a great payoff of an incredible 360 degree view. This hike is easy to moderately difficult. IMPORTANT: Make sure you follow directions to the address for for Snake Den Road in RINGWOOD NJ, not to be confused by the same address nearby in West Milford.
Veteran's Day Hike - Saturday, November 11th @ 10:00 AM
Rifle Camp Park: Warming Shelter Parking Lot. 387 Rifle Camp Rd
This is a short and easy hike that only takes about an hour, and features great views of the city skylines. Ideal for a short woods-walk to get some exercise in the chilly November weather. That said, please come prepared for sections of uneven, loose, and rocky terrain. Wear we-fitting shoes or boots, and make sure you pack plenty of snacks and water for yourselves
