Fall Hiking Near Hackettstown: 3 Scenic NJ Parks To Explore

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — Hackettstown residents looking to explore hiking trails this fall have several nearby state parks and forests to choose from.

Whether you're looking for a riverside walk, wooded trails or mountain views, here are three places worth visiting before the season ends.

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Located at 800 Willow Grove Street in Hackettstown, Stephens State Park offers six miles of marked trails for hiking, walking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Trail conditions range from flat terrain to steep, rocky sections, giving visitors several options depending on their experience.

The Musconetcong River runs through the park, where visitors can also enjoy scenic picnic areas.

The park also offers campsites for tents and small trailers, equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, with restrooms and showers nearby. Camping is available through Oct. 31.

Stephens State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with no entrance fee. The park office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, Allamuchy Mountain State Park, located on Waterloo Road in Stanhope, features more than 14 miles of marked trails in its natural area, along with more than 20 miles of unmarked trails in the park's northern section.

Hikers can explore forests and marshlands, with trails ranging from moderate to rugged.

Allamuchy Mountain State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free.

Visitors should note that Deer Park Road is closed to public access, while Tilcon Lake remains temporarily closed to all use, according to state park advisories.

For more mountain scenery, Jenny Jump State Forest, located at 330 State Park Road in Hope, offers 14 miles of hiking trails.

The Summit Trail reaches an elevation of 1,090 feet, with views of the Delaware Water Gap and Great Meadows.

Visitors can also explore trails overlooking Mountain Lake and the surrounding landscape.

For visitors planning an overnight stay, Jenny Jump State Forest offers camping options for tents and trailers, along with camping shelters with a minimum reservation of two days. Tents and trailers campsites are available through Oct. 31, while shelter sites are available year-round.

Jenny Jump State Forest is home to the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory, which offers free public astronomy programs every Saturday from April through October. Programs begin at 8 p.m., followed by stargazing until 10:30 p.m., weather permitting.

The remaining in-person 2026 astronomy programs are scheduled for Oct. 24 and 31.

Jenny Jump State Forest is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with no entrance fee. Its office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.