There are many perks to living in New Jersey, including proximity to big cities, top-notch education, and beautiful beaches. That said, one overlooked benefit of buying homes for sale in Pennington, NJ is getting easy access to the amazing hiking trails in the state. Below are just some of the best ones:
Appalachian Trail
Always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail but intimidated by its technicality? Good news: New Jersey’s section of the famed trail has gentler elevation changes, making it ideal for newbie hikers. And while the trail is fairly close to major cities, it is surprisingly untouched—hikers are often treated to sightings of the eastern goldfinch and even black bears. As you trek the 72-mile path, you’ll also encounter bogs, swamps, rivers, and wildflower-strewn fields.
Pyramid Mountain Historic Area
The rugged trail at Pyramid Mountain Historic Area showcases nature’s artistry at its finest. Its centerpiece is Tripod Rock, a 180-ton boulder that’s precipitously balanced by three smaller boulders at its base. If you’re up for the challenge, try hiking the lesser-known Kincaid Access Area, which is home to pristine waterfalls. This trail is especially beautiful in the fall when the abundant foliage takes on dramatic shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Double Trouble State Park
Don’t let this trail’s name fool you—it’s an amazing place for outdoor adventures! Double Trouble State Park, which spans over 8,000 acres, is one of the best-preserved examples of coastal pinelands. Speaking of preservation, the park also has a historic village that’s closely associated with cranberry agriculture. This park also allows you to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, and hunting.
Mt. Tammany
Want to test your leg power? Head over to Mt. Tammany. The trail stretches just over a mile but reaches an elevation of 1,527 feet. However, your efforts will be well rewarded once you reach “The Gap,” a natural overlook carved out by the Delaware River eons ago. From this vantage point, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area, including nearby Mt. Minsi. If you want an even more challenging experience, you can link together different routes to create a 20-mile loop.
Stairway to Heaven
There’s a good reason why this trail is called Stairway to Heaven. Once you reach the summit of Wawayanda Mountain, you’ll get majestic views of the Catskills, Pochuck Mountain, Vernon Valley, Black Dirt, and Kittatinny Mountain. And even before that, you’ll pass by many picturesque sights, from hardwood forests, to wildflowers, to boulder fields, to waterfalls. If you want a trekking experience that has a little bit of everything, this trail is for you.
Living in The Garden State means outdoor escapades are never more than a short drive away. If you’re thinking of buying a house for sale in Lawrence, NJ, get in touch with David DePaola, one of the top real estate agents in the area. With deep knowledge of New Jersey’s most in-demand neighborhoods, you’ll find the house that best suits your lifestyle in no time.
Learn more about available properties in the state by calling 609.883.4161 or by sending an email to david(at)depaola(dotted)com.