Many trails await you if you’re looking for a place to hike near Bridgewater, New Jersey. There are many scenic trails in Bridgewater county alone. Our Crème de la Crème team invites you to check out some of the best trails in the area and the details of each.

Buttermilk Falls

A waterfall in a forest at Buttermilk Falls near Bridgewater, NJ

Buttermilk Falls (Walpack Valley, NJ) by takomabibelot is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Buttermilk Falls is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area near Bridgewater Township. Buttermilk Falls has a waterfall with a wooden stairway, interpretive displays, and a trail for hiking and birdwatching. The hiking trail is moderately challenging, with an elevation gain of 232 feet. The trail is a 1.4-mile loop and takes an average of 38 minutes to complete. The trail is popular for walking and hiking, so expect to see others along the route. Dogs are also welcome if kept on a leash. Strap on your hiking boots and head to Mountain Road in Layton for your next hike.

Washington Valley Park Trails

For various trails, take a trip to the 719-acre Washington Valley Park. The park has many beautiful features along the way, including hemlock and pine forests, majestic rock outcroppings, open freshwater wetland marshes, a 21-acre reservoir, and numerous historic features. There’s also a hawk watch area, a prime location to watch thousands of raptors migrate south every autumn.

Washington Valley Park Trail

This path is a longer, 4.9-mile loop trail of moderate difficulty and an elevation gain of 465 feet and takes an average of one hour and 53 minutes to complete.

Washington Valley Yellow and Green Top Loop

You can hike the Washington Valley Yellow and Green Top Loop for another moderate trail. It’s 3.6 miles with an elevation gain of 488 feet. It takes about one hour and 32 minutes to complete. It’s a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, so expect to share the track in some sections. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Washington Valley Orange Trail and East Branch Middle Brook Trail

If you’re searching for another trail with moderate difficulty, check out the Washington Valley Orange Trail and East Branch Middle Brook Trail. This loop trail has a length of 3.3 miles and an elevation gain of 344 feet. This trail is perfect if you’re seeking solitude as you explore, as it’s a path where you’re less likely to see other people.

Washington Valley Reservoir Loop Via Red, White, and Fire Trail

Also part of Washington Valley Park is the Washington Valley Reservoir Loop Via Red, White, and Fire Trail, a more leisurely, shorter trail at 2.6 miles with an elevation gain of 229 feet that takes approximately 59 minutes to complete. This route is a popular running and hiking trail, so you’ll likely see other people along the way. Dogs are allowed, and there are some areas where they’re permitted to be off-leash.

Washington Valley Red Trail

Another easy trail at the site of Washington Valley Park is the Washington Valley Red Trail. It has a length of 1.8 miles, an elevation gain of 187 feet, and the route type is a loop. The trail takes an average of 42 minutes to complete. Dogs are welcome to join you on the trail on a leash and may be allowed to be off-leash in some areas.

Washington Valley White Trail

There’s an additional easy trail, the Washington Valley White Trail, a loop trail with an elevation gain of 75 feet that takes around 36 minutes to complete at 1.8 miles long. If you have a furry friend, they can join you for a hike and may be allowed to be off-leash in some areas.

Washington Valley Blue Trail

The Washington Valley Blue Trail is also rated easy, with a length of 2.2 miles and an elevation gain of 239 feet. Its completion time is approximately 53 minutes. It’s also dog-friendly and has some off-leash areas.

Chimney Rock Trail

Finally, check out the Chimney Rock Trail for a super easy trail that’s great for a hike with children. It’s 0.4 miles, has a low elevation gain of 39 feet, is an out-and-back route, and takes only nine minutes to complete.

Washington Valley Park and all the trails are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on major holidays. Make tracks to Vosseller Avenue and Millers Lane in Bridgewater to enjoy the trails at Washington Valley Park.

Duke Island Park Trails

Duke Island Park is home to several different trails of varying difficulty. It also has many amenities you can take advantage of for your hiking outing. In addition to the hiking trails, the park has playgrounds, birdwatching, picnicking, biking, fishing, softball fields, walking/jogging trails, cross-country skiing, and ice skating in the winter.

Canal Trail Long Loop

Canal Trail Long Loop is one of the easy route trails. It’s a 5.8-mile-long loop with an elevation gain of 62 feet with an average time of one hour and 42 minutes to complete.

Canal Trail Short Loop

Another easy trail is the Canal Trail Short Loop, a 2.9-mile loop with an elevation gain of 26 feet. This trail takes an average of 49 minutes to complete.

Plan your visit from March through November, which are the best times of year to hike the trail. Park and trail hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on major holidays. Hit the trails at 191 Old York Road in Bridgewater Township.

Codington Farmstead Nature Trail 

For an easy trail at a scenic location, head to Codington Farmstead. The courses are rocky and rough and form two loops, allowing you to explore the entire tract together. The trail length is 2 miles, with an elevation gain of 104 feet. The terrain is shady and dry, and along your hike, you may encounter varied wildlife, including coyote, deer (including albino strains), turkey, fox, all smaller mammals, and many bird and insect species. A picturesque hike awaits you at 15 Mount Horeb Road in Warren.

The Crème de la Crème of Bridgewater team hopes you get the chance to get out and enjoy one or more of these excellent trails with your family and friends. Enjoy the sun on your face, the fantastic nature, and bird and animal spotting while out for a hike near Bridgewater, New Jersey.