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Outdoors

Hiking near Newark

National forests, parks, lakes and recreation areas with hiking trails near Newark, closest first.

18places to hike
8 mito the closest
5within 30 miles
March–June, September–Novemberbest months

Good to know: Carry more water than you think you need, check the managing agency’s page for trail closures and fire restrictions, and start early on hot days.

Closest picks

1

National Parks of New York Harbor

8 mi southeast · National Park Service

These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.

2

Camp Gateway - Staten Island

11 mi southeast · National Park Service

This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.

3

Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny

18 mi southeast · National Park Service

There's no other campground in the world where a family can sleep under the stars, tour the Statue of Liberty, watch a Broadway musical and kayak in one of the world's premier bird migration sanctuaries-all in one trip.

Map of all 18 places

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Within 30 miles (5)

8 mi southeast · National Park Service

National Parks of New York Harbor

These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Paddling
  • Picnicking

11 mi southeast · National Park Service · Campground

Camp Gateway - Staten Island

This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking

18 mi southeast · National Park Service · Campground

Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny

There's no other campground in the world where a family can sleep under the stars, tour the Statue of Liberty, watch a Broadway musical and kayak in one of the world's premier bird migration sanctuaries-all in one trip.

  • Archery
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Ranger programs
  • Star Gazing

19 mi west · Fish and Wildlife Service

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System that is administered by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs

22 mi southeast · National Park Service · Campground

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Cultural Activities
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing

30 to 75 miles (9)

37 mi east · National Park Service

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention.

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

41 mi east · Fish and Wildlife Service

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge was acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, who maintained the land as a garden estate.

  • Beach
  • Birding
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Ranger programs
  • Wildlife viewing

48 mi northwest · National Park Service · Campground

Alosa Campsites

The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming

48 mi southwest · National Park Service

Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River

The Delaware River, the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, runs past forests, farmlands and villages. It also links some of the most densely populated regions in America.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Picnicking

49 mi northwest · National Park Service

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of…

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting

52 mi northeast · National Park Service

Weir Farm National Historical Park

Visit the home and studio of America's most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists.

  • Hiking
  • History
  • Wildlife viewing

61 mi east · National Park Service

Fire Island National Seashore

Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and…

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Hunting
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife viewing

68 mi east · Fish and Wildlife Service

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1947, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects 2,550 acres on the south shore of Long Island.

  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Hunting

72 mi north · National Park Service

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Visit the home of Eleanor Roosevelt. Here, Franklin and Eleanor entertained friends, the press, activists, and official state visitors in the relaxed atmosphere of Val-Kill.

  • Hiking

75 miles and farther (4)

79 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking

86 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Kayaking

101 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area)

Located at Blue Marsh Lake northwest of Reading, Pennsylvania, three group picnic shelters are available for reservations within the Dry Brooks Day Use Area.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Hiking

130 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Indian Hollow

With abundant wildlife, lush scenery and waterfront views, Indian Hollow Group Campground, located at the Knightville Dam and Reservoir, offers groups and clubs a recreational oasis.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hunting
  • Mountain Biking
  • Star Gazing

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Newark. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Newark

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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

50 FREE, Year-Round Things To Do in Newark, New Jersey 👇

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Around Newark

Episcopal Diocese of Newark office building jeh
Episcopal Diocese of Newark office building jehJim.henderson · Public domain
Washington, Park - Newark, NJ
BroadSt.WashingtonPark.NewarkPaul Sableman · CC BY 2.0
Aerial view of Branch Brook Park within the northern portion of Newark, Essex County, New Jersey from an aircraft which just
2025-09-12 12 26 19 Aerial view of Branch Brook Park within the northern portion of Newark, Essex County, New Jersey from an aircraft which just departed from Newark Liberty International AirportFamartin · CC BY-SA 4.0

More outdoors near Newark

Questions

Where is the closest place for hiking near Newark?

National Parks of New York Harbor (National Park Service), about 8 miles southeast of Newark as the crow flies. Next are Camp Gateway - Staten Island (11 mi) and Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny (18 mi).

When is the best time for hiking near Newark?

Based on Newark’s average highs, March–June, September–November. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including National Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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