The best walks and hikes around Trenton

Yes, many parks in the Trenton area welcome dogs. Watson Woods is a local favorite for dog walkers, offering a couple of different trail loops. The extensive trail system at Mercer Meadows is also great for hiking with your dog, as is the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park towpath. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.

For a gentle and accessible outing, the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park offers a flat, wide towpath perfect for all ages. Another excellent choice is Mercer Meadows, which features over 12 miles of level, well-maintained trails suitable for walking and even strollers in many sections. These parks provide a safe and enjoyable environment for a family hike.

Yes, you can. While the immediate Trenton area is more known for its canals and marshlands, you can find waterfalls on some trails. For a dedicated waterfall hike, consider the Hemlock Falls & Cherokee Falls — Cloudland Canyon State Park route, which is a moderate trail specifically focused on reaching these scenic water features.

For some of the best panoramic views in the region, head to the Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain. The ascent to the summit rewards hikers with expansive views over the Delaware River. For a shorter but still scenic option, the Overlook Trail loop — Cloudland Canyon State Park provides excellent viewpoints along the canyon edge.

While most trails feature natural surfaces like dirt or crushed stone, you can find some paved sections. Parts of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park trail within Trenton city limits are paved. Additionally, Grounds For Sculpture in nearby Hamilton offers a unique experience with paved and stone-dusted paths through its beautifully landscaped park.

Washington Crossing State Park offers about 13 miles of moderate trails through mature forests. The terrain is rolling, with some small hills, making for a pleasant but engaging hike. Beyond the natural beauty, the park is steeped in American history, allowing you to walk through the same woods where General Washington's troops marched.

If you're seeking a more strenuous workout, the Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain is your best bet. It has some of the most challenging trails in Mercer County, with steep sections and a significant 400-foot ascent to the summit. The trails are a mix of dirt, roots, and rocks, requiring good balance and fitness.

The Abbott Marshlands offer a unique hiking experience focused on incredible biodiversity. Trails wind along bluffs that overlook vast freshwater marshes. It's a fantastic destination for birdwatching and nature observation, with opportunities to see Bald Eagles and Ospreys. The trails are generally easy, making it more about the environment than the physical challenge.

There are over 15 curated hiking routes to explore around Trenton on komoot. These range from difficult mountain climbs to easy, flat walks along historic canals, covering a wide variety of landscapes including forests, meadows, and marshlands.

The trails around Trenton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the historic and tranquil Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath to the rewarding views from the top of Baldpate Mountain. The well-maintained paths and rich local history are also frequently mentioned highlights.

Yes, several trails are multi-use. The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park towpath is a 70-mile linear park that is very popular with both hikers and cyclists. Mercer Meadows is also excellent for both activities, with its wide, level stone dust trails that are part of the larger 22-mile Lawrence-Hopewell Trail loop.