The best walks and hikes around Long Branch
5.0
(8)
374
hikers
33
hikes
Hiking around Long Branch, New Jersey, primarily features coastal and urban walking experiences. The region is characterized by its oceanfront, beaches, and bays, offering flat, paved paths. Nearby areas like Monmouth County provide woodlands with varied terrain and river views. This blend of environments allows for diverse outdoor activities, from seaside strolls to forest explorations.
Best hiking trails around Long Branch
- The most popular hiking route is Long Branch Boardwalk, an easy 3.9 miles (6.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 35 minutes to complete. This path offers a long, flat, paved surface with direct access to the beach and ocean views.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Wesley Lake & Bradley Beach Boardwalk loop, an easy 3.3 miles (5.4 km) path. This trail leads through a coastal environment, offering views of the lake and ocean.
- Local hikers also love the Ocean Avenue Boardwalk, a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) trail leading through a coastal setting, often completed in about 38 minutes.
- Hiking around Long Branch is defined by coastal paths, boardwalks, and nearby woodlands, offering scenic views of the ocean and rivers. The network provides options for different ability levels, predominantly featuring easy routes.
- The routes in Long Branch are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 400 hikers have used komoot to explore Long Branch's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
2.56km
00:39
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14.6km
03:41
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
19.9km
05:01
30m
30m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
hikers
6.29km
01:35
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
hikers
5.36km
01:21
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Wesley Lake in Monmouth County, graces the landscape with its serene waters, connecting Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. A tranquil retreat, it enhances the charm of these coastal communities.
0
0
Beach D is part of the sequence of beaches in Gateway Area, sitting along the path that runs along the coast. The nice sandy beach offers some facilities, like a grocery store and public toilets. The Park is the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, offering green spaces, historic structures, and cultural landscapes alongside the beaches.
0
0
Sandy Hook Trail is a scenic path that winds through dunes and maritime forests, providing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse.
0
0
Beach C sits in the Gateway National Recreation Area on a narrow peninsula with a long sand bank. It’s at a point where the peninsula is very narrow, so you can have easy access to the beach and to the Shrewsbury River.
0
0
Beach D is part of the sequence of beaches in Gateway Area, sitting along the path that runs along the coast. The nice sandy beach offers some facilities, like a grocery store and public toilets. The Park is the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, offering green spaces historic structures, and cultural landscapes alongside the beaches.
0
0
The Long Branch Boardwalk is a long, flat, paved path that follows the coastline from Brighton Avenue to the dunes area. The trail is popular amongst runners and walkers, and the path is lined with restrooms, shops, and beach access.
0
0
Wesley Lake is just a few hundred yards from the shores of the ocean and backs up to Founder's Park. There are a number of paved paths circling around the water, and there's even a bridge crossing over the middle of the lake that you can walk across.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around Long Branch?
There are over 30 hiking routes available around Long Branch, offering a variety of experiences from coastal walks to woodland trails. The area is particularly known for its easy routes, with 31 out of 33 trails rated as easy.
Are there many easy hiking trails in Long Branch?
Yes, Long Branch is an excellent destination for easy hiking. The vast majority of trails, 31 out of 33, are rated as easy. These include coastal boardwalks and gentle woodland paths, suitable for most fitness levels.
What kind of scenic views can I expect on hikes around Long Branch?
Hiking around Long Branch offers diverse scenic views. You can enjoy ocean vistas and beach views along routes like the Long Branch Boardwalk. Inland trails, such as those in Hartshorne Woods County Park, provide scenic views of the Navesink River and dense woodlands.
Are there any loop hikes available in the Long Branch area?
Yes, there are several loop hikes. For example, the Hartshorne Woods County Park loop via Rocky Point Trail offers a woodland experience with river views. Another option is the Wesley Lake & Bradley Beach Boardwalk loop, which combines coastal and lake scenery.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Long Branch?
The hiking routes in Long Branch are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the variety of coastal paths and boardwalks, as well as the peaceful woodland trails with scenic river views.
Are the hiking trails around Long Branch suitable for families?
Many trails around Long Branch are family-friendly, especially the easy, flat, and paved boardwalks. These paths offer safe and enjoyable walks for all ages, often with access to beaches and amenities. Woodland trails also provide opportunities for nature exploration.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Long Branch?
While specific regulations vary by park and trail, many outdoor areas in the Long Branch region, particularly those in Monmouth County like Hartshorne Woods Park, are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to check specific park rules regarding leashes and pet access before you go.
What is the best time of year to hike in Long Branch?
Long Branch offers hiking opportunities year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for exploring both coastal and woodland trails. Summer is ideal for combining hikes with beach activities, while winter can offer unique, crisp walks, especially along the boardwalks.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the trails?
Yes, several interesting points can be found near the trails. For instance, the Forest Trail in Hartshorne Woods Park offers natural beauty. You might also encounter the Shrewsbury River Bridge or the Belmar Boardwalk, which are popular points of interest in the wider area.
Are there any trails accessible by public transport in Long Branch?
Long Branch itself is accessible by public transport, and many of its coastal trails, like the Long Branch Boardwalk, are centrally located. For trails further afield, such as those in Hartshorne Woods Park, public transport options might be more limited, and checking local bus schedules would be advisable.
What types of trail surfaces can I expect when hiking around Long Branch?
The trails around Long Branch feature a variety of surfaces. You'll find long, flat, paved paths along the boardwalks, as well as crushed stone, dirt, grass, and even sand on some beach-adjacent routes. This diversity caters to different preferences and accessibility needs.
Are there any trails that offer a more remote or natural experience?
While many trails are coastal or urban, areas like Hartshorne Woods Park in Monmouth County provide a more natural, woodland experience. These trails lead through diverse forests with scenic views of the Navesink River, offering a sense of being away from the city.
Most popular attractions around Long Branch
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
