Want to get the family outside? 5 spots with kid-friendly hikes in NJ

Hiking with young kids can be intimidating, but seeing the wonder in their eyes as they connect with nature and conquer a trail can also be really rewarding. And there are plenty of kid-friendly hiking trails in North Jersey where the family can get great views without great difficulty.

From the panoramic views at the state's highest elevation point in High Point State Park to the sight of water rushing down the dramatic 25-foot Hemlock Falls in South Mountain Reservation, these trails will offer some nice family fun.

Here are five spots with kid-friendly hikes for you to explore in North Jersey this summer:

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Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Mahwah

Ramapo Valley County Reservation is the largest park in Bergen County, offering more than 4,000 acres of hiking trails, a waterfall, the MacMillan Reservoir and Scarlet Oak Pond. There are some challenging hikes throughout the park, but there are also several kid-friendly routes you can check out.

The easiest option is the purple trail, also known as the Pond Loop, which is a short and scenic path that wraps around Scarlet Oak Pond. There's also the waterfall trail, a short roundtrip walk to MacMillan Brook Falls, which can be accessed by crossing the river, following the yellow-blazed Vista Loop trail and turning left at the waterfall sign.

For the older and more advanced kids, you can try the Vista Loop Trail for panoramic views of Scarlet Oak Pond and MacMillan Reservoir. It features a moderately steep initial climb and rocky footing, but levels out later in the trail.

Go: 608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah; 201-327-3500, bergencountynj.gov/bergen-county-department-of-parks/ramapo-valley-county-reservation.

Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt

Covering nearly 35,000 acres, Wawayanda State Park is the largest state park in both Passaic and Sussex counties. It is home to over 60 miles of multi-use trails, the 225-acre Wawayanda Lake with a guarded beach and a 19-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail, among other things. It also has a wide variety of hiking paths that are inclusive for young kids, making it a perfect spot to visit with the family.

Consider walking the Cabin Trail, a one-mile down-and-back path that travels into the Newark-Pequannock Watershed Area; or the Cherry Ridge Trail, a 2.2-mile gravel path that runs through the middle of the park. Other options include the Lake Loop around the shoreline of Wawayanda Lake, Double Pond Trail and Laurel Pond Trail.

Go: 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt; 973-853-4462, dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/state-park/wawayanda-state-park.

South Mountain Reservation, West Orange

South Mountain Reservation is a 2,110-acre nature reserve spanning three municipalities in Essex County. The property was designed by the Olmstead Brothers, famous for iconic landscapes like Central Park and the U.S. Capitol grounds, and is famous for dramatic waterfalls, sweeping views of the New York City skyline and charming trails.

The area is home to one of the most whimsical kid-friendly paths: the Fairy Trail. This half-mile trail features a series of small and charming fairy houses, where your kids' imaginations can run wild. The path is currently closed for improvements, but will reopen Aug. 10.

You can also explore the Hemlock Falls Loop, a short route with small wooden bridges, scenic views and three waterfalls. Or walk the flat, paved path around Orange Reservoir for scenic waterfront views, a fun paddle boat launch, a playground and safari mini gold.

Go: South Orange Avenue and Cherry Lane, West Orange; 973-268-3500, essexcountyparks.org/parks/south-mountain-reservation/about.

High Point State Park, Sussex

Take your kids to High Point State Park, a 16,000-acre property that features the state's highest elevation — marked by the 220-foot High Point Monument — and offers sprawling views of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Lake Marcia.

For an easy kid-friendly hike, consider Life Trail, a flat 1.5-mile woodland loop; or Mountaintop Walking Path, a short 0.5-mile trail that runs along the shore of Lake Marcia and leads up to the monument. And if the trail to the monument is too difficult for your little hikers, you can also drive up to the top of the parking lot to see it.

Go: 1480 Route 23, Wantage; 973-875-4800, nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/highpointstatepark.

Kittatinny Valley State Park, Andover Township

Spanning 5,656 acres, Kittatinny Valley State Park is known for its glacial lakes, dense woodlands and expansive rail trails, much of which is very kid-friendly. It features numerous flat and easy trails to explore with your little ones, including the Sussex Branch Trail — a flat, scenic rail trail stretching 20 miles between Byram Township and Branchville — or Racoon Trail, a relaxing walk with great views of Lake Aeroflex.

And if your kids are into airplanes, make a pit stop at Aeroflex-Andover Airport. This small, active airport is located within the park, below Lake Aeroflex, and features benches where kids can watch planes take off and land.

Go: 199 Goodale Road, Newton; 973-786-6445, dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/state-park/kittatinny-valley-state-park.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Want to get the family outside? 5 spots with kid-friendly hikes in NJ