Kristina Helfer With summer in full swing, there are various places in New Jersey that make the perfect trip for you and your furry friend. From beaches to hiking spots, we have researched spots that are dog-friendly and approved. Here in New Jersey, there’s no limit when it comes to having fun with our four-legged friends. Read on for spots including beaches and hiking spots in New Jersey to visit with your dog.
How to Pack Bags
- Bring cool (not ice-cold) water for both you and your dog — and lots of it.
- Get sunblock for you and your dog.
Yes, dogs get sunburned too.
- Pack the poop bags.
Because cleaning up after your pet is a must wherever you go {ah-hem, Hoboken}.
- Grab an extra leash.
An extra leash can come in handy if one breaks after getting caught on something or becomes damaged from salt water or heavy use.
- Buy a tick key or tick twister.
Removing ticks is tricky task. A tick key or the tick twister are great, easy-to-use tools to safely and completely remove ticks off you and your pet.
- Include towels and wipes.
These aren’t just for cleaning — if your dog overheats, put cool water on a towel and wrap it loosely around its neck, underbelly, and inner thighs.
Read More: Must-Visit Rooftop Bars at the Jersey Shore
How to Make Sure Your Pet is Safe + Sound While Traveling/Outdoors
There are several things to watch out for while you’re traveling or playing with your pet outdoors.
Overheating and dehydration
- Some warning signs include: Fast breathing, excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, collapsing
If you see any of these signs, move your dog to a shaded or air-conditioned area, put a cool, wet towel around your dog’s neck and contact your vet ASAP.
Ticks
- Although many dogs receive flea/tick treatment, ticks can and will still latch onto your pets.
- Examine your dog all over frequently. If you see a tick, do not pull it off with your bare hands. Instead, use a tick key or a tick twister to safely and effectively remove the tick. If you fear your dog has been bitten or that the tick is one of the species that carry Lyme Disease, contact your vet immediately.
Places to Take a Hike with Your Dog
Bergen County
- Saddle River County Park – Flat, paved path along Saddle River great for easy walks with your dog.
- Ramapo Valley County Reservation – Larger wooded trail system with loops and nature views (dogs typically must be leashed).
- Palisades Interstate Park trails – Various wooded trails and scenic overlooks along the Hudson River.
- Teaneck Creek Conservancy Trails – Short nature trails weaving through forests and wetlands.
- Hackensack River Greenway – Gentle riverside paths great for a stroll.
Essex County
- Orange Reservoir Loop – Easy loop trail perfect for a dog walk around the reservoir.
- Longwood Trail and Turtle Back Loop Trail – Longer wooded trail with mixed terrain.
- Eagle Rock Reservation – Stony Hill Loop trail with scenic views and paths.
- Campbells Pond and Diamond Mill Pond Loop – Around ponds with nature scenery.
- Maple Falls + Rahway Loop Trail – Short loop with water views.
- Cedar Grove Reservoir, Lenape and Blue Loop Trail – Extended loop trails ideal for longer dog walks.
- Hillspur and Turtle Back Loop Trail – Easy nature loop.
- Passaic River and Riverfront Park Walk – Scenic riverfront walk with paved paths.
- West Essex Trail – Rail‑trail path through wooded areas + small towns.
- Brookdale Park Loop – Park loop with mix of paved and natural paths.
Hudson County
- Liberty State Park– Scenic loop around + dogs must be leashed.
- The Jersey City Reservoir is open during scheduled public hours, weather permitting. Dogs must be leashed. Check the reservoir’s website or social media before visiting.
- Lincoln Park + Edgewood Lake Loop (Jersey City) – Scenic loop around Edgewood Lake with mixed paved/grass paths; leashed dogs welcome
- Secaucus Greenway – Easy paved greenway trail in Secaucus, perfect for daily dog walks; leashes required.
- North Hudson Park Loop (North Bergen) – Wooded, easy loop around athletic fields + nature areas; dogs on leash welcome
- James J. Braddock Park Trails (North Bergen) – Several nature trails around lake and wooded sections. Dogs must be leashed; great mix of paved walkways and nature.
See More: 10 Family-Friendly Beaches in New Jersey
Ocean County
- Barnegat Branch Rail Trail – Flat rail-trail great for long walks with your dog; dogs must be leashed.
- Blue Trail Loop at Cattus Island Park – Easy wooded loop with boardwalks around marsh and nature views; leash required.
- Wells Mills Pond Loop – Scenic loop around the pond and woods with shaded paths; leashes required.
- South Branch Metedeconk River Trail – Short riverside trail perfect for a nature dog walk; leash required.
- DeCamp Wildlife Trail – Natural woodland trail with gentle terrain; keep dogs leashed.
- Mill Pond Trail – Short easy loop near Mill Pond for a quick dog walk; leashes required.
- Walk Along Toms River – Deer Chase Manor – Easy riverside walking path with shade and water views; dogs must be on leash.
- Metedeconk Preserve Loop Trail – Quiet nature loop ideal for shorter dog hikes; leash required.
- Ocean County Park Perimeter Trail (Lakewood) – About a 3-mile loop around Ocean County Park with woods, open areas, and mixed scenery; dogs are welcome but must be on leash.
- Island Beach State Park Trails + Beaches – Dunes and nature paths where dogs are permitted on leash (seasonal rules apply).
Monmouth County
- Holmdel Park – Over 7 miles of trails through meadows and forests; dogs must be leashed.
- Henry Hudson Trail – Long paved rail-trail linking towns with scenic views; leashes required.
- Shark River Park – Trails totaling over 8 miles through woods and along the river; leashes required.
- Allaire State Park – Forested trail network with historic village areas; dog-friendly on leash.
- Hartshorne Woods Park – Wooded trails with coastal views and varied terrain; dogs must be leashed.
- Thompson Park – Wide, flat multi-use trails good for walking dogs on leash.
- Clayton Park – Forest and creek trails with natural scenery; leash required.
- Tatum Park – Quiet wooded trails through the park, ideal for leashed dogs.
- Manasquan Reservoir – Paved paths around the reservoir with woods and water views; dogs must be on leash.
Beaches That Allow Dogs
Asbury Park
The 8th Avenue Dog Beach
This dog-friendly beach allows licensed, non-aggressive dogs with adult supervision. Make sure not to bring your dog if he/she is in heat. Dogs may be off-leash but need to be controlled.
Wonder Bar Yappy Hour
Wonder Bar hosts a fun happy hour for dogs and people. It’s open seven days a week. Your dog must be up-to-date on shots.
Cape May
Cape May Dog Beach
Located at the end of Beach Avenue, this beach is open year-round for dogs. In the summer months, dogs are allowed early in the morning (before 9AM) and after 5PM. During the off-season, dogs can be on the beach at any time of day, but must be kept on a leash.
Manasquan
Fisherman’s Cove
Fisherman’s Cove Park opens at 7AM daily, year-round. Dogs must be leashed and are allowed on the front, east portion of the beach but not the back, west portion.
Ocean County
Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park’s main gate is typically open from 8AM – 8PM. During summer weekends and holidays, the park opens at 7AM. Dogs must be kept on a six-foot-or-less length leash and cannot go on the swimming beach during the summer season. Dogs also cannot go on the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail.
Sandy Hook
Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook
The Gateway is located on the Inlet side of the Hook. Dogs must be leashed and cannot go on the eastern or Atlantic shore.
Wildwood
Wildwood Dog Beach
Open seasonally from May to September, Wildwood Dog Beach is a popular spot for dogs to roam off-leash. The beach is located on the north end of the Wildwood Beach and has designated dog-friendly areas. Dogs must be under voice control and remain within the designated dog area.
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