Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones, showing gratitude for what we have and, of course, chowing down on all of the holiday’s delicious foods.
From turkey lathered in gravy and mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth, to creamy pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of smooth whipped cream, we deserve to indulge during the holidays. But if you’re looking for a way to digest that enormous Thanksgiving meal, there are several spots in North Jersey where you can go on an easy post-holiday hike.
And the best part? You can always follow it up with some Thanksgiving leftovers.
Pond Loop at Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Mahwah
People walk through fall foliage at Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.
With more than 10 different hiking trails of varying difficulty, Ramapo Valley County Reservation has an abundance of options regardless of your skill level. For those looking for an easy hike, though, we recommend the Pond Loop trail. Spanning 1.1 miles, including the trip to and from your car, this flat trail takes you around the scenic 22-acre Scarlet Oak Pond.
And for something a bit longer, you can also follow the Vista Loop for an about 2.5-mile trip from Scarlet Oak Pond to MacMillan Reservoir. But be sure to turn around at the reservoir, as the whole Vista Loop is a more challenging 3.5-mile trail.
Go: 608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah; 201-327-3500, nynjtc.org/tc-ramapo-valley-reservation-map.
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, Englewood
Englewood, NJ — April 1, 2025 — A bridge was installed at the Flat Rock Brook Nature Preserve in Englewood as part of Phase 1 of the Jones Road Streamside Restoration Project. The new eight foot wide bridge, pathways and ramps are ADA friendly. The Flat Rock Brook Nature Association is also adding outdoor classrooms and an updated comfort station in the Phase 2 part of the project that is expected to begin in the summer of 2026.
The trails at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center span a total of 3.6 miles, meaning you can explore several of its trails without committing to miles and miles of hiking. Depending on which paths you choose, you’ll take in views of Macfadden’s Wetland, Quarry Pond, Flat Rock Brook and an array of wildlife in their nature habitat.
Go: 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood; 201-567-1265, flatrockbrook.org.
Lake Loop at Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt
The Lake Loop at Wawayanda State Park is an about 6.1-mile easy to moderate hiking path that features picturesque views of Wawayanda Lake and the surrounding forests. You can either follow this path in its entirety, which is made up of several individual hiking paths, or you can turn around at any time to make the trip shorter.
Go: 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt; 973-853-4462, nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/wawayandastatepark.
Boulevard Trolley Line Path, Mountain Lakes
As its name suggests, the Boulevard Trolley Line Path is a 2-mile long paved walkway that follows the exact route of a former trolley line operated by the Morris County Traction Company. While this path is more of a sidewalk than a traditional hiking trail, it provides a flat and easy trip with scenic views of Mountain Lake, Wildwood Lake and an array of Georgian and Spanish-style homes. There are several free parking areas along the path as well, including a lot at the intersection of North Pocono Road and East Shore Road.
Go: Trail begins at either Elcock Avenue and Boulevard, or Pocono Road and Boulevard; traillink.com/trail/boulevard-trolly-line-path.
Hacklebarney State Park, Long Valley
Hacklebarney State Park, located between Long Valley and Chester, is a 978-acre park consisting of nine separate hiking trails — nearly all less than one mile — with varying degrees of difficulty. For an easy hike, you can take the Playground Trail to the Upload Trail or the you can take the Main Trail or either the Windy Ridge Trail or the Three Pools Trail.
Go: 119 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley; 908-638-8572, nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/trailguides/docs/Hacklebarney-Trails.pdf.
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 MMcGay@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Post-Thanksgiving hikes: 5 options in North Jersey