Top 10 No-Hunting Hike Areas in New York and New Jersey

Even during hunting season, you can find exciting places to walk in the woods throughout the greater New York metropolitan region. 

The following parks and preserves in New York and New Jersey are or include no-hunting areas. Trails are maintained by Trail Conference volunteers or our member organizations.

Remember: Wherever you walk in the woods during hunting season, it's a good idea to wear bright colors, such as blaze orange.

Looking for other places to explore? Check out our article for an updated guide to the hunting seasons in our area.

New York

Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Ulster County)

A vast portion of this favorite hiking destination--basically, the area south of Fly Brook and Sanders Kill--is off-limits to hunters. A hunting map provided by the park shows the zones. Click here to go to our page for Minnewaska, where you can download a pdf of the map.

Bear Mountain/ Harriman State Parks (Orange and Rockland Counties)

Most of this region, with 235 miles of marked trails, is a safe haven for hikers during deer hunting season.  The area of Bear Mountain-Harriman State Parks east of I-87 is off-limits for hunting, while the portions of Harriman that are west of I-87 allow hunting. Click here to learn more about hiking at Bear Mountain/Harriman.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (Westchester County)

There is no gun hunting in all of Westchester County, so all parks and preserves are relatively safe havens for walkers. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the county's largest open space: 4,700 acres with nearly 42 miles of hiking trails. Learn more about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
NOTE: Bow hunting is permitted in season in some areas of Westchester from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation hunting days will be Mondays through Fridays only, from 3:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Staten Island Greenbelt (New York City)

This is a good time to explore new places. Visit this unique network of trails (28 miles all totaled) in New York City's outer borough. Learn more and find links to trail information and a Staten Island Greenbelt trail map.

Walkway Over the Hudson (Dutchess County) & Franny Reese State Park (Ulster County)

Accessible by public transportation (Metro-North to Poughkeepsie), this newer state park offers a good stretch of the legs over the Hudson River. A loop hike of almost 4 miles is possible by adding the Mid-Hudson Bridge. You can even include a walk in the woods by hiking the trails in the connecting Franny Reese State Park. Fall is a good time to visit this hillside park along the Hudson; the leaves are down and there are excellent views over the river and bridges. Click here for Walkway info and links and here for Franny Reese State Park info.


New Jersey

New Jersey Section of Palisades Interstate Park (Bergen County)

Enjoy more than 25 miles of trails at this stunning linear park, which connects to more miles of trails on the New York side of the border. Learn about hiking along the Palisades.

Campgaw Mountain and Ramapo Valley County Reservations (Bergen County)

Combined, these two parks in north Jersey offer more than 5,000 wooded acres and nearly 30 miles of trails. Click here for Campgaw info; click here for Ramapo Valley info.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area (Morris County)

Thirty miles of trails, two mountains, and interesting rocks, including the ever-popular Tripod Rock. Click here to learn more about Pyramid Mountain. There is no firearm hunting in Morris County parks, but bow-hunting is allowed Monday through Saturday for the full extent of the bow season,  September 10 - February 18, 2023

Garret Mountain Reservation (Passaic County)

Explore a castle and three scenic trails that offer outstanding views of the New York City skyline and High Mountain. Learn more about Garret Mountain Reservation.

South Mountain Reservation (Essex County)

The park's 2,047 acres contain five marked hiking trails, many miles of carriage roads and bridle paths, views of falls, millponds, and--off in the distance--Manhattan. Learn more about South Mountain Reservation

Bonus Hike Area: Watchung Reservation (Union County)

Miles of trails, Surprise Lake, plus a deserted village. Learn more about Watchung Reservation.

Good to know: Hunting with firearms is generally prohibited throughout New Jersey on Sundays. (Seasonal bowhunting is permitted on state wildlife management areas and private property on Sundays.)

 

Comment: Please be relevant, civil, non-commercial.

pintoj's picture

Except for some WMAs there is no hunting on Sundays in state and county parks in New Jersey including Newark watershed land.  But wear orange just in case as a precaution. 
Bob's picture

Try the Morristown National Historic Park, Jockey Hollow section for less strenuous walks through a lovely forest populated by tall Tulip Trees as well as other species.