Vernon and other New Jersey trail communities
Appalachian Trail hikes in New Jersey
The Appalachian Trail in New Jersey offers terrain that ranges from relatively flat and gentle to short, steep, rocky pitches. In Vernon, a 20-mile section passes through the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge, across Pochuck Mountain and through Wawayanda State Park.
What to see or do
Use the terrain as a starting point when choosing an Appalachian Trail hike in New Jersey. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy describes elevation changes as generally moderate, but conditions vary from gentle stretches to short, steep, rocky sections. That range means a New Jersey hike can feel different from one part of the trail to another; consider the kind of terrain you want to take on before settling on a section.
The Vernon stretch gives you a defined area to consider. It runs for 20 miles from the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge at the Wantage border, across Pochuck Mountain and north-central Vernon, through Wawayanda State Park to the West Milford border. These named places help distinguish this long section from other New Jersey trail communities. For a closer look at the state's terrain, read the New Jersey trail overview.
Location and visit context
Vernon is one New Jersey community along the trail. Its section connects the Wallkill refuge area with Pochuck Mountain and Wawayanda State Park, continuing north to the West Milford border. The 20-mile figure describes the full Vernon section, not a single short walk, so identify the portion you have in mind when planning your outing.
The Appalachian Trail is part of the national park system and is maintained by a collection of public and private entities. For a broader trip plan, browse more things to do in the region.