I've never been to New Jersey (except the Newark airport), but barefoot hiking in New Jersey wouldn't be any different from barefoot hiking anywhere. Just find a place to hike and do it barefoot. If you haven't hiked barefoot before, just start out using trails that have fairly smooth terrain until your feet get tough. Or if you can't find one like that, take some flip-flops or other footwear with you and hike as long as you can barefoot, then switch to the footwear when your feet can't take it any longer. Keep going back at least once a week or so, and each time try to go further and further with bare feet. Sooner or later, you'll be able to handle even rough gravel without a problem. I personally love barefoot hiking, and the rougher the terrain the better.
I've never hiked in NJ but encourage you to get out there and explore all the world around you. BF hiking is relaxing, healthy and way more fun than with boots. It won't take long to feel totaly comfortable on all terain. You'll have some soreness in your calves for the first few days but that's the muscles strengthening and not a concern. By all means let us know how much you enjoy it. Archie
I've done a fair amount of barefoot hiking and biking in Maine. I can't believe it's much different on trails down there. I understand the northwest and southeast parts of NJ are unsettled and open to hikes. Sharp pointy gravel for long stretches is the only thing that bothers me, even though I'm quite used to barefooting 7 months of the year here. For those long sharp gravel stretches, I'd keep a pair of flops or hiking sandals handy, in case you get too far out and need a comfy way back
Why would that even be an issue? Bare feet are certainly more practical for walking through wet areas than shoes or boots which can be ruined by getting wet.
