Whether you are just visiting, or just want to find somewhere new to run, use the links below to find a place to run in NJ near you.
Please submit suggestions for places to run to runninginnj@gmail.com – please include the location, web links if available, and a brief description of the type of run (i.e. trail – with type of surface, road, track etc.), and if possible, what makes it a good place to run – anything that will be helpful to runners in deciding where to run. Thanks!
Central Jersey
North Jersey
South Jersey
Central Jersey
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Mercer County
Somerset County
Hunterdon County
Union County
Ocean County
Middlesex County
Johnson Park
Landing Lane entrance to Delaware and Raritan Canal Path
From website: Johnson Park: 2.5 Mile Bike/Walkway. The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is one of central New Jersey’s most popular recreational corridors for canoeing, jogging, hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding.
Runners perspective: Johnson Park provides a couple of miles of paved pathway from one end (near Highland Park, to the other in Piscataway), the park is close to the entrance to the D&R Canal on Landing Lane, and it is relatively safe to run along the road to the bridge – the entrance to the canal path is rocky and often wet so care is needed to get to the smooth trail. Johnson Park can also serve as a starting point for runs through the Rutgers University Campus which is also a relatively safe place to run. RVRR club runs start in Johnson Park on Saturday morning year round and Wednesday (except in the winter) – check the website for times and exact location. Please email additional comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Buccleuch Park
From website: This park located between the Raritan River and Easton Avenue features 78 acres of rolling terrain. The park features a 1.5 mile cross country /fitness trail.
Runners perspective: Easily accessible from central New Brunswick, and also close to Landing Lane (see above). This park is used in several races throughout the year including the Rutgers Unite Half Marathon and the RVRR Summer Series cross-country 5k series Please email additional comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Monmouth County
Manasquan Reservoir
From website: The 5.1 mile gravel Perimeter Trail offers panoramic views of the Reservoir and provides a great trail experience for all users. This trail loops all the way around the reservoir and has a fairly even, well-maintained surface and is designated as a MODERATE trail due to its length. Mileposts are marked on the trail. An additional 1.1 mile Cove Trail is a scenic nature trail which explores the lakeshore around the Environmental Center and is open to pedestrains only.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Henry Hudson Trail
From website: This paved, 10-foot wide, 24-mile long trail is a former railroad right-of-way. It is relatively flat, traveling through both man-made and natural environments. Much of the trail is tree-lined, though some parts have views of surrounding wetlands, streams and fields.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Hartshorne Woods Park
From website: Hartshorne Woods Park has the most extensive and challenging series of trails (over 14 miles) in the Park System. Hardy hikers, bicyclists, and casual walkers can all find trails to their liking. Please stay on marked trails, plan your route, take a trail map, and wear appropriate safety gear. Enter from Navesink Ave., Locust or Portland Rd., Highlands.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Holmdel Park
From website: Walking trails wind through the shady woods and rolling hills. There is a fitness trail too. The rolling terrain will challenge some hikers. Cyclists and equestrians are asked to use the trails in the Ramenessin section but must remain on the roads in the Northern portion in this popular park. Enter from Longstreet Road. (9.49 miles of trails)
Runners perspective: Hilly 3.1 and 5 mile loops and extra trail miles. Email additional comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Shark River Park
From website: Plants and animals common to the wetlands/floodplain community as well as the pine/oak forest habitat can be spotted from these trails. A fitness trail is available. (8.27 miles of trails)
Runners perspective: Email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Turkey Swamp Park
From website: Multi-use and fitness trails traverse the park which is located at the northern end of the NJ Pine Barrens. Turkey Swamp’s terrain is relatively level and the 17 acre lake adds scenic interest.
(9.15 miles of trails)
Runners perspective: Email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Thompson Park
From website: Old farm roads and a former horse exercise track are popular routes for walkers and runners. There is also a 4.9 mile paved trail.
Runners perspective: Email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Mercer County
Mercer County Park
From Website:Park map
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Somerset County
Sourland Mountain Preserve
From Wikipedia: The main feature of the preserve is the 5-mile (8.0 km) Ridge Trail [white squares], suitable for hiking and off-road biking. There are two shorter routes [white circular and white triangle blazes] and “connector” trails [white “C” blaze]. The Ridge Trail can be quite difficult and technical in spots.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Hunterdon County
Round Valley Reservoir
From website: There are three marked trails at Round Valley: the Cushetunk Trail, which accesses the campsites, the Pine Tree Trail and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail. The nine-mile Cushetunk Trail and the three-mile lower service road are multi-use trails that pass through open and heavily wooded areas. The Cushetunk trail surface is rugged, rocky and steep in places which makes it more suitable for experienced hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Columbia Trail
From website: The relatively flat trail curves along the mountainside above the South Branch of the Raritan River for 7 miles from High Bridge north to the county line. Two bridges carry the trail over Cokesbury Road and the South Branch of the Raritan River. The latter bridge is elevated approximately 80 feet and spans a length of 260 feet over the river bottom. This bridge is located near the Ken Lockwood Gorge. Several roads bisect the park making for easy access. Benches located along the trail provide areas to rest and enjoy the scenery. The trail’s natural surface allows visitors to enjoy the park in a couple of ways. Hiking is probably the most popular. The trail is wide enough to provide a great opportunity for biking as well as cross-country skiing in the winter. While the County Parks & Recreation Division only maintains the Columbia Trail within the county, the trail continues into Morris County where it ends at Bartley. The Columbia Trail forms part of the Highlands Trail which will eventually span between Hunterdon and Passaic Counties. See also Morris County
Runners perspective: Very scenic with great footing. The total length extends into Morris County and is about 15 miles long. Email additional comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Union County
Watchung Reservation
From website: Four short nature trails, ranging from 0.2 to 0.9 miles are near the Trailside Nature & Science Center. The Sierra Trail [white square blaze; 10.8 miles] forms a loop that encircles the reservation. Various connecting trails can be used to fashion shorter loop hikes.
Runners perspective: Watchung is one of the milder (hill-wise) trail runs you’ll find in my opinion. It has a mix of well groomed access trails, even some paved sections (not that long), some hills, and some more rugged sections. There are some “mud suck” sections especially in winter and/or after rains. In summer, the trails are much drier and more runnable as the vegetation soaks up moisture. Some complain that the footing is poor, but either through familiarity or true ease, I think Watchung ranks easier than most in footing.
The main long loop of Watchung is about 9 miles or so, the white blaze trail. It is well suited to loop runs if you want to train longer, with many access points for driving in and stashing water and run supplies. People are respectful and won’t tamper with supplies. There is a lower extension of the white trail that runs in a loop roughly centered around Seeleys Pond, about 2-3 miles, but it is extremely poor trail. Unless you are clearly intending to train on ankle-busting terrain, I would avoid this section at this point. It has deteriorated over the years in my opinion.
There are some spectacular views hidden in Watchung, so it is worth exploring. I would recommend a trail map for those not familiar with the trails. We have led lost hikers out numerous times. Trail shoes are recommended.
You will encounter the occasional mountain biker, even though they are not permitted. Patrols at Watchung are hard to come by due to economic conditions. So, runners should be wary for oncoming bikes (who are generally ridden by bullheaded riders) and horses, especially in the Lake Surprise area headed towards the water tower at Watchung’s highest point.
Email additional comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Ocean County
Wells Mills Park
From Website: Wells Mills has the distinction of being the largest park in the Ocean County park system with over 900 acres of pine and oak forest within southern New Jersey’s environmental marvel known as the Pine Barrens. Miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty can be found here, including a “VIP” (Visually Impaired Persons) Trail.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Barnegat Branch Trail
From Website: The BBT is a 15.6-mile linear “rail-to-trail” project that will extend from Barnegat Township to Toms River Township. The public trail, which lies primarily along the abandoned Barnegat Branch Division of the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ), and including 2.0 miles of existing trail and proposed road and sidewalk connections, will be developed and constructed in several phases.
Runners perspective: 3.1 miles West Bay Ave (Barnegat Twp) to Rt 532 (Ocean Twp) – Parking at Burr Street and Country Lane… more miles are being added… will be 15.6 miles when the project is completed and will extend from Barnegat Township to Toms River Township
North Jersey
Bergen County
Essex County
Hudson County
Morris County
Passaic County
Sussex County
Warren County
Bergen County
Saddle River County Park
From website: Multi-use pathway/Bicycle-Pedestrian Path: This bike and pedestrian path travels from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park and is approximately 6 miles in length. This continuous path runs through Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Fair Lawn, Paramus, Saddle Brook and Rochelle Park and under Route 4. This path also follows the Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and passes by the Historic Easton Tower at Route 4. The path features a scenic waterfall at Dunkerhook Park, and there are three ponds, tree shaded picnic areas, pavilions, playgrounds, tennis courts and athletic fields accessible along the path.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Essex County
Branch Brook Park
From website: The park’s 360 acres include vast lawns, playing fields, winding paths, and miles of streams, pools and lakes. Its expanse stretches nearly four miles – from US Route 280 in Newark to Mill Street in Belleville, New Jersey – and averages one-quarter mile in width. Bike, walk or jog on miles of pathways. Hosts a Cherry Blossom 10k
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
South Mountain Reservation
From website: Nineteen miles of hiking and walking trails. Twenty-seven miles of carriage roads for jogging, horseback riding, & cross-country skiing.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Weequahic Park
From website: Weequahic Park is a park located in the south ward of Newark, New Jersey. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, Weequahic Park has the largest lake in Essex County. Today Weequahic Park, attracts diverse crowds that enjoys a wide variety of activities playgrounds, jogging trail, 80 acre lake, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, softball fields, picnic areas and hosts a variety of outdoor concerts and festivals.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
West Essex Trail
From website: The trail is situated on the former right-of-way of the Caldwell Branch of the old Erie-Lackawanna Railroad. A section of the Lenape Trail runs along most of the West Essex Trail, joining with it at Arnold Way and following it to just beyond Bowden Road in Cedar Grove, where it turns off to the east. The Lenape Trail is a Sierra Club sponsored walking/biking trail that winds throughout Essex County, passing through many county and municipal parks.
Runners perspective: The trail is a 6 mile out and back basically from Verona HS parking lot. It’s a former rail line, and the terrain is moderately flat. Essex Running Club has a group that meets there Saturday and Sunday mornings for a group run, welcoming all paces (check website for run details). Email additional comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Hudson County
Braddock Park
From website: With a land area of 167 acres, James J. Braddock Park is one of the largest and most beautiful of Hudson County’s parks. Athletes flock to James J. Braddock Park! It offers an impressive array of lighted sports fields and courts including 21 tennis courts, three basketball courts, three bocce courts, handball courts, three football fields, six volleyball
courts, a little league field, and an exercise/cross country course.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Liberty State Park
From website: Take advantage of the miles of walkways by walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading.
Runners perspective: This park is part of the course of the Newport Liberty Half Marathon – email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Morris County
Jockey Hollow, Morristown
From website: Jockey Hollow is comprised of over 1500 acres of forested land with a little something for everyone.Here, you can hike over twenty miles of nature trails. Ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, these trails allow visitors to experience Jockey Hollow’s pristine natural beauty while also exploring the site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment of 1779-1780.
Runners perspective: Not sure about now, but used to be one had to pay to park in Jockey Hollow, but many would park for free in adjacent Lewis Morris and run into Jockey Hollow trails from there. Email additional comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Loantaka Brook Reservation
From website: The Reservation includes Seaton Hackney Stables, South Street Recreation Area, Loantaka Brook Park at Kitchell Road and the Loantaka Way trail access area. It encompasses more than 570 acres and is adjacent to one of the more populated urbanized areas of the county. There are nearly five miles of trails in the park which provide biking, jogging, hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing opportunities.
Runners perspective: Rose City Runners Saturday breakfast run takes place here. The run is generally three to eight miles at various paces. Everyone brings a little something to share for breakfast after the run. Check the website for time and location information. Email additional comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Columbia Trail
From website: The trail is located primarily on the former Central Railroad of the New Jersey-Central division of the High Bridge Line. The trail connects to Patriots’ Path and parallels the South Branch of the Raritan River. The trail section in Hunterdon County runs for 7 miles, while the Morris County section connects to Schooley’s Mountain Park at the Langdon Palmer Fishing Access Area on Fairview Avenue. See also Hunterdon County
Runners perspective: Very scenic with great footing. The total length extends into Hunterdon County and is about 15 miles long. Email additional comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Passaic County
Wawayanda State Park
From website: There are fourteen trails range that range from 0.8 to 5.7 miles [not including the Terrace Pond area]. Total miles of trails: 29.0. From Wikipedia: The park is in Vernon Township on the Sussex side, and West Milford on the Passaic side. There are 60 miles (96 km) of hiking trails in the park, including a 20-mile (32 km) stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Garret Mountain Reservation
From website: Blazed trails in the park range from 0.7 to 3.1 miles, and when combined total 8 plus miles. Other unblazed major trails and minor trails add to the total.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
From website:
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Sussex County
Wawayanda State Park
From website: There are fourteen trails range that range from 0.8 to 5.7 miles [not including the Terrace Pond area]. Total miles of trails: 29.0. From Wikipedia: The park is in Vernon Township on the Sussex side, and West Milford on the Passaic side. There are 60 miles (96 km) of hiking trails in the park, including a 20-mile (32 km) stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Warren County
South Jersey
Atlantic County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Gloucester County
Salem County
Atlantic County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Gloucester County
Salem County
Parvin State Park
From website: Situated at the edge of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the Parvin Natural Area combines many of the characteristics and species of southern New Jersey and the Pine Barrens. Several trails run through the hardwood and Atlantic white cedar swamps, pitch pine lowlands and upland pine and oak forests.
Runners perspective: email comments to runninginnj@gmail.com
Running in NJ 