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Apshawa Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 276 Google reviews · Running trail in West Milford, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Apshawa Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Relaxed nature preserve with well maintained walking paths, beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and a reservoir.
What runners say about Apshawa Preserve
“This place was ideal: well marked trails, a number of running brooks, varied-difficulty trails, and scenic views.”
“Very well marked, the only thing is that parking is somewhat limited, and people park with large gaps in between (as it's not marked), so it can be difficult to get a spot.”
This place is heaven on an early morning when no one is there. There’s so many trails and you almost feel lost in nature. It’s a good thing they’ve updated the trail markers
A great spot for a hike of varied levels. You can choose easy or more strenuous. Green and white both have alot of elevation so be informed! If you turn right from blue to green the loop will have mostly down hill. If your knees hate down hill...go left from blue to green.
Nice park, you can go around pretty much the while preserve in about 4.5 miles or so. Trails are easy to moderate. Highlights include the reservoir, a waterfall, some ruins, a ridge with a decent view, and some nice streams and rivers. It's good for the kids as well.
This is an underrated trail that gets a lot of flack from the reviews. I don't consider myself an experienced hiker, but I was able to follow the trails. One review mentioned a way to get to the waterfall but I would like to add to clarify: start on blue, then go orange but then when you get to green, you need to go…
Trail conditions & character
“The trail markings/blazes are confusing and there are trails or paths with no markings or signs that indicate that you are near the waterfall, Reservoir or something.”
“Green and white both have alot of elevation so be informed!”
“Very well marked, the only thing is that parking is somewhat limited, and people park with large gaps in between (as it's not marked), so it can be difficult to get a spot.”
“Very well marked, the only thing is that parking is somewhat limited, and people park with large gaps in between (as it's not marked), so it can be difficult to get a spot.”
“If you turn right from blue to green the loop will have mostly down hill.”
Plan your run at Apshawa Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitenjconservation.org
- Phone(908) 234-1225
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near West Milford
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