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Black River Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 187 Google reviews · Running trail in Chester, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 6.4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Black River Park'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.
Woodsy park, scenic hiking area with ruins and waterfalls, plus an old mill.
What runners say about Black River Park
“Semi difficult and narrow terrain with wooden planks and stairs to help you get through to a beautiful lake adjacent to the Black River.”
“It's a gem of a spot with the combination of an easy hike, beautiful nature, history, and early engineering all in one spot.”
When you've lived in the area your whole life, driven by it 1,000 times, but never stopped to check it out. Very happy to have found this amazing gem so close to home. From the parking lot walk down to the old Cooper Mill and take the path that takes you through the tunnel under the roadway. Amazing fishing spots.
Excellent scenic hiking trails along the Black River. Old flour Mill is at the entrance of the park. Very scenic. If you're hungry, the Old Mill tavern across the street is a good place to go.
Covered 6 miles, color coded trails. Beautiful location. Not family friendly or small kids if you go off track.
If you are an avid hiker, the 6 mile loop terrain is a bit challenging and picturesque. Would recommend.
Trail conditions & character
“Semi difficult and narrow terrain with wooden planks and stairs to help you get through to a beautiful lake adjacent to the Black River.”
“From the parking lot walk down to the old Cooper Mill and take the path that takes you through the tunnel under the roadway.”
“The trail is flat for much of the way along the river and quite pretty although it is fraught with roots and rocks and you do need to watch your footing carefully.”
“If you are an avid hiker, the 6 mile loop terrain is a bit challenging and picturesque.”
Plan your run at Black River Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance6.4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Phone+1 908-879-5100
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Chester
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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