Home › New Jersey › Scotch Plains › Brookside Nature Trail
Brookside Nature Trail
4.3 ★★★★☆ 29 Google reviews · Running trail in Scotch Plains, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Brookside Nature Trail'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.
What runners say about Brookside Nature Trail
A short cutaway gravel path that follows the brook. Must be about a quarter mile one way. Was quite scenic though adjacent to a whole lot of backyards of houses along the route. Rough gravel path bordered with thorny bushes. No parking on either side. So, it's nice if you live close by withing walking distance.
Little trail that’s wonderful to walk through! There is a river that runs through it, with many access points to reach the river. There is also a small fenced in play area for your dogs, that usually isn’t crowded. No playgrounds or restrooms, the trail is mainly for walking as there’s nowhere to sit.
Great little trail in the middle of suburbia. Very relaxing walk next to a little brook, hence the name. Culminates at a small pond, not sure if fishing is allowed there or not.
Trail conditions & character
“A short cutaway gravel path that follows the brook.”
Plan your run at Brookside Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo 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.
- Websitescotchplainsnj.gov
- Phone(908) 322-6700
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 Scotch Plains
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Rake and Hoe Garden Park
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Ponderosa Farm Park
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Modest park featuring playgrounds & a sprinkler area, plus open green spaces & restrooms.
Tamaques Reservation
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Popular park featuring ball fields, basketball courts and tennis courts for a variety of sports.
Ash Brook Reservation Hiking Trail
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Hiking trail through a muddy swampy environment with plenty of bugs.