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Cedar Bonnet Island Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Running trail in Stafford Township, New Jersey · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Crushed gravel
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Cedar Bonnet Island 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.

Crushed gravelScenicDog-friendlyRestrooms

What runners say about Cedar Bonnet Island Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (31 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“The trail is crushed gravel and it's clean as well as very nice with some benches along the way to take in the atmosphere.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Beautiful place to birdwatch, picnic, watch the sunrise and set!”

Beautiful views. This is a relaxing area, family friendly. Trail is short, less than 2 miles. Would recommend to come when it's chilly since there are usually a lot of bugs during the summer. Check for ticks. One can also kayak or canoe in the waters in the East Overlook, no boats.

★★★★☆ — Litzy , Oct 2021

Great place lots of birds if you're into wildlife and photography just check yourself for ticks when when you leave I usually carry a lint roller with me.. it's a gravel path stay on that path.. great place for nature

★★★★☆ — Donna , May 2019

My husband and I took a walk here and really enjoyed our time here. The trail is crushed gravel and it's clean as well as very nice with some benches along the way to take in the atmosphere. It's about a mile and a half which seemed shorter than that. We met a few dogs and their owners, very friendly.

★★★★★ — Cath , Feb 2023

Hidden gem! Nice, short walking path that looks out over Barnegat Bay. Lots of beautiful wildflowers in the most peaceful spot. Be aware: during the summer, the flies are relentless. They bit right through my pants, like tiny, winged vampires. Make sure to bring insect repellent and wear sunscreen.

★★★★★ — Jennifer , Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 31 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 14 mentions

“Short walking trail with lovely flora and nice views of Long Beach Island.”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone 3 mentions

“This is a wildlife conservation area, so there are no facilities like restrooms or picnic areas, but the gravel trails are easily accessible.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Would be 5 star but people do not clean up after their dogs!”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“This is a wildlife conservation area, so there are no facilities like restrooms or picnic areas, but the gravel trails are easily accessible.”

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Plan your run at Cedar Bonnet Island Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.
  • At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.

Where to find Cedar Bonnet Island Park

1355-1357, NJ-72, Stafford Township, NJ 08050

Get directions

Running trails near Stafford Township

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Cedar Bonnet Island

4.9 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

Manahawkin, NJ

under a mile away

Manahawkin Lake Park III

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ScenicDog-friendly

Kid-friendly park featuring a playground, picnic tables, a beach and a free lending library.

4.4 miles away

Stafford Township

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Stafford Township, NJ

Park providing facilities for kids and disc golf.

5.6 miles away

Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 126 reviews

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Natural surfaceDog-friendly

Natural area with opportunities for hiking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

6.6 miles away

Ocean Acres Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 194 reviews

Stafford Township, NJ

ScenicDog-friendly

Park with tennis and basketball courts, plus a playground, picnic areas, and walking paths.

6.7 miles away

Nautilus Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 115 reviews

Stafford Township, NJ

Park with multiple playgrounds and baseball and soccer fields, plus grass areas to run around in.

7.4 miles away

All running trails in Stafford Township, NJ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.