HomeNew JerseyHowell Township › Chestnut Point Manasquan Reservoir

Chestnut Point Manasquan Reservoir

4.8 ★★★★★ 293 Google reviews · Running trail in Howell Township, New Jersey · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Chestnut Point Manasquan Reservoir'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.

LoopScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADATrailhead parkingQuiet

Scenic loop for hiking, biking and fishing alongside the Manasquan Reservoir.

What runners say about Chestnut Point Manasquan Reservoir

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (293 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“Parking was easy, and the area is clean and well-kept.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Absolutely stunning place to take a nice walk and/or sit and watch the sun set and the moon rise.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“I really recommend it, it is a very quiet place and a place where you can enjoy with family and friends, it is worth visiting that place.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“We took an easy walk around the lake, it was a mostly open walk with a lot of sunshine, and enjoyed some nice scenery.”

One of my best weekend hiking places with 5 miles of loop trail around manasquan reservoir. Beautiful reservoir views with wildlife. Friendly hikers and wildlife reserve staff at the education center.

★★★★★ — Qi , Jun 2025

We took an easy walk around the lake, it was a mostly open walk with a lot of sunshine, and enjoyed some nice scenery. Took in the sights with a couple of turtles majestically posing on the lake.

★★★★★ — Andrea , Apr 2024

I love this place. Fishing, walking/running or just relaxing. It's a good place for Families and dog friendly (on a leash). I've even seen people on horses.

★★★★★ — Josephine , Jan 2019

I’ve been to Chestnut Point at the Manasquan Reservoir once, and it was a peaceful, scenic spot. The water views are beautiful, and the short trail along the shore made for a relaxing walk. While I was there, I spotted a hawk, egrets, rabbits, hedgehogs, and other shorebirds it felt like a little wildlife haven.

★★★★★ — Aninda , Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 293 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 10 mentions

“Absolutely stunning place to take a nice walk and/or sit and watch the sun set and the moon rise.”

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🔁 Loop trail 3 mentions

“The main loop is just under 5 miles, so it's great for long distance running, biking, dog walking and horse riding.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“There's some trails off the parking lot or a walk along the main roads.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“The main loop is just under 5 miles, so it's great for long distance running, biking, dog walking and horse riding.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“I really recommend it, it is a very quiet place and a place where you can enjoy with family and friends, it is worth visiting that place.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Chestnut Point Manasquan Reservoir

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitemonmouthcountyparks.com
  • Phone(732) 751-9453
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–8 PM
Thursday 7 AM–8 PM
Friday 7 AM–8 PM
Saturday 7 AM–8 PM
Sunday 7 AM–8 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Chestnut Point Manasquan Reservoir

337 Georgia Tavern Rd, Howell Township, NJ 07731

Get directions

Running trails near Howell Township

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

Winter Run Farm

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Oak Glen Park

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LoopDog-friendly

Recreation spot with ball fields, basketball courts, and a playground, plus a dog park.

2.1 miles away

Bear Swamp Natural Area

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Laid-back park featuring a pond, plus swamps and woods with hiking trails.

3.1 miles away

Echo Lake Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 370 reviews

Howell Township, NJ

Scenic

Relaxed park on a small lake featuring a playground, picnic tables and a farmers' market in season.

3.4 miles away

Michael J. Tighe Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 792 reviews

Freehold, NJ

Paved

4.1 miles away

Allaire State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,586 reviews

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LitScenic

Expansive park featuring antique steam trains, the Manasquan River & trails for hiking & biking.

4.9 miles away

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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.