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Columbia Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · Running trail in Long Valley, New Jersey · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Columbia 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.
Level rail trail that's often shaded and features views of the gorge, plus areas for walking, biking and hiking.
What runners say about Columbia Trail
“Trail is crushed stone and gravel, well kept and wide enough for traffic in both directions.”
“Smooth and shady hiking and biking trails ( 11 miles + each way) with a gurgling white water SouthvBranch Raritan river flowing alongside in scenic gorges.”
“Great for walking/running or biking.”
“Smooth and shady hiking and biking trails ( 11 miles + each way) with a gurgling white water SouthvBranch Raritan river flowing alongside in scenic gorges.”
This is a level rail trail and is used by walkers, bicyclists, and equestrian. It is wide enough to accommodate all. This is an especially nice trail for summer use since much of it has tree cover to give you relief from the hot summer sun.
A hidden jewel of NJ. Smooth and shady hiking and biking trails ( 11 miles + each way) with a gurgling white water SouthvBranch Raritan river flowing alongside in scenic gorges. You will passbook querky cute gnomes and doll houses and scenic cottages and bridges.
A fun, easy walk for avid walkers or runners. Option to turn around allows you to choose how far.
Long trail , and primarily flat. 90% is hard pack earth floor. Very peaceful and safe with lots of wildlife to look at. Take your mountain bike and you'll have a very easy pedal. You can spend a few hours staying on the trail. You can walk you dog also and safe to run. Lots of people exercising.
Trail conditions & character
“Someone said this is a "level" trail but we found that starting from the Highbridge Columbia bike trail parking it is a steady up hill for the first four miles that we did.”
“Someone said this is a "level" trail but we found that starting from the Highbridge Columbia bike trail parking it is a steady up hill for the first four miles that we did.”
“Trail is crushed stone and gravel, well kept and wide enough for traffic in both directions.”
“Smooth and shady hiking and biking trails ( 11 miles + each way) with a gurgling white water SouthvBranch Raritan river flowing alongside in scenic gorges.”
“Someone said this is a "level" trail but we found that starting from the Highbridge Columbia bike trail parking it is a steady up hill for the first four miles that we did.”
“My wife, our dog (in a trailer) and myself rode from Schooleys Mtn Rd in Long Valley (acroos from Coffee Potter) to Ken Lockwood Gorge.”
“Smooth and shady hiking and biking trails ( 11 miles + each way) with a gurgling white water SouthvBranch Raritan river flowing alongside in scenic gorges.”
“There are no toilets after leaving Porta potty in parking lot.”
“Great flat trail, perfect for stroller runs/walks and little kids, we've even seen horses and few times.”
Plan your run at Columbia Trail
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
Running trails near Long Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Schooley's Mountain Park
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Large park with a lake, floating bridge, horse trails & sports fields, plus fishing & ice-skating.
Columbia Trail
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Black River Park
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Woodsy park, scenic hiking area with ruins and waterfalls, plus an old mill.
Hacklebarney State Park
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1200-acre park hosting a fish-stocked river, hiking-only trails & hunting on 600 acres.
Patriots Path Trailhead
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Alumni Field
4.6 ★★★★★ 130 reviews
Peaceful park with picnic areas and trails, plus basketball and volleyball courts.