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Echo Lake Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 370 Google reviews · Running trail in Howell Township, New Jersey · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Echo Lake 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.

ScenicRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

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

What runners say about Echo Lake Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (370 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 11 mentions

“Nice park with a nice beautiful small lake They have a small little playground with three slides but no swings And plenty of picnic tables”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 8 mentions

“The calm lake surrounded by vibrant greenery creates a refreshing escape.”

Small photogenic park with lake as a focal point that looks much bigger than its actual acreage. Beautiful vistas from many points around the lake. Fair number of quality benches with plaques commemorating people who liked the park. Nature trail is a very nice touch for a city park of such size.

★★★★★ — Mike , Aug 2025

Echo Park Lake in New Jersey is a fantastic spot for a day out! The calm lake surrounded by vibrant greenery creates a refreshing escape. Kayaking was a highlight—so relaxing to paddle through the serene waters with beautiful views of the surrounding trees and open sky.

★★★★★ — Doivy , Aug 2025

Beautiful scenery and plenty of things to do. They occasionally have entertainment and farmers markets that I can't resist. The trails are extensive and the playgrounds are great for kids. There's public restrooms on site, great picnic area and dog friendly.

★★★★★ — Brent , Aug 2024

This is a lovely park with ample parking and was quite crowded today. They had a wonderful farmer's market and I purchased many items. It was well run and they have bathrooms available.

★★★★★ — Aj , Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 370 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 13 mentions

“Nice park with a nice beautiful small lake They have a small little playground with three slides but no swings And plenty of picnic tables”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 7 mentions

“Kayaking was a highlight—so relaxing to paddle through the serene waters with beautiful views of the surrounding trees and open sky.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“There are ample sized parking lots along Maxim Southward Rd, so it should be easy to park in absence of large gatherings.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“There's public restrooms on site, great picnic area and dog friendly.”

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Plan your run at Echo Lake Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • 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, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Websitetwp.howell.nj.us
  • Phone(732) 938-4500

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

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 Echo Lake Park

Echo Lake Pavilion, 1205 Maxim Southard 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.

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Once the estate of John D. Rockefeller, this large park offers lake activities, picnicking & trails.

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Oak Glen Park

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

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Chestnut Point Manasquan Reservoir

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

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All running trails in Howell 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.