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Essex County Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 244 Google reviews · Running trail in West Orange, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 1.7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Essex County 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.
Kid-friendly park with a playground and a paved trail circling the lake.
What runners say about Essex County Park
“Overall, this park is a well-maintained and inviting place for exercise, relaxation, and spending quality time with family, friends, or pets.”
“Beautiful park with rental swan paddle boats, flat paved route around the manmade lake/reservoir but they also have actual trails that go into South Mountain Reservation.”
“The two-mile loop around the lake is perfect for jogging or a leisurely walk, offering scenic views and plenty of fresh air.”
“10/27/2025 I used to come here and walk when i had a health issue but coming today made me remember how beautiful and peaceful this area was at that time for me”
“It’s also very family-friendly, with playgrounds, open areas, and activities for kids and adults alike.”
Best place to go for a walk in West Orange, Livingston, or Short Hills. The path around the reservoir is 1.7 miles long, paved, wide, and level. The path is lit at night and shoveled in the winter so it’s usable year round. Great for waking, jogging, strollers, wheelchairs, little kids, and dogs.
Not sure why people get confused with Regatta Playground, this is a review of the park (it's a gated park) and the playground is a part of it. We were in the area for some work and had an hour in hand, I googled park near me and found this. what a great find it is! it was a cloudy day.
This park is a fantastic spot for outdoor activities and relaxation. The two-mile loop around the lake is perfect for jogging or a leisurely walk, offering scenic views and plenty of fresh air.
Beautiful park with rental swan paddle boats, flat paved route around the manmade lake/reservoir but they also have actual trails that go into South Mountain Reservation. It's a little sad to see a lot of discarded bottles in the lake ans trails though.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful park with rental swan paddle boats, flat paved route around the manmade lake/reservoir but they also have actual trails that go into South Mountain Reservation.”
“10/27/2025 I used to come here and walk when i had a health issue but coming today made me remember how beautiful and peaceful this area was at that time for me”
“:( The Turtle Back Zoo and Go Ape Treetop are nearby and there are plenty of parking with a police at the crosswalk.”
“Beautiful park with rental swan paddle boats, flat paved route around the manmade lake/reservoir but they also have actual trails that go into South Mountain Reservation.”
“Access to clean bathrooms next to McLoone’s Boathouse in case you get hungry.”
“The two-mile loop around the lake is perfect for jogging or a leisurely walk, offering scenic views and plenty of fresh air.”
“Beautiful park with rental swan paddle boats, flat paved route around the manmade lake/reservoir but they also have actual trails that go into South Mountain Reservation.”
“The area is full of life—many people are out walking their dogs, jogging, or engaging in various sports.”
“Great for waking, jogging, strollers, wheelchairs, little kids, and dogs.”
Plan your run at Essex County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance1.7 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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.
- Websiteessexcountyparks.org
- Phone(973) 268-3500
- Social Instagram
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near West Orange
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
South Mountain Conservancy
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Tulip Springs
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Relaxed recreation area for hiking, picnics, camping and waterfalls.
Hemlock Falls
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Park with kid-friendly hiking trails, tree markings, and a waterfall.
South Mountain Trail Access
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