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Franklin Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 384 Google reviews · Running trail in West Long Branch, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Franklin 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.
Park offering a paved path around a lake for walking, fishing, and picnicking.
What runners say about Franklin Lake Park
“The trail around the lake is well-maintained, with plenty of benches and tables to enjoy the view.”
“The lake is roughly a mile in circumference and has beautiful tree's in blossoming season.”
“It's located behind a school on one side and on a quiet street with some lovely homes on the others side.”
Great place to walk. The paved loop is one mile, and the views are very beautiful, especially near sunset. Lots of ducks on the water with occasional sightings of larger birds. People often walk their dogs here. There are benches and some picnic tables along the path, as well as a gazebo.
An amazing park to walk, sit, and outside activities. It has a street parking.
One of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in the area! Franklin Lake Park is perfect for walking, relaxing, or having a picnic with the family. The trail around the lake is well-maintained, with plenty of benches and tables to enjoy the view. The park is always clean, safe, and has a great atmosphere.
I love this park, great park for fishing, went here a few times with my dad and sisters. We never caught anything but it’s also a nice park for a picnic or a walk.
Trail conditions & character
“The lake is roughly a mile in circumference and has beautiful tree's in blossoming season.”
“The paved loop is one mile, and the views are very beautiful, especially near sunset.”
“It's located behind a school on one side and on a quiet street with some lovely homes on the others side.”
“Street parking is easy, but if you're meeting someone there, take care to agree on where to meet, or you could find yourselves on opposite sides of the lake.”
“This is such a beautiful place to go for a walk, with or without your dog.”
“There are port-a-potties on one side, but no other restrooms.”
“The paved loop is one mile, and the views are very beautiful, especially near sunset.”
Plan your run at Franklin Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near West Long Branch
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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