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Franklin Park Natural Area

4.3 ★★★★☆ 10 Google reviews · Running trail in Franklin Park, New Jersey · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Franklin Park Natural Area yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

What runners say about Franklin Park Natural Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (10 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

This trail leads to impressive cliffs along the 10 Mile Run Brook and connects to the Bunker Hill Natural Area. It is common to see deer, heron, and other wildlife. There is a new loop on the brown trail near the cliffs that is not on the map, yet. Be prepared to get a little wet at the water crossings after storms.

★★★★★ — Vanessa , Apr 2019

Expansive enough for a good 1 to 2 hour hike. I appreciate the open areas as well as the intimate woods. The gorgeous bucolic scenery is downright romantic, spiritual and breathtaking. Never more than a handful of other visitors. Great for dogs too. Mos definitely recommend!

★★★★★ — Gary , Apr 2022

Once apon a time it was a farm and now it's a preserved open space with a very nice trail. Sadly the town wants to convert it into cricket and softball fields.

★★★★★ — Brian , Apr 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10 reviews →

Plan your run at Franklin Park Natural Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.
  • Websitefranklintwpnj.org
  • Phone+1 732-873-2500 ext. 6279

Where to find Franklin Park Natural Area

903 Old Vliet Rd, Franklin Park, NJ 08823

Get directions

Running trails near Franklin Park

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

Hiking Trail

4.3 ★★★★☆ 23 reviews

Franklin Park, NJ

under a mile away

Bunker Hill Natural Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 22 reviews

Princeton, NJ

Natural surface

1.1 miles away

Six Mile Run Jacques Lane Lot

4.7 ★★★★★ 81 reviews

Somerset, NJ

Scenic

Park, with numerous trails, for walking and cycling, as well as picnic tables.

1.8 miles away

Beechwoods Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 206 reviews

Kendall Park, NJ

LoopPavedScenicDog-friendly

Public park offering a playground, a bike path, and paved trails, plus picnic tables.

2.0 miles away

Six Mile Run State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 46 reviews

Somerset, NJ

6 miNatural surface

State park with well-maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring abandoned houses.

2.2 miles away

Woodlot Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 400 reviews

Monmouth Junction, NJ

Natural surface

Green space housing playgrounds & picnic areas, plus ball fields, tennis/basketball courts & trails.

2.5 miles away

All running trails in Franklin Park, 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.