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G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve)
4.7 ★★★★★ 939 Google reviews · Running trail in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 11.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve)'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.
A peaceful 120-acre nature preserve surrounding a lake known for fishing, hiking & birdwatching.
What runners say about G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve)
“Absolutely beautiful, amazing and fun the trails are beautiful and clean so you can bring the little kids also.”
“On a cold, breezy, beautiful sunny morning, I drove my dog over to the Donch Nature Preserve to do a lap around Haledon Reservoir.”
“If you love serene still waters that resemble glass, deep forests that glide along the lake banks and breathtaking beauty overall this Preserve is a def go to for the whole family.”
“If you want to enjoy a couple of miles easy hike around the lake then this is a place for you.”
Perfect place for a relaxing morning walk. The trails are very clean and terrain is flat, making it an easy walk for most people. Some of the paths deeper into the preserve can get muddy after rain, so you should wear gear you do not mind getting dirty. Plenty of parking available as well.
Amazing oasis in the corner of my county of Bergen. Wow!! If you love serene still waters that resemble glass, deep forests that glide along the lake banks and breathtaking beauty overall this Preserve is a def go to for the whole family. Wear comfy sneakers and take water and a light snack.
A great local nature preserve with a beautiful lake view and permanent resident swans. A few trails for great family hikes. But wear good shoes for the terrain is a bit rough at some spots. It’s our family’s go-to place for a causal hike and grocery shopping at the Fresh Grocer(less than a mile away) on the way home. 👍
Great trail around the lake with lots of shade. The connecting islands are beautiful and so cool. Great place to walk your dog. I even saw some dogs going for a swim. Would have been nice if there were more places to throw out doggy bags but this is a small complaint.
Trail conditions & character
“On a cold, breezy, beautiful sunny morning, I drove my dog over to the Donch Nature Preserve to do a lap around Haledon Reservoir.”
“Part of the trail is nothing but tree roots, part of it is gravel and rocks, and the other section is narrow bridges and uneven land.”
“We took that muddy and root filled route back to the gated dam entrance, where we made a left over the earthen dam, and back to the parking lot.”
“From the lot, we went counterclockwise on the wide, white blazed, shoreline loop trail.”
“We took our 2 week old baby in our jogger stroller and loved every second of it, she fell asleep along the way🤗 Highly recommend for a quick little getaway stroll.”
“If you love serene still waters that resemble glass, deep forests that glide along the lake banks and breathtaking beauty overall this Preserve is a def go to for the whole family.”
“Mostly flat, gravel trail with tougher areas of tree root exposure causing some “rugged and bumpy” areas (but beautiful and natural).”
“The only complain is about not having public restrooms which was disappointing.”
“On a cold, breezy, beautiful sunny morning, I drove my dog over to the Donch Nature Preserve to do a lap around Haledon Reservoir.”
“Part of the trail is nothing but tree roots, part of it is gravel and rocks, and the other section is narrow bridges and uneven land.”
Plan your run at G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve)
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance11.2 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefranklinlakes.org
- Phone(201) 891-4000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6 PM |
Where to find G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve)
Running trails near Franklin Lakes
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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Indian Trail Club
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Wyckoff Community Park
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Dave Waks Memorial Park
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Park with grass & turf fields for various sports, plus a playground & area for flying model planes.