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Garvey Springs Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 22 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Garvey Springs Trail'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.
What runners say about Garvey Springs Trail
“Short but relatively steep hike to gorgeous Sunfish Pond along the Appalachian Trail.”
Short but relatively steep hike to gorgeous Sunfish Pond along the Appalachian Trail. We saw deer, frogs, newts, and fish jumping. It was ~90°F and our high noon arrival made it a slight more challenging than some of the other nearby trails. Can't wait to go back earlier in the morning or at a cooler time of the year.
This is the most beautiful hike I've taken outside of a national park. Challenging but safe and well-maintained, absolutely resplendent with nature and wildlife, stunning views. 5 stars 🌟 for sure.
This is my favorite hike in the area. It’s poorly marked. It’s nearly straight up. You walk along rocks and boulders as the creek is running below them. The sounds of running water throughout the rocks beneath you is incredible. This trail makes you feel like time stopped, like you’re the only one around.
Follow the orange mark you'll find the shortest path to Sunfish pond. You can go the other way which is white square filled with blue for a less elevated trail
Trail conditions & character
“Short but relatively steep hike to gorgeous Sunfish Pond along the Appalachian Trail.”
“Take this instead of Douglas to get a beautiful Sunfish Pond loop with the AT.”
“Short but relatively steep hike to gorgeous Sunfish Pond along the Appalachian Trail.”
Plan your run at Garvey Springs Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
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 |
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