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Hartshorne Woods Park, Buttermilk Valley Entrance
4.9 ★★★★★ 136 Google reviews · Running trail in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hartshorne Woods Park, Buttermilk Valley Entrance'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.
Bike-friendly park with walking paths and hiking trails.
What runners say about Hartshorne Woods Park, Buttermilk Valley Entrance
“A spiritual feel, a large precious park, always stunning for its natural woodland, hills and dales.”
“Great trails, So beautiful and peaceful.”
This is definitely my favorite of all the Monmouth County parks. Multiple entrances to the park with a variety of great trails going through the heavily wooded area. Good for walks, mountain bikes and dog friendly.
Very nice combination of highly available forest paths and some of a war history site! Paths are suitable for both walking and bikes, very easy from the technical perspective, thus perfect for a senior citizens as well as little kids as well as just a 'take a time to think about something'.
It's a really nice park to go too, though word of warning some of the trees, roots are a bit rough if your out for a bike ride so you may want to scope out the trails first. If not bike safe and enjoy the park.
Great hike today on Cuesta Trail and Battery loop for about 5 miles. We got a real workout and are feeling quite healthy and proud of ourselves 💪 Park trails are well maintained. Many people also out running a biking in groups. Enjoyed this highlands view.
Trail conditions & character
“A spiritual feel, a large precious park, always stunning for its natural woodland, hills and dales.”
“It's a really nice park to go too, though word of warning some of the trees, roots are a bit rough if your out for a bike ride so you may want to scope out the trails first.”
“A spiritual feel, a large precious park, always stunning for its natural woodland, hills and dales.”
“This is the entrance that I always use, Plenty of parking.”
“Good for walks, mountain bikes and dog friendly.”
“Great hike today on Cuesta Trail and Battery loop for about 5 miles.”
Plan your run at Hartshorne Woods Park, Buttermilk Valley Entrance
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
- Websitemonmouthcountyparks.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Atlantic Highlands
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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