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Herrontown Woods

4.5 ★★★★★ 151 Google reviews · Running trail in Princeton, New Jersey · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Herrontown Woods' 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.

Natural surfaceDog-friendlyFlat & fastHillyMile markersQuiet

This 142-acre pine forest has walking trails & more than 30 species of trees, shrubs & flowers.

What runners say about Herrontown Woods

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (151 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“the paths are pretty well maintained but there are alot of insects so bug spray is a must.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“If you want to spend more time outdoors, Herrontown Woods connects to Autumn Hill Trails and All Saints Trail, giving you even more scenic paths to explore.”

🪧 well-marked 3 mentions

“Paths are well marked and easy to follow.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“It is a quiet place to relax and is way off the beaten path.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Until now, my hikes have mostly been flat and beginner-friendly, but this trail gave me a taste of elevation.”

Today I explored the Herrontown Woods Red Trail. Until now, my hikes have mostly been flat and beginner-friendly, but this trail gave me a taste of elevation. It’s a bit rocky, so I wouldn’t recommend hiking it after rainy days unless you have proper boots and basic gear.

★★★★★ — Local , Aug 2025

Great hiking trails plus lots of places to just sit and relax in nature. They have a Little Free Library that I maintained by Princeton Public Library.

★★★★★ — Janie , Jul 2022

Herrontown Woods emerges as a crown jewel within the realm of natural preserves, offering an unparalleled hiking experience that caters to both the adventurous spirit and the serene soul seeking refuge in nature's lap.

★★★★★ — Cristo , Feb 2024

This place is great for a walk/hike. Perfect to bring your kids and your dogs.

★★★★★ — Ce , Nov 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 151 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 10 mentions

“There was a large group there when we got there so I'm faulting them, but there was pieces of games thrown all over, toys left everywhere on the muddy ground.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It is a quiet place to relax and is way off the beaten path.”

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Flat & fast 3 mentions

“Beyond the random lawn chairs and stick sculptures are flat stones across flowing water, a cascade of enormous boulders, and wide expanses of trees and trails.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Until now, my hikes have mostly been flat and beginner-friendly, but this trail gave me a taste of elevation.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“The trails are dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry companions.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“Paths are well marked and easy to follow.”

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Plan your run at Herrontown Woods

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteherrontownwoods.org
  • Phone(609) 924-4141
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Herrontown Woods

600 Snowden Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540

Get directions

Running trails near Princeton

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

Autumn Hill Reservation

4.3 ★★★★☆ 56 reviews

Princeton, NJ

Natural surfaceScenic

Nature reserve with basic paths through a habitat of native geology, vegetation & woodland animals.

under a mile away

Gulick Farm Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

Princeton, NJ

Loop

under a mile away

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Kingston

4.7 ★★★★★ 170 reviews

Princeton, NJ

Scenic

Park with walking and biking trails and wildlife, plus a museum with canal photos.

1.2 miles away

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 35 reviews

Princeton, NJ

Natural surfaceScenic

1.2 miles away

Van Horne Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 246 reviews

Rocky Hill, NJ

A large park featuring baseball fields, a playground and a biking path, as well as basketball courts and picnic tables.

1.5 miles away

D & R Canal - Rocky Hill

4.8 ★★★★★ 151 reviews

Kingston, NJ

LoopNatural surfaceScenic

Nature preserve offering biking and walking paths along the Delaware and Raritan Canal.

1.7 miles away

All running trails in Princeton, 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.