Home › New Jersey › Wayne › High Mountain Park Preserve
High Mountain Park Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 537 Google reviews · Running trail in Wayne, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from High Mountain Park 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.
Scenic trails for hiking & mountain biking plus skyline views of Newark & Manhattan from the summit.
What runners say about High Mountain Park Preserve
“The yellow trail has the scenic overlook of the city which is a little steep of a hike, but well worth the effort.”
“The paths are well-marked, and you’ll pass through forest, streams, and some open ridges.”
Beautiful preserved wilderness in Wayne County. I hiked the yellow trail to the summit. Great view. The trail up can be rough toward the end. Be careful hiking after rain, watch your footing and pay close attention to the tree markers.
This reserve is a very well-rounded hike that is not too intense. The trails are very clearly marked and maps can be taken at the entrance. The yellow trail has the scenic overlook of the city which is a little steep of a hike, but well worth the effort.
This park is a nice hidden gem in North Haledon. With several access points, the 3 mile loop that takes you up to the top of the mountain is good exercise and peaceful. The view of surrounding NJ is gorgeous. Around 4pm, the park has some hikers but not enough to feel crowded.
Beautiful place to hike with various ways to get in and on a trail. Was a rather easy 4 miles for us and the pooch. There is a skyline view of the city at the top of the mountain following the yellow path but it is a work out. We did not find the "better view" before crashing at the top.
Trail conditions & character
“The yellow trail has the scenic overlook of the city which is a little steep of a hike, but well worth the effort.”
“The trails were a little muddy when I went on account of the melting snow and ice but the stress level was just right; rough enough to feel like a hike but not overly strenuous.”
“Not too busy even on the weekend, the parking lot is small, only a porta potty available.”
“We made a wrong turn coming back on yellow because the trail marker was only visible from the other direction.”
“Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes because the terrain is rocky and depending on the trail it can become steep in certain areas.”
“Made it to the top by the solar panels and light star.”
“Not too busy even on the weekend, the parking lot is small, only a porta potty available.”
Plan your run at High Mountain Park Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitewaynetownship.com
- Phone+1 973-694-1800
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Wayne
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve)
4.7 ★★★★★ 939 reviews
A peaceful 120-acre nature preserve surrounding a lake known for fishing, hiking & birdwatching.
Dave Waks Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 229 reviews
Park with grass & turf fields for various sports, plus a playground & area for flying model planes.
Goffle Brook Park Pathway, West Of The Brook
4.6 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
Grassy outdoor space featuring picnic areas, a dog park and a playground.
Goffle Brook Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,481 reviews
This scenic green space offers sports fields, a playground & picnic areas, plus a pond & dog park.
Mary Ellen Kramer Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
Park with walking trails, for sightseeing and relaxing, focused on the Great Patterson Falls.