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Hugh Force Canal Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 187 Google reviews · Running trail in Wharton, New Jersey · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Hugh Force Canal Park'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.
Public green space featuring a scenic walk next to the remains of an old boat channel & railroad.
What runners say about Hugh Force Canal Park
“A wonderfully beautiful spot for strolling along a flat towpath.”
“It was nice to be around water in a peaceful setting without anybody else really around mid-day.”
Having moved to Morris County a little under two years ago, I knew there was already much historical landmarks and nature trails. To my surprise, I walked down an unmarked path and came upon the former incline plane and this canal park.
Relatively new to the area and still look for easy hiking trails to take the pup. This little historic trek was nice and informative. Just be careful if you take a dog and go to the end because there is a lot of poison ivy on the sides of the tight trail.
A beautiful area to go for a walk or hike. There's an area to sit by the lock 2 force (the area where narrowboats would enter the canal) still stands. Wildlife can be observed by the protected area including herons.
A nice little park that can serve as a starting point for a walk on the historic Morris canal, a fishing adventure or a spot for a picnic. My daughter appreciated the old school playground. I enjoyed the shade.
Trail conditions & character
“A small playground situated next to parking lot.”
“A wonderfully beautiful spot for strolling along a flat towpath.”
“A wonderfully beautiful spot for strolling along a flat towpath.”
“It was nice to be around water in a peaceful setting without anybody else really around mid-day.”
“To my surprise, I walked down an unmarked path and came upon the former incline plane and this canal park.”
“Just be careful if you take a dog and go to the end because there is a lot of poison ivy on the sides of the tight trail.”
Plan your run at Hugh Force Canal Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemorrisparks.net
- Phone(973) 989-0237
- 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 |
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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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