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Independence Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,042 Google reviews · Running trail in Newark, New Jersey · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Independence 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.

Dog-friendlyRestrooms

Neighborhood park with lighted softball diamonds, a soccer field, hockey rink, playground & gazebo.

What runners say about Independence Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (2,042 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“My kids ❤ love to go out and play around this beautiful park since they were babies 💕”

The Independence park is beautiful. I love it is good for wheelchair and they have game for the children and for adult you could go play soccer,volleyballs Basketball 🏀 Walk with your dog. 🐕 picnic with your family member

★★★★★ — Nellys , Jan 2026

Our kids and I often spend hours at church (especially holidays) as my hubby works nearby. I cantor whenever possible. The kids are still young, so we love to go here in between and/or during multiple services. This is one of the most fun parks we have been to in NJ.

★★★★☆ — Kirsti , Feb 2023

I like to take my son to ride a bike and play in the playground.and a park with lots of shade. very good place for leisure with the family. He is great to take a walk. It has the field to play basketball and basketball.

★★★★★ — Robertha , May 2018

This is a very family oriented park, very beautiful just to walk through. Love seeing everyone having a great time at the park, especially after COVID. Love the different types of food trucks around the park. You wont be disappointed. For the most park the park is clean and many things to do with the kids.

★★★★★ — Helen , Jul 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 2,042 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.

🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“I love it is good for wheelchair and they have game for the children and for adult you could go play soccer,volleyballs Basketball 🏀 Walk with your dog.”

More trails like this →

🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“A large visitor center complete with bathroom.”

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Plan your run at Independence Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteessexcountyparks.org
  • Phone+1 973-268-3500
  • Social Instagram

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 8:30 am–11:30 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Independence Park

218 Van Buren St, Newark, NJ 07105

Get directions

Running trails near Newark

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

Riverbank Park

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12-acre waterfront park offering athletic fields & courts, 2 playgrounds & open green space.

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Nat Turner Park

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West Hudson Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,079 reviews

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ShadedLitScenicDog-friendly

County facility on 46 acres with various sports facilities, a water park, paths & a fishing lake.

2.0 miles away

Mildred Helms Park

3.8 ★★★★☆ 136 reviews

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Neighborhood park featuring play equipment for kids, a walking track & picnic tables.

2.3 miles away

All running trails in Newark, 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.