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Jakes Branch County Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 163 Google reviews · Running trail in Beachwood, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Jakes Branch County 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.
Trails, sports fields & a nature center with Pine Barren exhibits, live animals & rooftop views.
What runners say about Jakes Branch County Park
“Like I said, the trail is in great condition and the best part is I hardly encountered any bugs compared to what I’m used to experiencing on trails in this area.”
“Overall really nice almost 4 mile hike through some very beautiful country.”
“Pretty easy trail with very moderate elevation changes.”
Soft sandy trail surrounded by pines and ferns. Low hum from the parkway did drown out the chirps from the chickadees and goldfinches when near, but the trail does go deep enough to get away from the vehicle noise.
Great park for small children with two playgrounds, kid-friendly trails, and interactive nature center. The kids loved being in nature and could have stayed for hours!
I hesitate to write this review lest too many people find out about this amazing park. But wow this is an absolutely 10/10 nature center. I came out around 5:30 am on a Saturday to run the Tindley Loop Trail.
Taking a short break in the shade. The parks pretty awesome. Something for everyone. Nature trails, gigantic playground, soccer/baseball fields. Plus there's the Nature Center with all kinds of history of New Jersey forest fires and Double Trouble. Still have a lot to explore!
Trail conditions & character
“The top gives you a nice view of everything and there’s binoculars on top aswell.”
“I came out around 5:30 am on a Saturday to run the Tindley Loop Trail.”
“The nature center right next to the trail has a very clean restroom and water fountain available.”
“5 year olds, an aging dog, and 4 happy adults on a beautiful Match morning.”
“The nature center right next to the trail has a very clean restroom and water fountain available.”
Plan your run at Jakes Branch County 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, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteoceancountyparks.org
- Phone+1 732-281-2750
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
Running trails near Beachwood
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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