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Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 722 Google reviews · Running trail in Califon, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area'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.
Picturesque forestland offering hiking along the Columbia Trail, mountain biking or stream fishing.
What runners say about Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
“We didn’t catch anything, but the water was incredibly clean and clear, perfect for splashing our toes.”
“this picturesque trail runs along a 2 1/2 mile stretch of the Raritan river and is best known for trout fishing in the swift flowing water.”
“Reputed to be one of NJ's most beautiful places, the Gorge offers a serene, restorative walk alongside the Raritan River.”
“Although this turned out to be an easy walk along the river, it was scenic and calming and a great experience.”
It’s beautiful. We came for a hike, in all honesty. Although this turned out to be an easy walk along the river, it was scenic and calming and a great experience. The sound of the rushing water makes the river seem larger that it is and it’s easy to relax and simply enjoy being there.
Found another great NJ hiking gem! Actually more of an easy walk...The Ken Lockwood Gorge...this picturesque trail runs along a 2 1/2 mile stretch of the Raritan river and is best known for trout fishing in the swift flowing water.
The campsite is nice, but the campsites are TINY! I looked at some other sites and there's hardly any distance from the next camp. The bathrooms are beautiful and fully modern. No rustic camping here! Great place if you can't go without modern amenities. Plenty ppl nearby and all around gives it a sense of security.
This was a very beautiful trail and I would highly recommend taking this. We wrote about 15 miles of the Columbia Trail, and this was by far one of the best trails that I’ve ever seen. If you were riding on this trail, I would highly recommend stopping into the pulled fork restaurant as they have very good barbecue!
Trail conditions & character
“place is awesome, one of the best river walks around, path is flat but gets bit rocky in some places, the river views are incredible, the terrain is dynamic”
“Reputed to be one of NJ's most beautiful places, the Gorge offers a serene, restorative walk alongside the Raritan River.”
“place is awesome, one of the best river walks around, path is flat but gets bit rocky in some places, the river views are incredible, the terrain is dynamic”
“You will see runners and people walking their dogs.”
Plan your run at Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitedep.nj.gov
- Phone(973) 383-0918
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Califon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
