Home › New Jersey › Basking Ridge › Lord Stirling Park
Lord Stirling Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 433 Google reviews · Running trail in Basking Ridge, New Jersey · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Lord Stirling 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.
Equestrian operation offering English-style trail rides & lessons plus frequent showcases in a ring.
What runners say about Lord Stirling Park
“Trails are great, well maintained, but you have to bring some sort of bug repellent (eco friendly of course), to avoid getting violated (everywhere, their mouths.”
“The Boondocks boardwalk trail has been recently renovated and brings you to a beautiful part of the swamp.”
“The red trail and green trail is an easy walk - most of it is shaded with a few sunny areas at the beginning and end of the trail.”
Such a special and magical place! There are many trail crossings yet each one is marked and extremely well. The trails closer to the nature center have more benches. The center was closing up when I finished my hike and they were very gracious and welcoming.
Wear your wellies when you visit. The paths are delightfully muddy and impassible wearing standard footwear. Only serious hikers with waterproof footgear will make it to the Boondocks!! So much fun. Boardwalks all over the back of the park. You have to try to get to both observatories in the baaaack of the park.
Beautiful nature center with plenty of exhibits. Friendly, helpful staff. Lots of Well maintained trails.
We had warm weather today for January and enjoyed our first hike here. The paths were muddy but waterproofed hiking boots didn’t stop us going. We saw kids wearing long rain boots which I would highly recommend to easy cleaning after the hike. We first took Yellow trail which was very quiet.
Trail conditions & character
“All flat terrain with either a wooden boardwalk, gravel, grass, or woodchips.”
“The Boondocks boardwalk trail has been recently renovated and brings you to a beautiful part of the swamp.”
“Taking the short loop around the first pond will only take you 15 minutes, but if you stick to the perimeter it may take you over two hours to complete.”
“Wear a good pair of waterproof hiking boots; sections of the trail can get very muddy, especially in the spring.”
“All flat terrain with either a wooden boardwalk, gravel, grass, or woodchips.”
“The restrooms have been redone and are quite nice, not what you would expect!”
Plan your run at Lord Stirling Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance2.5 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitesomersetcountyparks.org
- Phone(908) 766-2489
Running trails near Basking Ridge
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Passaic River County Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 79 reviews
Preserved lands offering hiking trails, fresh water fishing, athletic fields & cross country skiing.
Pleasant Valley Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 546 reviews
Green space with a playground, shelters, athletic facilities, a fishing pond, a pool & a theater.
Glenhurst Preserve Trail
3.1 ★★★☆☆ 9 reviews
