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Merrill Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,127 Google reviews · Running trail in Colonia, New Jersey · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Merrill 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-friendlyRestroomsTrailhead parking

What runners say about Merrill Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (2,127 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“The variety of amenities is impressive, featuring multiple play areas, well-maintained walking tracks, and dedicated spaces for baseball and basketball.”

Went here just for a walk and found a animal sanctuary here. I got real cool with the ducks. One tried to take my phone as food while getting a shot of them. I hold no grudge. I didn’t get to see Maggie the cow, cause she was being a lazy heifer (see what I did there). 😉

★★★★★ — Kayden , Jul 2022

A fantastic place for family and friends to hang out together. With lots of parking, a big playground, and courts for basketball, tennis, and soccer, there's something for everyone. You can also take a walk or have a picnic with barbecue pits. The restrooms are clean, and the surroundings are refreshing.

★★★★★ — Ajinkya , Mar 2024

Great expansive park with plenty of things to do. There is a small group of farm animals, walking paths, several kids playgrounds, sports fields, and bathroom facilities. Excellent place to bring the family.

★★★★★ — Kevin , Apr 2021

Merrill Park is truly a gem that welcomes everyone, regardless of age. Whether you are bringing a toddler, visiting as a youth, or enjoying a stroll as a senior, there is something here for you.

★★★★★ — Kalyan , May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 2,127 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.

🚻 Restrooms 6 mentions

“Assume place to have a kids bday party if your looking for a nice place that’s open with grate shade no need to put up tents it’s close to a restroom.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“With lots of parking, a big playground, and courts for basketball, tennis, and soccer, there's something for everyone.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“It’s also dog-friendly; it’s heartwarming to see dogs eagerly waiting to meet their furry friends.”

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Plan your run at Merrill 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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitemiddlesexcountynj.gov
  • Phone+1 732-745-3900

Hours

Monday 6 am–8 pm
Tuesday 6 am–8 pm
Wednesday 6 am–8 pm
Thursday 6 am–8 pm
Friday 6 am–8 pm
Saturday 6 am–8 pm
Sunday 6 am–8 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 Merrill Park

Fairview Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067

Get directions

Running trails near Colonia

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

Milton Lake Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 406 reviews

Rahway, NJ

ScenicDog-friendly

Leafy lake & riverside park allowing fishing, with trails for exercise & biking.

1.9 miles away

Edison State Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 483 reviews

Edison, NJ

LitScenic

Green space with woods, a field & a pond, plus a museum & memorial dedicated to Thomas Edison.

2.2 miles away

Ernest L. Oros Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 195 reviews

Avenel, NJ

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Wildlife preservation area with a butterfly garden and trails, plus gazebos, a playground and benches.

2.3 miles away

River Front Park

4 ★★★★☆ 29 reviews

Rahway, NJ

Scenic

2.4 miles away

Roosevelt Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,157 reviews

Edison, NJ

PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Park offering multiple sports areas, trails, lake fishing, an ice skating rink & an outdoor theater.

2.8 miles away

Oak Ridge Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,127 reviews

Clark, NJ

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Serene scenic park offering bicycle & fitness trails plus a public archery range with lessons.

2.9 miles away

All running trails in Colonia, 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.