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Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 164 Google reviews · Running trail in Clifton, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve'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.
What runners say about Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve
“The benches are mostly broken and it could use a real good clean up.”
“Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve is perhaps the most beautiful and educational of all of the places listed under the auspices of the Clifton Department of Parks and Recreation.”
“It’s beside the Parkway so don’t expect quiet but it has a ton of charm with wooden structures, a wildflower garden and maybe benches.”
Update August 2023. Benches have been fixed and the park looks better. Watch out for the animal hole off to the side of the big field. Update March 2022. The park is in need of some repair. The benches are mostly broken and it could use a real good clean up. As well the trail gets very muddy even after a little rain.
A delightful little park. The grass path that is part of the greenway exudes tranquility. The gazebo area in the front is a bit like a flea market of boy scout projects. A recommendation for a project: get crosswalks to cross Broad Street, as the only sidewalk is across the street from the park entrance.
A beautiful hidden treasure. You step out of your car and you're instantly transported to a cozy little patch of greenery. Great for a short walk or a picnic, maybe a quick escape during a lunch break.
Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve is perhaps the most beautiful and educational of all of the places listed under the auspices of the Clifton Department of Parks and Recreation.
Trail conditions & character
“Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve is perhaps the most beautiful and educational of all of the places listed under the auspices of the Clifton Department of Parks and Recreation.”
“So please don't bring your dogs, I barely stepped out of the parking lot and found 1.”
“It’s beside the Parkway so don’t expect quiet but it has a ton of charm with wooden structures, a wildflower garden and maybe benches.”
“The Morris Canal Park is a small park with about 6 parking spaces located just past the Stop & Shop and the office building on Broad Street.”
Plan your run at Morris Canal Park and Nature Reserve
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.
- Websitecliftonnj.myrec.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
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