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Muriel Hepner Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 256 Google reviews · Running trail in Denville, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Muriel Hepner Nature 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.
Family-friendly open space featuring a pond with water features, a playground and woods.
What runners say about Muriel Hepner Nature Park
“The playground at the park was well-maintained and had various play structures suitable for children of different ages.”
“The park offers a range of amenities including a small playground, a serene lake, a charming bridge, and a scenic walking trail.”
“It was well-marked and provided a refreshing opportunity for us to stretch our legs and enjoy a leisurely walk amidst nature.”
“The playground is one of my son's favorites, and the walking trails through the woods are quiet and peaceful, great for walking my dog.”
“The playground is one of my son's favorites, and the walking trails through the woods are quiet and peaceful, great for walking my dog.”
The park offers a range of amenities including a small playground, a serene lake, a charming bridge, and a scenic walking trail. It was the perfect destination to spend quality time with our kids. The playground at the park was well-maintained and had various play structures suitable for children of different ages.
For what appeared to be a small park with a lake and playground, let me tell you, it was far more than that! If you choose to venture off the asphalt path and into the dirt trail, you will find several unmarked paths you can take that lead you by a private road along Crystal & Mountain Avenue.
This park is a happy place. There is a nice paved path around the pond and a clearly marked trail around the swamp. It's very quiet and full of wildlife. The town, scouts, and other volunteers transformed this area from an impossible swamp to a nice hike and it keeps growing with more to see.
I walk here alone and with the grandkids. It is lovely. The water Lillie’s each year and the swans are a sweet addition. You will see lots of other wildlife. You can walk around the pond - 3 times = 1mile or around the swamp. The playground needs some shade though and an update.
Trail conditions & character
“The playground is one of my son's favorites, and the walking trails through the woods are quiet and peaceful, great for walking my dog.”
“The park offers a range of amenities including a small playground, a serene lake, a charming bridge, and a scenic walking trail.”
“The picnic benches can be commonly found by the parking lot and there are chairs by the lake by the trails.”
“The playground is one of my son's favorites, and the walking trails through the woods are quiet and peaceful, great for walking my dog.”
“The path around the pond is paved and flat, very easy for children or elderly people to navigate.”
Plan your run at Muriel Hepner Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitedenvillenj.org
- Phone+1 973-625-8300
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
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