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Riverbank Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,104 Google reviews · Running trail in Newark, New Jersey · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Riverbank 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.

Lit at nightRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Baseball diamond with a grandstand, plus basketball & tennis courts, a track & a playground.

What runners say about Riverbank Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,104 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“Clean, modern, with plenty of space for all the parents present to sit comfortably and respectful of social distancing.”

Beautiful park... modern playground with running sprinklers for the children in the summer... Tennis and basketball courts.. Running track around soccer field.. baseball field with a little stadium... Trails by river with work out stations and mile markers. ..... Update...

★★★★★ — Shy , Jun 2019

I like taking early Morning walks thru the park, very peaceful, it brings down my stress levels where I'm able to gather my thoughts and enjoy a few minutes of peace and tranquility.

★★★★☆ — Maria , Aug 2021

I love going here to relax and grab some sun… it can get a bit busy at times, however there’s always space to run away to. There’s great play areas for little kids, and great athletic areas for older kids. If you’re like me, I occasionally hop on a slide myself (I’m a big kid at heart.

★★★★☆ — Brainart , Jan 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,104 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 5 mentions

“My family and I love this park, I just wish they would honor the bathroom hours , it’s 5:33 pm & the bathrooms close.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“Parking is difficult, especially for people that haven't been there before but the field is very nice and seating is good.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“Park has baseball fields/tennis courts water fountains and seating areas, dog friendly”

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💡 Lit for night running 2 mentions

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Plan your run at Riverbank 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.
  • LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • Websiteessexcountyparks.org
  • Phone+1 973-268-3500
  • Social Instagram

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

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 Riverbank Park

Market St & VanBuren Street, Newark, NJ 07105

Get directions

Running trails near Newark

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

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Essex County Riverfront Park

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12-acre waterfront park offering athletic fields & courts, 2 playgrounds & open green space.

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Independence Park

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Neighborhood park with lighted softball diamonds, a soccer field, hockey rink, playground & gazebo.

under a mile away

West Hudson Park

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ShadedLitScenicDog-friendly

County facility on 46 acres with various sports facilities, a water park, paths & a fishing lake.

1.4 miles away

Nat Turner Park

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Urban recreation space with a playground & outdoor pool, plus a football field with a running track.

2.2 miles away

Gunnell Oval

4.6 ★★★★★ 373 reviews

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ShadedScenic

Green space offering baseball fields, soccer fields, a basketball court & a play area.

2.4 miles away

All running trails in Newark, 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.