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Rockaway River State Wildlife Management Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 68 Google reviews · Running trail in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Rockaway River State Wildlife Management Area'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.
3,667-acre park featuring the Beaver Brook hiking trail offers hunting, shooting ranges & fishing.
What runners say about Rockaway River State Wildlife Management Area
“It's so beautiful and clean, trails are well maintained, air is clean and it's just such a pleasure to walk our two Grayhounds.”
“It's so beautiful and clean, trails are well maintained, air is clean and it's just such a pleasure to walk our two Grayhounds.”
“Don't expect the trails to be well marked, many have no markings at all or exceedingly faint making or flagging.”
“Rugged and peaceful natural area, wear tall boots it gets very muddy near the Beaver Brook.”
The views here are breathtaking. Love to take my dog here on our daily morning walk
This WMA is my favorite to explore as it possesses seemingly endless trails and is rich in history. Many of the main trials were historically used for now long abandoned farmsteads and iron mines, who's evidence can still easily be seen right off main trails, and remain well traveled by hunters and PSE&G crews as…
This is a great place to go fishing or take the kids to site see. It is usually pretty quiet, for the most part. There are rarely other families or people there which help with the tranquillity and serenity to wonderful highs.
Really enjoyed time here, put in about eight miles. Teal trail is VERY poorly marked, and has a few downed trees at some points. Both the yellow and teal trails had very muddy parts. Highly recommend having map + orienting skills if hitting the parts furthest from Saffin Pond.
Trail conditions & character
“It's so beautiful and clean, trails are well maintained, air is clean and it's just such a pleasure to walk our two Grayhounds.”
“Good place to deer hunt, mountain bike, or just hike / walk your dog.”
“Rugged and peaceful natural area, wear tall boots it gets very muddy near the Beaver Brook.”
“Rugged and peaceful natural area, wear tall boots it gets very muddy near the Beaver Brook.”
“Don't expect the trails to be well marked, many have no markings at all or exceedingly faint making or flagging.”
Plan your run at Rockaway River State Wildlife Management Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Lake Hopatcong
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
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Ogden Mine Railroad Trail Access
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Ogden Mine Railroad Trail Access
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Sparta Glen Park
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