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Sourland Mountain Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,529 Google reviews · Running trail in Hillsborough Township, 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 Sourland Mountain Preserve'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.
Rugged terrain for moderate hikes, mountain biking, birding & horseback riding in a nature preserve.
What runners say about Sourland Mountain Preserve
“- clean port o pots in the parking lot for bathrooms - map at beginning of trail head for ease - color marked trails.”
“The trails are beautifully maintained, with stunning views that make life worth living (unless you get lost, then it’s just existential crisis).”
“Trails are well marked and maintained there was only one spot where there was a split and it got confusing because of the rocks.”
So soothing to hike there! It feels like the whole world is at peace...until you trip over a root and remember you are just a human navigating nature! The trails are beautifully maintained, with stunning views that make life worth living (unless you get lost, then it’s just existential crisis).
Our first time to Sourland didn't disappoint. A little muddy in areas from previous days rain didn't slow us down as we traversed and climbed rocks varying in size from a few inches to 30 ft.
Very cool place. I went midweek during the day and didn't see many people. I found the boulders very interesting. There is a direct path to the viewpoint which is the way we went down. Could not see NYC but was a great view of new Brunswick and opportunity to test the 30x zoom on my Pixel 7 Pro. Plenty of parking
One of my favorite places to go hiking with my dog. We’ve been here well over 20 times and there are several different trails to explore here. You can bike here as well. If you enjoy rock climbing there is some fun bouldering that can be done as well. Great to come here all year round. Gets pretty busy on the weekends.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are beautifully maintained, with stunning views that make life worth living (unless you get lost, then it’s just existential crisis).”
“A little muddy in areas from previous days rain didn't slow us down as we traversed and climbed rocks varying in size from a few inches to 30 ft.”
“Notes: - they offer a large parking lot which fills up with crowds but parking wasn’t a issue!”
“My wife, two kids and our overly energetic dog spent a few hours here exploring the trails and every rock formation we could find.”
“Trails are well marked and maintained there was only one spot where there was a split and it got confusing because of the rocks.”
“- clean port o pots in the parking lot for bathrooms - map at beginning of trail head for ease - color marked trails.”
Plan your run at Sourland Mountain Preserve
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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesomersetcountyparks.org
- Phone+1 908-722-1200
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 |
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