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South Branch River Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Running trail in Branchburg, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from South Branch River Trail'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 South Branch River Trail
“Beautiful spot next to the river, very relaxing”
“it's really bliss and peaceful anytime of year.”
BEAUTIFUL . These trails and rivers are great. it's really bliss and peaceful anytime of year. they restored the mill after the storm in September. you can walk along the river. ***Can not swim*** take in the beauty NJ has to offer and it wont disappoint
Fun walk As someone mentioned on the trail, the trail leading beneath the tracks and southwards is treacherous and rough, though signs seem to point to it as a trail to Joe Stala Park— it’s not a route I would take a 3yo (but would attempt with other adults)
Flat walk along the Raritan River. One muddy area, otherwise dry enough after a few days of rain.
Easy, fun walk - good place to stop off on the way home. 45 min out and back again (not a loop). Very scenic. Note: if you cross under the bridge from this end of the trail you have to make a hard right to find the path.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful spot next to the river, very relaxing”
“it's really bliss and peaceful anytime of year.”
“Short neighborhood trail for easy jogging or biking, plenty parking, mostly flat and partially shaded.”
Plan your run at South Branch River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- Websitesomersetcountyparks.org
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 Branchburg
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Joe Stala Park
5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
Higginsville Trail (Woodfern Section) Access
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Sourland Mountain Preserve
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Rugged terrain for moderate hikes, mountain biking, birding & horseback riding in a nature preserve.
Sourland Mountain Hiking Trail Hillsborough
4.7 ★★★★★ 641 reviews
Park featuring boulder formations as well as hiking trails, a few of which are easy and a few of which are steep.