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Sparta Mountain WMA
4.3 ★★★★☆ 20 Google reviews · Running trail in Sparta, 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 Sparta Mountain WMA'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 Sparta Mountain WMA
“The lake itself is beautiful with trails that will have you hiking for countless hours, exploring the depths of Sparta Mountain.”
The road leading to the lake and parking lot is filled with severe pot holes so you have to be really careful or risk getting a flat tire on a one way road in the middle of the woods. The lake itself is beautiful with trails that will have you hiking for countless hours, exploring the depths of Sparta Mountain.
A large area, worth exploring. In Sparta, it’s best accessed from Edison Road either at Ryker Lake, or at the Edison monument site marker at the top of the mountain. The Highlands Trail goes by the east side of Ryker Lake.
Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area is accesible from various trailheads/parking area, one being at the Edison Monument. This 3500-acre park is part of the larger Highlands Core Forest, which is 340 square miles of NJ's most intact, mature forest.
Some really cool MTB trails here. But be prepared for technical rock trails. No flow trails here.
Trail conditions & character
“The lake itself is beautiful with trails that will have you hiking for countless hours, exploring the depths of Sparta Mountain.”
“Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area is accesible from various trailheads/parking area, one being at the Edison Monument.”
“Still a fun place to walk the dog or observe nature.”
“In Sparta, it’s best accessed from Edison Road either at Ryker Lake, or at the Edison monument site marker at the top of the mountain.”
“Hiking trails are muddy and poorly maintained.”
Plan your run at Sparta Mountain WMA
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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(201) 512-9348
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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