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St. Michael's Farm Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 98 Google reviews · Running trail in Hopewell, New Jersey · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of St. Michael's Farm Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Site of a former orphanage, now serving as a farm & forested park with hiking trails.
What runners say about St. Michael's Farm Preserve
“Originally the home of St Michael’s orphanage, this preserve is a beautiful spot to go for a walk.”
“It is a great place to walk or hike for all ages.”
“Nobody was around except for a few nature lovers and dog walkers.”
Originally the home of St Michael’s orphanage, this preserve is a beautiful spot to go for a walk. Miles of trails to explore nature. Trails are unpaved so not great for strollers but they’re wide and level. Parking area is small but this park is rarely crowded.
One of our favorite places to walk in the Princeton-Hopewell area - big fields, expansive views, nice passages with cows and sheep. A former religious school, I think, which was almost developed into many large mansions; blessings on those who worked to save it!
Nice park and walk but watch out on the less maintained trails in April May - high grass is tick infested. I had to literally sweep off 20+ ticks after a short walk. They jump up on your legs and crawl further up.
This place was amazing. I went just after Labor Day weekend. Nobody was around except for a few nature lovers and dog walkers. Everybody else was either in school or back to work. I didn't get to walk the entire Park but the sculpture was amazing. There are many other great sites there.
Trail conditions & character
“One of our favorite places to walk in the Princeton-Hopewell area - big fields, expansive views, nice passages with cows and sheep.”
“The preserve is free to visit, but the entrance and parking lot are a little tricky to find.”
“We enjoyed a summer morning trail hike of the preserve with our dog.”
“Trails are unpaved so not great for strollers but they’re wide and level.”
Plan your run at St. Michael's Farm Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
Running trails near Hopewell
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lawrence Hopewell Trail
4.1 ★★★★☆ 15 reviews
Woodfield Reservation
4.5 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
Nearly 100 acres of mature forest featuring trails & a variety of birds & other wildlife.