HomeNew JerseyWest Creek › Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area

Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · Running trail in West Creek, New Jersey · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Stafford Forge 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.

Natural surfaceDog-friendlyQuiet

Natural area with opportunities for hiking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

What runners say about Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (126 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Beautiful pond to dip your feet in, or let the dogs play in, fun trails to navigate in your 4x4, wide open spaces to explore and appreciate.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Quiet & peaceful, Great place to fish or Watch the sunset 4 wheel in jeep or truck.”

This place is fantastic... Beautiful pond to dip your feet in, or let the dogs play in, fun trails to navigate in your 4x4, wide open spaces to explore and appreciate. Friendly people out there doing the same things you are. It's a locals paradise.

★★★★★ — Shelly , Jul 2024

Nice trail around the lakes. Seems like it is more for 4x4. Didn't see any trail markers to keep me on the trail. Many spots to see the water and get some photos. The loop around the lakes you do have to walk on the main road for a short distance.

★★★★★ — Mike , Feb 2026

Haven't been here in years. Still a great little place for fishing and walking. Wear plenty of insect repellant. The ticks and chiggers are plentiful.

★★★★☆ — Gregg , Aug 2024

Great hiking trails, can get muddy, good for driving, but can be deep water. Watch for ticks, you're in the woods. No facilities.

★★★★★ — Ziporah , Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 126 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“Beautiful pond to dip your feet in, or let the dogs play in, fun trails to navigate in your 4x4, wide open spaces to explore and appreciate.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Quiet & peaceful, Great place to fish or Watch the sunset 4 wheel in jeep or truck.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“Great hiking trails, can get muddy, good for driving, but can be deep water.”

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Plan your run at Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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 6:30 am–8:30 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am–8:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–8:30 pm
Thursday 6:30 am–8:30 pm
Friday 6:30 am–8:30 pm
Saturday 6:30 am–8:30 pm
Sunday 6:30 am–8:30 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area

West Creek, New Jersey

Get directions

Running trails near West Creek

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Longtime outdoor recreation destination with a lake & activities such as fishing, hiking & camping.

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Cedar Bonnet Island Park

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All running trails in West Creek, NJ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.