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Stephens State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 795 Google reviews · Running trail in Hackettstown, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Stephens State Park'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.
805-acre park offering camping, 6 miles of trails, freshwater fishing in a stocked river & hunting.
What runners say about Stephens State Park
“Gorgeous park with clean river secluded in a mountainous wooded area.”
“Beautiful park with multiple loop trails, picnic areas right on the water Highly recommend whether for just a nice picnic or if you want a good moderate hike.”
“It was very serene and the people were all respectful.”
Beautiful park with multiple loop trails, picnic areas right on the water Highly recommend whether for just a nice picnic or if you want a good moderate hike. We did one of the longer loops, all trails showed like 2 hours, took us 3 because some areas were a bit of a steep up angle so I needed to take some breaks.
This place is really good to visit and spend time. 3 trails green, orange and red. Mostly all are easy once. There is a playground 🛝 for kids. Beautiful place near river side. Car parking may be a challenge during summer. Max parking available for approx 15 cars.
Often, I scout Google maps in the Tri State area for photoshoot locations and have had this Park bookmarked, for about 4 years. 8 years ago, for this type of scenery I would go to the Mt Tammany Red Dot Trail. However, it's become popular and incredibly crowded. Stephen's State Park is the perfect mix.
This is a nice park developed around the gently flowing river Musconetcong. The waters are calm and peaceful. No swimming or wading is allowed but fishing is allowed. The park is kid and pet friendly and wheel chair accessible. The red trail is stroller / wheel-chair friendly. The other trails are challenging.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful park with multiple loop trails, picnic areas right on the water Highly recommend whether for just a nice picnic or if you want a good moderate hike.”
“Really cool spot to hang out right next to the parking area over the bridge.”
“Beautiful scenery, Accessible Bathrooms, Considerate Hikers and Nature Photographers, People Playing guitar, BBQing, Etc.”
“It was very serene and the people were all respectful.”
“Beautiful scenery, Accessible Bathrooms, Considerate Hikers and Nature Photographers, People Playing guitar, BBQing, Etc.”
“The trial markers were great for the yellow and red, but the orange trial the markers were not fully there.”
Plan your run at Stephens State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitestate.nj.us
- Phone(908) 852-3790
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
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