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The Deserted Village
4.5 ★★★★★ 932 Google reviews · Running trail in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from The Deserted Village'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.
Peaceful wilderness dotted with barns and deserted homes along walking paths.
What runners say about The Deserted Village
“The nature center was a nice bonus, with air conditioning, clean bathrooms, and helpful information about the area.”
“It feels peaceful walking in the woods and the trees are beautiful.”
“Trails are well marked and well kept.”
“Overall, it's a peaceful place to walk around, enjoy nature, and learn a little local history.”
went here today and it was alittle underwhelming. however, it is very well maintained, clean and a great spot to walk around on a nice day. kid friendly, dog friendly. there is a parking lot up above with a map of trails. there are also clean public bathrooms in the back if the main building I posted a photo of.
This is a fun place. In my video, Grok captured a floating old lady ghost. I fed it a photo from one of the history plaques. The hike up to the old cemetery from the bottom is a challenging stepped climb. At the top some witchery had taken place! The surrounding lore of that area is spooky.
This was a pretty cool place to check out with the family. There is free parking at the front which is easy to get to and right off the highway. There is a lot to see in the deserted village itself.
The audio tour was great. It really bought to life the village of Feltville through colorful detail and good route instructions. If you miss the cemetery the first time like I did, make a right at the tall tree stump.
Trail conditions & character
“It feels peaceful walking in the woods and the trees are beautiful.”
“There is free parking at the front which is easy to get to and right off the highway.”
“Overall, it's a peaceful place to walk around, enjoy nature, and learn a little local history.”
“The nature center was a nice bonus, with air conditioning, clean bathrooms, and helpful information about the area.”
“Main path is paved and side paths are well established.”
Plan your run at The Deserted Village
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteucnj.org
- Phone(908) 527-4000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
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