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Washington Valley Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 720 Google reviews · Running trail in Bridgewater, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Washington Valley 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.
Expansive historic area featuring 18th- & 19th-century farmhouses & buildings, plus nature trails.
What runners say about Washington Valley Park
“Washington Valley Park offers beautiful hiking trails, rocky terrain, and peaceful natural scenery.”
“A nice natural area with good, well-marked trails.”
A beautiful park to visit! Usually not too crowded. A perfect place to relax. The trail is a bit rocky at some points, so I would definitely recommend walking/hiking shoes for this trail.
I loved it! If you enjoy hiking or biking, it's a really good place. It's completely different—rural, with big trees that make it an interesting spot to rest from the city's noise. We walked for at least three miles, and I'm pretty sure that was nothing compared to how much more there is to explore!
This is a good park for hiking There are few elevations but not that great compared to other nearby parks. I have posted pics to give you a hint on how the early spring hike would look like. I took the longest 5 mile hike and it was roughly 120mins.
11.18.22 Brisk walk in nature with no one around except for a couple of mountain bikers. We enjoyed this easy hike, although a bit rocky, slippery, and muddy in a few spots. The trails were well marked. There was a porta potty at the parking lot. Crossed a couple bridges. Saw some wildlife.
Trail conditions & character
“A winding, green, multi-use set of paths crossing Newman’s lane, up and down some modest hills with views of water big and small.”
“The trail is a bit rocky at some points, so I would definitely recommend walking/hiking shoes for this trail.”
“I hiked a relatively easy 2 mile loop following the single and double reds.”
“We took the one from the parking area but only made it about 30mins or so on the trail.”
“Polite trail for walking, jogging, running, and biking, with friendly vibes and occasionally a dog.”
“A winding, green, multi-use set of paths crossing Newman’s lane, up and down some modest hills with views of water big and small.”
“There's a parking area and a clean portable bathroom available.”
“Great variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking and trail running - flat, rolling, hilly, rocky.”
“A nice natural area with good, well-marked trails.”
Plan your run at Washington Valley Park
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
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitesomersetcountyparks.org
- Phone+1 908-722-1200
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 |
Running trails near Bridgewater
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Chimney Rock Park
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Buttermilk Falls
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Dam and nature area featuring trails and a waterfall.
Mountain Park
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Baseball, softball, soccer & lacrosse fields in an open recreational area, plus jogging trails.
