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Wildcat Ridge

4.4 ★★★★☆ 38 Google reviews · Running trail in Rockaway, New Jersey · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Wildcat Ridge'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.

Wildcat Ridge — running trail in Rockaway, NJ, photo 1
Wildcat Ridge — running trail in Rockaway, NJ, photo 2
Wildcat Ridge — running trail in Rockaway, NJ, photo 3
Wildcat Ridge — running trail in Rockaway, NJ, photo 4
Wildcat Ridge — running trail in Rockaway, NJ, photo 5
Open 24hScenicHilly

What runners say about Wildcat Ridge

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (38 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Fantastic trail that leads up some good incline, and finishes off at a gorgeous lookout admired by bird watchers!”

Some excellent hiking here with plenty to see like Bat Hibernaculum, St. Patricks Cemetery and Hawkwatch Overlook, check AllTrails for navigation, all mentioned locations are labeled there.

★★★★★ — Mirrorlessny , Apr 2024

Great place to go hiking, my dog loves it!!! Make sure to wear good shoes with ankle support as there are areas that have loose rocks and can easily turn an ankle. The trails aren't all kept up so you may have to climb over some downed trees here and there. Some cool surprises you will find along the way!

★★★★★ — Ken , Jan 2026

Excellent place for mountain biking. Trails jumps lotta rocks but good good climbs and banked turns. Recommend if you're from the area. Found a cave. Very very cool air coming out. It was fascinating

★★★★★ — Eugene , Jul 2025

The trails were definitely moderate. AllTrails helped me through. One of my favorite trails. There's two sides. I have to go back and do the second! Good elevation!

★★★★★ — Aster , Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 38 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“Patricks Cemetery and Hawkwatch Overlook, check AllTrails for navigation, all mentioned locations are labeled there.”

More trails like this →

⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Fantastic trail that leads up some good incline, and finishes off at a gorgeous lookout admired by bird watchers!”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Wildcat Ridge

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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.

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

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 Wildcat Ridge

Rockaway, New Jersey

Get directions

Running trails near Rockaway

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

Wildcat Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 52 reviews

Rockaway, NJ

Natural surfaceScenic

Wooded, rocky area offering well-marked as well as unmarked trails plus views.

under a mile away

Hawk watch trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 7 reviews

Rockaway, NJ

Natural surface

1.2 miles away

Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 58 reviews

Rockaway, NJ

ScenicDog-friendly

This 3745-acre park is known as a wildlife observation area & offers hiking trails.

1.2 miles away

Jonathan's Woods

4.7 ★★★★★ 91 reviews

Denville, NJ

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Park with a network of trails for walks, birdwatching, and views.

1.3 miles away

Muriel Hepner Nature Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 256 reviews

Denville, NJ

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Family-friendly open space featuring a pond with water features, a playground and woods.

3.0 miles away

Tourne Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 688 reviews

Denville, NJ

12 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Park spanning nearly 550 acres, offering views, an entrance dating from 1759 & wildflower trails.

3.5 miles away

All running trails in Rockaway, 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.