Home › New Jersey › Rockaway › Wildcat Trailhead
Wildcat Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · Running trail in Rockaway, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Wildcat Trailhead'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.
Wooded, rocky area offering well-marked as well as unmarked trails plus views.
What runners say about Wildcat Trailhead
“Started out orange them briefly yellow (there a beautiful still pond/lake) then white then back to orangish-red which is where ultimate view is located.”
“Stick to the well-marked trails if you don't know the area or explore the many unmarked trails if you're feeling adventurous”
From here one can head northeast to explore the Upper Hibernia Mine ruins, south to Hawkwatch, or west down to the Lower Hibernia Mine ruins. The parking area is large and we’ve never seen it full. There are no bathrooms and the trailhead has no maps.
Nice hiking trails and area. Never been here before and enjoyed it thoroughly. Trails are definitely easy to moderate.
This was a nice little hike that reminded me of sourlands mountain trails. We did the out and back, which is different than the typical loops we do. The trail was varied enough to make the entire hike - both there and back - engaging physically.
A lovely set of trails leading to an old water filled quarry with Beaver dens and to a spectacular overlook. A great place for birders.
Trail conditions & character
“Started out orange them briefly yellow (there a beautiful still pond/lake) then white then back to orangish-red which is where ultimate view is located.”
“Stick to the well-marked trails if you don't know the area or explore the many unmarked trails if you're feeling adventurous”
“The way is easy enough but a bit rocky”
“There’s a porta potty at the lot, then you walk back up the weird bridge where cars are likely to driving.”
Plan your run at Wildcat Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
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 |
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.
Jonathan's Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 91 reviews
Park with a network of trails for walks, birdwatching, and views.
Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 58 reviews
This 3745-acre park is known as a wildlife observation area & offers hiking trails.
Muriel Hepner Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 256 reviews
Family-friendly open space featuring a pond with water features, a playground and woods.
Tourne Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 688 reviews
Park spanning nearly 550 acres, offering views, an entrance dating from 1759 & wildflower trails.