The best running trails around Clifton
5.0
(3)
542
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90
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Jogging around Clifton offers diverse landscapes, from urban parks to wooded areas and marshlands, catering to various fitness levels. The region features a blend of paved paths and rugged woodland trails, with some routes providing elevation gains. Natural features like dense forest patches, rock outcrops, and stream crossings are common. These varied terrains provide engaging running experiences for all.
Best jogging routes around Clifton
- The most popular jogging route is Brookdale Park loop via Lenape Trail, a 2.0 miles (3.1 km) trail that takes 20 minutes to complete. This route offers scenic views and passes through the Essex County Rose Garden.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Garret Mountain Yellow Trail Loop, a moderate 3.1 miles (5.0 km) path. This trail features varied terrain from smooth gravel to woodland stretches, with panoramic views of the New York City skyline.
- Local runners also love the Barbour Pond loop from Woodland Park, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) trail leading through wooded areas around Barbour Pond, often completed in about 35 minutes.
- Jogging around Clifton is defined by urban parks, wooded areas, and marshlands, with routes offering varied terrain and scenic overlooks. The network provides options for easy, moderate, and more challenging running experiences.
- The routes in Clifton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from a few reviews. More than 400 runners have used komoot to explore Clifton's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
14
runners
3.14km
00:20
30m
30m
The Brookdale Park loop, following a section of the Lenape Trail, offers a delightful and accessible jogging experience through a beautifully landscaped urban park. You'll enjoy a mix of open vistas, sweeping green lawns, and serene woodsy stretches, all on predominantly paved surfaces. The gentle elevation changes and winding paths, designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers, create a picturesque backdrop for your run, making it feel like a journey through a living landscape painting.
This easy 2.0-mile (3.1 km) route, with just 98 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick and refreshing workout, typically taking around 19 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for beginner runners or anyone looking for a low-impact, high-reward exercise. The park is well-equipped with amenities like fitness stations and a dog park, and parking is generally easy to find, making planning your visit straightforward.
As a significant urban oasis in Essex County, Brookdale Park is a key part of the 36-mile Lenape Trail, connecting various parks and municipalities. The park's design, from the same firm behind Central Park, is evident in its thoughtful layout and natural beauty. Look for the yellow blazes that mark the trail, guiding you through this historic and well-loved community asset.
3
runners
5.05km
00:37
50m
50m
The Garret Mountain Yellow Trail Loop is a dynamic jogging route that feels surprisingly rugged despite its urban proximity. You'll navigate a mix of dirt paths, rocky sections, and even some paved stretches, all while enjoying the serene waters of Barbour Pond and the wooded surroundings. The highlight for many is the chance to catch impressive, sweeping views of the New York City skyline from various overlooks, making it a rewarding experience for a relatively short effort.
This moderate 3.1-mile (5.0 km) loop involves 164 feet (50 metres) of elevation gain, which you can typically complete in about 37 minutes. The trail is well-marked with yellow blazes, ensuring easy navigation. While specific parking details aren't highlighted, planning your visit for a clear day will maximize your chances of enjoying those iconic skyline views.
What truly sets this trail apart is its blend of natural beauty and historical context. Designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers Firm, known for Central Park, the reservation offers an unexpected escape. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the park as a significant stopover point for over 150 species of migrating birds, adding another layer of interest to your run.
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33
runners
5.32km
00:36
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
runners
3.33km
00:23
50m
50m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
runners
23.4km
02:28
250m
250m
The Presby Iris Memorial Garden loop from Upper Montclair offers a truly distinctive jogging experience, especially if you appreciate running through a living canvas of color. This difficult 14.5-mile (23.4 km) route, with 815 feet (248 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 27 minutes, guiding you through winding paths and past the vibrant "rainbow on the hill" created by thousands of irises. Expect varied terrain, including some hilly sections, providing a good workout while you soak in the beauty of the gardens, complete with a gazebo and reflecting pool.
To make the most of your visit, plan your jog for mid-May to early June, when the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are in their spectacular peak bloom, showcasing over 100,000 flowers. The gardens are generally easy to access, and the route incorporates a segment of the broader Lenape Trail, offering options for extended exploration. This is a perfect choice for those seeking a challenging run combined with an immersive natural and horticultural experience.
What makes this route particularly special is its setting within the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, recognized as the world's largest non-commercial iris garden. Established in 1927, it functions as a living museum, preserving thousands of iris varieties, some dating back to the 1500s. The unique sloped beds give the garden its famous "rainbow on the hill" appearance, transforming a simple jog into a journey through horticultural history and a vibrant display of nature's artistry.
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Tips from the Community
Presby Iris Memorial Garden is a vibrant and colorful space filled with dozens of iris varieties blooming in spring and summer. Enjoy riding or walking through to appreciate the beautiful flowers.
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The Lenape Trail is a 35-mile long trail that connects many of the parks and nature areas in Essex County. This section is a beautiful, paved path that runs through Brookdale Park. It passes the park's large meadow and through some nice green space.
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Brookdale Park is an urban park that is part of the Essex County park system. Several trails run through the park, including the Lenape Trail. There is also a large meadow, dog park, picnic areas and benches.
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Great view from Garret Mountain Reservation of the New York City Skyline. There are several spots in the park where you can catch a glimpse, but this is one of the most popular spots.
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Garret Mountain Reservation is a 300-acre park that is a popular spot for a variety of recreational activities. There are miles of trails for hikers and trail runners in the park, as well as two historical sites: Lambert Castle and Lambert Tower.
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Barbour Pond is the largest body of water in Garret Mountain Reservation. There is a trail that runs along the banks of the pond, so you can get a good view of the water during your run.
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Barbour Pond is the biggest reservoir within the Garret Mountain Reservation. The park features hiking trails that travel on both sides of Barbour Pond and are often utilized by those looking to fish the waters. There are a couple cool overlooks of the pond just off the side of the trail.
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Good for a view passing through or stopping to rest
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available around Clifton?
There are over 80 dedicated running routes around Clifton, offering a wide variety of experiences for all skill levels. You'll find everything from easy, paved paths to more challenging trails with elevation gains.
What kind of terrain can I expect on jogging routes in Clifton?
Clifton's jogging routes feature diverse terrain, including smooth gravel paths, paved walkways, and rugged woodland stretches. You can expect a mix of urban parks, wooded areas, and even marshlands, providing varied running surfaces and natural features like rock outcrops and stream crossings.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy run?
Yes, Clifton offers several easy running routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed pace. For example, the Brookdale Park loop via Lenape Trail is an easy 2.0-mile (3.1 km) route with scenic views and minimal elevation, passing through the Essex County Rose Garden.
Are there more challenging running trails in the Clifton area?
Absolutely. For a more challenging experience, consider routes within Garret Mountain Reservation. These trails often feature elevation gains of around 500 feet and varied terrain, providing a good workout. The Garret Mountain Yellow Trail Loop is a moderate 3.1-mile (5.0 km) path with varied terrain and panoramic views.
Can I find running routes with scenic views or viewpoints?
Yes, many running routes in and around Clifton offer fantastic scenic views. Garret Mountain Reservation, for instance, boasts several overlooks with panoramic views of the New York City skyline and the Passaic River. The Eagle Rock viewpoint is another notable spot for impressive vistas.
Are there any running trails that feature waterfalls?
While not directly within Clifton, the nearby Saddle River County Park offers the Saddle River Pathway loop, which features a scenic waterfall. Additionally, the magnificent 77-foot Great Falls of the Passaic River are a prominent natural wonder at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, offering accessible walks to view them.
Are the running trails around Clifton dog-friendly?
Many parks in the Clifton area are dog-friendly, often with designated off-leash areas. Brookdale Park includes a dog park, and Goffle Brook Park features an enclosed dog run in its southern section, making them great options for running with your canine companion.
What are some interesting landmarks or natural features I might see along the routes?
You can encounter a variety of landmarks and natural features. Garret Mountain Reservation is home to historical sites like Lambert Castle and Lambert Tower, as well as natural features like Barbour Pond and dense forest patches. Other natural attractions include Wild Duck Pond and Barbour Pond, which are great for nature observation.
Are there any circular running routes in the area?
Yes, many routes around Clifton are designed as loops, offering convenient circular runs. The Brookdale Park loop via Lenape Trail and the Barbour Pond loop from Woodland Park are popular examples of circular routes that allow you to start and finish in the same location.
What do other runners enjoy the most about jogging in Clifton?
The running routes around Clifton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Runners often praise the diverse landscapes, from urban parks to wooded areas, and the variety of terrain that caters to different fitness levels. The scenic views, especially of the NYC skyline from Garret Mountain, are frequently highlighted.
Are there any longer running routes for endurance training?
For longer runs, consider routes that connect through larger park systems. The Brookdale Park – Lenape Trail in Brookdale Park loop from Brookdale offers a substantial 7.2-mile (11.6 km) run, providing a good distance for endurance training within a scenic park setting.
Are there any less crowded running routes in Clifton?
While popular spots can get busy, exploring the extensive trail networks within larger parks like Garret Mountain Reservation or Goffle Brook Park can often lead you to quieter sections, especially during off-peak hours. These parks offer numerous interconnected trails, allowing for a more secluded running experience.
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