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United States
New Jersey
Morris County

Rainbow Lakes

The best walks and hikes around Rainbow Lakes

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 31, 2026

If you've ever tried planning a day out hiking around Rainbow Lakes, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails to choose from, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and which are just filler. We get it — you want to hit the trails that offer the best experience, not waste precious hours on guesswork.

That's where we come in. Our komoot community has walked, reviewed, and mapped these routes, giving us a real-world look at what Rainbow Lakes truly offers. This guide is your shortcut to the trails that deliver, curated from the experiences of over 200 hikers who've explored this area. Expect easy walking paths and park loops, with gentle hills that make for accessible outdoor experiences through green spaces and developed areas.

For a fantastic introduction to the area, we'd start with the White Ogden, Red and Blue Trail Loop, a 3.2 miles (5.2 km) route that offers varied parkland and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. If you're looking for something with a bit more scenic payoff and a touch of elevation, the Beacon Hill Trail, at 2.0 miles (3.2 km), is a local favorite. Dive in and discover your next favorite hike with komoot.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    White Ogden, Red and Blue Trail Loop
  2. 2

    Beacon Hill Trail
  3. 3

    Mountain Lakes Boulevard Walking Path

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

White Ogden, Red and Blue Trail Loop

5.18 km

70 m

Easy

Beacon Hill Trail

3.17 km

110 m

Easy

Mountain Lakes Boulevard Walking Path

3.48 km

20 m

Easy

Beacon Hill Trail

2.00 km

50 m

Easy

Tourne County Park loop from Mountain Lakes

2.72 km

90 m

Easy

Tourne County Park – Wildflower Trail loop from Mountain Lakes

2.73 km

110 m

Easy

Mountain Lakes Dock and Boats loop from Mountain Lakes

8.04 km

50 m

Moderate

Red Trail loop from Mountain Lakes

3.37 km

30 m

Easy

Wildflower Trail loop from Boonton

5.29 km

70 m

Easy

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1.

White Ogden, Red and Blue Trail Loop

5.18km

01:24

70m

70m

The White Ogden, Red and Blue Trail Loop is an easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) hiking route, perfect for a quick and accessible outdoor escape. With a modest 226 feet (69 metres) of elevation gain, this trail offers a gentle journey through local woodlands, including sections of the Red Trail, making it a great option for a relaxed outing. You can expect to complete this loop in about 1 hour and 24 minutes, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and consistent, easy-to-follow paths.

Planning your visit to this trail is generally straightforward. While specific parking details for the White Ogden, Red and Blue Trail Loop are not widely publicized, checking local trail resources or apps before you go is a good idea to confirm access points. The trail is enjoyable across multiple seasons, with spring and autumn typically offering the most comfortable hiking conditions. Always remember to bring water, especially if you're hiking during warmer weather.

This trail provides a quiet contrast to some of the more strenuous options found elsewhere, making it a hidden gem for those seeking beginner hiking trails near Ogden, New Jersey. Its easy difficulty and short length make it particularly family friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy a pleasant walk in nature. The route is an excellent choice if you're looking for a low-impact way to experience the local environment without committing to a longer or more challenging adventure.

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2.

Beacon Hill Trail

3.17km

00:58

110m

110m

The Beacon Hill Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through varied natural terrain, perfect for a quick escape into the outdoors. This 2.0-mile (3.2 km) route features a gentle 345 feet (105 metres) of elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for beginners or anyone seeking a relaxed walk. You can expect to complete it in under an hour, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Mountain Way Park.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as this trail is generally accessible throughout the year. It's a great option for a spontaneous outing, requiring minimal preparation beyond bringing water. The trail is well-suited for families and those looking for a low-impact way to enjoy nature, with no complex logistics like permits or fees.

This trail stands out as a convenient and welcoming option within Morris County, New Jersey. Its easy difficulty and short duration make it an excellent choice for a quick dose of nature without committing to a longer, more strenuous adventure. It's a reliable spot for a refreshing walk when you need a break from the everyday.

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3.

Mountain Lakes Boulevard Walking Path

3.48km

00:54

20m

20m

The Mountain Lakes Boulevard Walking Path offers a delightful, easy stroll through a historic New Jersey community. This 2.2-mile (3.5 km) route, with a minimal 80 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, is paved and wide, resembling a scenic sidewalk rather than a rugged trail. You'll enjoy picturesque views of distinctive architecture and the borough's namesake lakes, all while walking under the cooling shade of old trees, rhododendrons, and mountain laurel. Expect to spend about 54 minutes on this pleasant journey.

This accessible path is a local favorite, suitable for walkers, joggers, bikers, and those with dogs. It's a great option for family friendly hikes, providing a safe alternative to walking alongside roads. Notably, snow is removed from the path in winter, making it a year-round destination. The abundant shade also makes it a comfortable choice during warmer seasons.

Beyond its scenic appeal, the Mountain Lakes Boulevard Walking Path holds significant historical value. It follows the exact route of a former trolley line from the early 20th century, allowing you to experience a piece of local history. You'll pass by historical landmarks, including the former office and home of Herbert Hapgood, who envisioned this planned community. For those seeking more rugged terrain, the path conveniently connects to other trails within Mountain Lakes.

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4.

Beacon Hill Trail

2.00km

00:35

50m

50m

The Beacon Hill Trail in Morris County offers a delightful, easy hiking experience through a serene forest. You'll traverse a multi-use path, perfect for a quick escape into nature, with the highlight being the tranquil surroundings of Mountain Way Park. It's a fantastic option for a leisurely walk, providing a refreshing change of scenery without demanding too much effort.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is easily accessible and suitable for all ages. Dogs are welcome on leash, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend. Given its short duration of around 34 minutes, you can fit this 1.2-mile (2.0 km) route with 176 feet (54 metres) of elevation gain into almost any part of your day, though early mornings are often the most peaceful.

This trail stands out as a convenient and dog-friendly option for those in the Morristown area seeking a gentle outdoor activity. It's a great way to enjoy the local natural environment, offering a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle. The easy difficulty makes it particularly appealing for beginners or families looking for a simple, rewarding hike.

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6.

Tourne County Park – Wildflower Trail loop from Mountain Lakes

2.73km

00:51

110m

110m

The Tourne County Park – Wildflower Trail loop from Mountain Lakes is a fantastic option for a relaxed nature walk, showcasing an impressive array of native plants. This easy 1.7-mile (2.7 km) hike, with just 345 feet (105 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through diverse habitats, including dry hillsides and stream banks. You'll find over 200 labeled native plant species, making it a unique botanical experience that feels both peaceful and educational, especially around the Emilie K. Hammond Wildflower Trail section.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with good parking available at Tourne County Park. The route is estimated to take about 50 minutes, making it ideal for a quick outing or combining with other activities in the Mountain Lakes area. For the most vibrant display of blooms, aim for late April and May, when wildflowers like trout lilies and trilliums are at their peak.

This trail is particularly notable for its exceptional botanical variety and educational value, established by the Rockaway Valley Garden Club. Beyond the Wildflower Trail, Tourne County Park offers connections to other routes, including those leading to "The New York Overlook" with potential views of the NYC skyline. It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly option, perfect for beginners or anyone seeking a tranquil escape into nature.

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7.

Mountain Lakes Dock and Boats loop from Mountain Lakes

8.04km

02:05

50m

50m

The Mountain Lakes Dock and Boats loop offers a delightful escape into nature, winding around the tranquil waters of Mountain Lake, the largest of the area's nine man-made lakes. You'll find yourself on mostly paved surfaces, enjoying continuous scenic views across the water and through diverse deciduous forests, with wildflowers adding splashes of color in season. It's a gentle route, perfect for a relaxed walk or run, and a great way to experience the natural beauty of Mountain Lakes.

Planning your visit to the Mountain Lakes Dock and Boats loop is straightforward, with parking available at the trailhead in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. This moderate 5.0-mile (8.0 km) hike with just 162 feet (49 metres) of elevation gain takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a morning or afternoon outing. It's a family-friendly trail, and while mostly paved, it's always good to check for any local advisories, especially if you plan to explore other, potentially more rugged, trails in the wider Mountain Lakes Open Space area.

This trail is a fantastic way to experience the unique blend of nature and history that defines Mountain Lakes. The community was designed around its natural landscape, featuring a collection of historic Arts and Crafts-style "Hapgood" homes that you'll glimpse along the way. The area's chain of lakes was created from swampland in the early 1900s, and the trails offer a chance to explore a landscape shaped by both human planning and glacial activity, which left behind large erratic boulders.

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8.

Red Trail loop from Mountain Lakes

3.37km

00:54

30m

30m

The Red Trail loop from Mountain Lakes offers a charming and varied hiking experience, guiding you through old-growth forests, open fields, and peaceful wetlands. You'll encounter several small streams and historical stone walls, with the fascinating Devil's Cave boulder field in John Witherspoon Woods providing a unique geological highlight. Despite its easy rating, the 2.1-mile (3.4 km) route, which takes about 53 minutes, features some sections with uneven terrain and tree roots, adding a touch of natural ruggedness to the journey.

Planning your visit to this family-friendly hike is straightforward, with parking available at the Mountain Lakes Open Space Area. While the trail is accessible year-round, spring offers beautiful wildflowers and autumn showcases stunning fall colors. Given the occasional rugged sections and 113 feet (34 metres) of elevation gain, wearing appropriate footwear is advisable to comfortably navigate the diverse terrain.

This trail is part of a larger network within the Mountain Lakes Open Space Area, blending natural beauty with significant historical context. The preserve encompasses the site of Tusculum, the 1773 estate of Declaration of Independence signer John Witherspoon, and the historic Coventry Farm. Its diverse habitats support a rich array of plant and animal life, making it a notable spot for biodiversity in the region.

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Tips from the Community

mtm05005
July 26, 2024, Beacon Hill Trail

The Beacon Hill Trail is one of several marked trails in Mountain Way Park. There is some elevation gain, so it is a moderately challenging trail.

1

0

Mountain Way Park is a beautiful green nature preserve. There are several great trails that take you through the park.

1

0

Alex
February 22, 2024, Tourne County Park

Tourne County Park has a range of mixed use hiking and cycling trails that predominantly run through the woods. They're best enjoyed in dry conditions as they are predominantly made up of mud.

0

0

LadyDi
June 30, 2022, Red Trail

Follow the red markers and enjoy the beautiful trail with all the rocks. Tourne County Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

2

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hiking trails are available in Rainbow Lakes?

There are over 30 hiking routes in Rainbow Lakes, offering a variety of options for exploration. Most of these are easy walking paths and park loops, suitable for leisurely strolls.

What is the typical difficulty level of hikes in Rainbow Lakes?

The majority of hikes in Rainbow Lakes are classified as easy, with 28 out of 33 routes being easy and 5 being moderate. This makes the area ideal for casual walkers and those seeking gentle outdoor experiences.

Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Rainbow Lakes?

Yes, Rainbow Lakes is well-suited for families. The trails primarily feature easy walking paths and park loops with gentle hills, making them accessible for various ages and skill levels. Routes like the White Ogden, Red and Blue Trail Loop offer varied parkland perfect for a family outing.

Can I bring my dog on the trails in Rainbow Lakes?

While the guide data does not explicitly state dog-friendly policies for all trails, many park and walking paths in similar areas permit dogs on leash. It's always recommended to check local signage or the specific trail's regulations before heading out with your pet.

What kind of scenery and natural features can I expect to see in Rainbow Lakes?

The Rainbow Lakes area features varied parkland, green spaces, and routes alongside lakes. You can expect gentle hills and a mix of developed areas and natural settings. Highlights include Speedwell Lake and Cedar Lake Swimming Dock, offering pleasant waterside views.

Are there any specific points of interest or landmarks along the hiking trails?

Yes, hikers can explore several points of interest. Notable attractions include Hawkwatch Overlook for scenic views, and trails like the Traction Line Recreation Trail and Wildflower Trail. You'll also find lakes such as Speedwell Lake.

Are there any loop trails available in Rainbow Lakes?

Yes, there are loop trail options. A popular choice is the White Ogden, Red and Blue Trail Loop, which is 3.2 miles (5.2 km) long and offers varied parkland scenery.

What do other hikers say about their experience in Rainbow Lakes?

The Rainbow Lakes area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 18 reviews. More than 224 hikers have explored the varied terrain, often praising the accessible and enjoyable nature of the park trails and walking paths.

Is parking available at the trailheads in Rainbow Lakes?

While specific parking details for each trailhead are not provided in the guide data, areas with park loops and developed walking paths typically offer designated parking facilities. It's advisable to check local park information or maps for specific parking locations before your visit.

What is the best time of year to hike in Rainbow Lakes?

Given the nature of the trails (easy walking paths, park loops, and gentle hills), Rainbow Lakes is enjoyable for hiking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and potentially colorful foliage, while summer is great for enjoying the lakes. Winter hiking may be possible on cleared paths, but conditions should be checked.

Are there any longer or more challenging hikes for experienced hikers?

While the majority of routes are easy, there are a few moderate options available. For instance, the Beacon Hill Trail offers a scenic walk with a moderate elevation gain, providing a slightly more challenging experience within the area's predominantly easy network.

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