The best running trails around Montclair State University

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.

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.

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.