James G. Atkinson Memorial Park Loop
James G. Atkinson Memorial Park Loop
2.8
(29)
47
hikers
00:30
1.93km
10m
Hiking
The James G. Atkinson Memorial Park Loop offers a delightful, easy stroll through a varied landscape of fields, woods, and ponds. As you follow the path, you'll encounter both paved sections and dirt trails, particularly as you meander near Bethel Lake. This lakeside stretch is a highlight, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, from ducks and geese to turtles and wading birds, making it a peaceful escape into nature.
Planning your visit to this family-friendly park is straightforward. The 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop, with its minimal 23 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, is an easy hike that takes approximately 29 minutes to complete. Parking is ample, and the park boasts amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas. It's an ideal choice for a quick, accessible outing, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Beyond the trail, James G. Atkinson Memorial Park is a 66-acre recreation area with a rich history, once home to a grist mill and saw mill. Today, it features exercise stations along the fitness trail, a rain garden with native plants, and the Millennium Plaza, a memorial with sundials. The park's multi-use trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or bicycling, and it even hosts a Summer Concert Series, adding to its community appeal.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Waypoints
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
1.36 km
519 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
1.64 km
265 m
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Elevation
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Today
Thursday 3 September
32°C
21°C
35 %
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Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
James G. Atkinson Memorial Park offers ample parking facilities for visitors. You can find parking lots conveniently located within the park, providing easy access to the trailheads and other amenities.
Yes, the James G. Atkinson Memorial Park Loop is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash and to clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all park visitors.
The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring offers lush greenery and wildflowers, while mornings are particularly good for spotting wildlife like ducks, geese, and turtles near the lake. The park also hosts a free Summer Concert Series, making evenings pleasant.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access James G. Atkinson Memorial Park or to hike its trails. It is a public park open for everyone to enjoy.
Absolutely! This loop is considered an easy hike, often rated 1 out of 10 in difficulty. It's ideal for beginners, families with children, the elderly, and even those with handicaps, offering a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run.
The trail offers diverse terrain, including paved sections suitable for walking, jogging, and bicycling, as well as dirt paths that split off towards a dam and lead to the lake edge. You'll pass through fields, ponds, and wooded areas.
Along the lake, you might spot ducks, geese, wading birds, turtles, and even eels, especially in the morning. Signs of beavers have also been noted. The park is home to various birds like Common Yellowthroat and Wood Duck, and features lush greenery and wildflowers in spring.
Beyond hiking, the park is very family-friendly, offering lighted softball/soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, two playgrounds, and picnic areas. Restrooms are available, and you can find the Millennium Plaza with benches and sundials, an exercise course, an amphitheater, and an educational rain garden.
Yes, you can hike the loop in winter. The paved sections are generally well-maintained, and the easy terrain makes it accessible. Be mindful of potential ice on paths, especially near the lake or shaded areas.
While there are no cafes or restaurants directly within the park, Sewell, NJ, where the park is located, offers various dining options a short drive away. You can find local eateries and cafes in the surrounding area.
Yes, as its name suggests, the James G. Atkinson Memorial Park Loop is a true loop trail, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. It circles through the park's varied landscapes.
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