The best running trails around Highlands
5.0
(2)
369
runners
47
runs
Jogging around Highlands offers a diverse experience, characterized by coastal multi-use paths and trails with gentle elevation changes. The region features routes along the shoreline, providing views of the water and access to natural and historical sites. Terrain varies from paved paths suitable for easy runs to more undulating trails through wooded areas.
Best jogging routes around Highlands
- The most popular jogging route is Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, an 8.9 miles (14.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 28…
Last updated: August 17, 2026
26
runners
14.3km
01:28
10m
10m
Explore the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, a moderate jogging route that stretches 8.9 miles (14.3 km) through diverse coastal landscapes. You will experience a minimal elevation gain of just 23…
10
runners
8.88km
01:05
170m
170m
If you enjoy a varied jogging route with some hills, the Laurel Ridge and Grand Tour Loop is a great choice. This moderate trail covers 5.5 miles (8.9 km) and…
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9
runners
4.29km
00:32
60m
60m
Embark on an easy jogging experience along the Rocky Point Loop Trail, a 2.7-mile (4.3 km) route that takes approximately 31 minutes to complete. You'll gain about 200 feet (61…
21
runners
13.5km
01:23
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
17
runners
13.1km
01:36
220m
220m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Hartshorne Woods Park, in Monmouth County, is a nature lover's haven. With diverse trails winding through lush woodlands, it offers scenic views of the Navesink River and a pleasant ride.
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Let 'er rip for a downhill section of trail! Well, maybe only a little bit — this is a shared-use trail, so you do need to stay in control and watch out for slower users, even if the singletrack looks inviting.
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Can get there by foot or by bicycle or by car. This is one of the launch sites for the Nike missiles that were installed in the Cold War days for the last chance defense mechanism against an airborne attack.
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Beach D is part of the sequence of beaches in Gateway Area, sitting along the path that runs along the coast. The nice sandy beach offers some facilities, like a grocery store and public toilets. The Park is the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, offering green spaces, historic structures, and cultural landscapes alongside the beaches.
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Hartshorne Woods Park, in Monmouth County, is a nature lover's haven. With diverse trails winding through lush woodlands, it offers scenic views of the Navesink River and a pleasant ride.
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Beach C sits in the Gateway National Recreation Area on a narrow peninsula with a long sand bank. It’s at a point where the peninsula is very narrow, so you can have easy access to the beach and to the Shrewsbury River.
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Beach D is part of the sequence of beaches in Gateway Area, sitting along the path that runs along the coast. The nice sandy beach offers some facilities, like a grocery store and public toilets. The Park is the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, offering green spaces historic structures, and cultural landscapes alongside the beaches.
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Hartshorne Woods Park is home to over 15 miles of multi-use trails that spend most of their time in the trees with a few paths journeying right up next to the Navesink River. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and there are multiple trailheads, so you can make your trip however far or short you want.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in the Highlands area?
There are over 35 dedicated running routes in Highlands, offering a variety of experiences. These include coastal multi-use paths and trails with gentle elevation changes, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on jogging trails around Highlands?
The jogging routes in Highlands feature diverse terrain. You'll find flat, scenic coastal paths like the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, as well as more varied trails with some elevation gain through natural landscapes, such as the Laurel Ridge and Grand Tour Loop. Some routes also combine coastal and wooded areas.
Are there any easy running routes suitable for beginners or a relaxed jog?
Yes, Highlands offers several easy running routes. A great option is the Rocky Point Loop Trail, which is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) and leads through pleasant coastal and wooded areas, typically completed in about 32 minutes.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest I can see while running in Highlands?
While jogging in Highlands, you can encounter several interesting landmarks. The Nike Missile Launch Site NY-56 – Sandy Hook Lighthouse loop, for example, takes you past the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Other highlights include the Shrewsbury River Bridge and various trails within Hartshorne Woods Park, like the Forest Trail in Hartshorne Woods Park.
Are there any longer or more challenging running trails for experienced runners?
For experienced runners seeking a challenge, the Nike Missile Launch Site NY-56 – Sandy Hook Lighthouse loop is a difficult 34.7 km (21.6 miles) route. This trail offers a significant distance and varied terrain to test your endurance.
What do other runners say about the jogging routes in Highlands?
The running routes in Highlands are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 260 runners have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the scenic coastal paths and the variety of terrain available.
Are there any running routes that offer views of the water or coastline?
Absolutely. Many routes in Highlands are characterized by their coastal setting. The Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path is an excellent example, offering flat, scenic running directly along the coast with continuous water views.
Can I find any loop trails for jogging in Highlands?
Yes, there are several loop trails available for jogging. The Laurel Ridge and Grand Tour Loop is a popular moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) option, and the Rocky Point Loop Trail provides an easier 2.7-mile (4.3 km) circular route.
Are there any running routes that pass through natural parks or wooded areas?
Yes, you can find routes that take you through natural parks and wooded sections. The Laurel Ridge and Grand Tour Loop features varied terrain through natural landscapes, and the Forest Trail in Hartshorne Woods Park is a highlight that can be incorporated into a run.
What is the longest running route available in Highlands?
The longest running route listed is the Nike Missile Launch Site NY-56 – Sandy Hook Lighthouse loop, which spans approximately 34.7 km (21.6 miles) and is classified as difficult.
Are there any routes that connect different towns or points of interest?
Yes, some routes offer connections between different areas. The Highlands–Sea Bright Bridge loop from Highlands is a moderate 11 km (6.8 miles) route that connects Highlands with Sea Bright, offering a scenic journey across the bridge.
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