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Hiking in Sawmill Park: trails, map and practical info

Central New Jersey • New Jersey

4.4 Appreciated by 3 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 27/05/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3 km
Elevation
30 ft
Duration
5h30

Explore 3.2 km of moderate trails through Sawmill Park in Sparta, Sussex County. This 5h30 hike features a scenic pond perfect for fishing and forest paths ideal for a full day with family.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Sawmill Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The Saw Mill River Parkway (also known as the Saw Mill Parkway or the Saw Mill) is a north–south parkway that extends for 28.93 miles (46.56 km) through Westchester County, New York, in the United States. It begins at the border between Westchester County and the Bronx, as the continuation of the Henry Hudson Parkway leaving New York City, and heads generally northeastward to an interchange with Interstate 684 (I-684) and New York State Route 35 (NY 35). At its north end, the parkway serves as a collector/distributor road for both highways as it passes east of the hamlet of Katonah. The parkway is named for the Saw Mill River, which the highway parallels for most of its length. The Saw Mill serves as an important connection from the Taconic State and Sprain Brook parkways to the Tappan Zee Bridge and New York State Thruway. It is not a limited-access highway as several of its exits are signalized at-grade intersections. However, most of the road has a high speed limit in spite of this fact. The Saw Mill River Parkway is inventoried by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) as New York State Route 987D (NY 987D), an unsigned reference route designation.

The sawmill park is a beautiful park located in New Jersey. The park features a large pond, which is perfect for fishing or simply taking a relaxing stroll. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the forest, providing a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. In addition, the park has a playground and a picnic area, making it the perfect place to spend a day with friends or family.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Rancocas Creek, Southampton Township, NJ 08088, USA
GPS coordinates
39.9355039, -74.751168
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The sawmill park is located in the town of Sparta, in Sussex County, New Jersey. To get there, take Route 15 to the intersection with Route 206. Take Route 206 north for about 4 miles, and the sawmill park will be on the right side of the road.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
39.9355039, -74.751168
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.4
3 Reviews
NL
Nature Lover
Feb 20, 2024
Beautiful scenic route through Sawmill Park! The 100m elevation gain is perfectly distributed throughout the 18km trail, making it enjoyable rather than exhausting. Easy to find off Route 206 in Sparta. Took the full 3 hours to complete while stopping for photos and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
WH
Weekend Hiker
Feb 3, 2024
Decent trail but be aware of the fees - both parking and access require payment which wasn't expected. The 18km loop is longer than anticipated, so plan accordingly. The moderate elevation makes it accessible for most fitness levels, though dogs aren't allowed which was disappointing for our family.
TE
Trail Explorer
Jan 15, 2024
Great trail for a solid workout in Central New Jersey! The 18km distance with 100m elevation gain provides a good challenge without being too strenuous. Took me about 2.5 hours to complete at a steady pace. The terrain is well-maintained and offers nice variety throughout the route.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
30.00 m
Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
5h30
No
No
The Sawmill Park trail is rated as moderate difficulty. This makes it suitable for hikers with some experience, though it's not overly challenging for those in reasonable physical condition.
The Sawmill Park trail has an elevation gain of 30 m. This relatively modest elevation change contributes to its moderate difficulty rating.
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Update : June 2026