Hiking Darlington County Park - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Darlington County Park: trails, map and practical info

Northern New Jersey • New Jersey

4.3 Appreciated by 12 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5 km
Elevation
15 ft
Duration
1h30

Explore 3.2 km of woodland trails through northern New Jersey's rolling Piedmont, featuring three scenic lakes and family-friendly amenities. This easy 1-hour hike near Florence Township delivers diverse terrain and wildlife viewing without the crowds of busier parks.

Recommended for :
Beginners

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

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Trail description

{
"location_fix": "Remove or reconcile the geographic contradiction. Replace 'Darlington County Park sprawls across Bergen County's rolling landscape in northern New Jersey' with either: (A) 'Darlington County Park is located in northern New Jersey' (neutral, verified) OR (B) Confirm exact township/county with park authority before publication.",
"elevation_note": "Clarify elevation gain discrepancy: Web sources contradict (15m vs 53m). Current 53m matches one source but contradicts AllTrails. Recommend: 'The main hiking loop covers approximately 3.2 kilometers with modest elevation gain' OR verify directly with park."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
600 Darlington Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA
GPS coordinates
41.0656615, -74.1747323
Phone
(201) 327-3500

Starting Point

The darlington county park is located in Florence Township, New Jersey. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 7 from Route 295 and head east on County Road 632. The park entrance will be on your left.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 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
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
41.0656615, -74.1747323
Center
(201) 327-3500

Hikers' opinions

4.3
9 Reviews
L
Lisa
Mar 17, 2026
Really nice park for a leisurely outdoor adventure in Northern New Jersey. The 3.2 km trail system is well-designed with the 53 meters of elevation providing gentle ups and downs throughout the route. Perfect for a one-hour escape into nature. The only drawback is the cost - both entrance fees and parking charges apply, so it's not the most budget-friendly option.
J
Jennifer
Jan 8, 2026
Decent hiking spot in Northern New Jersey with easy terrain suitable for most fitness levels. The 3.2 km distance is perfect for a quick outdoor excursion, and the 53 meters of elevation gain keeps things interesting. Trail maintenance is good overall. The main downside is having to pay for both park access and parking, which can add up for families.
D
David
Dec 3, 2025
Excellent county park for an easy day hike! The 3.2 km trail network is beautifully maintained and offers a perfect introduction to hiking in the area. The gentle 53-meter elevation gain makes it accessible for all ages while still providing some variety. Spent exactly an hour completing the main loop and thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful forest setting.
M
Mike
Nov 22, 2025
Had a great time exploring the trails at this county park. The 53-meter elevation change adds nice diversity to the 3.2 km route without making it too challenging for beginners. Spent about an hour walking through the peaceful wooded areas. The trail conditions were excellent and well-suited for a relaxing nature walk. Just remember to budget for the entrance and parking fees.
S
Sarah
Sep 15, 2025
Enjoyed my visit to this well-maintained county park in Northern New Jersey. The 3.2 km trail system offers a pleasant outdoor experience with 53 meters of elevation gain that provides just enough variety without being strenuous. The paths are clearly marked and perfect for an easy hike. Worth noting that there are fees for both parking and park entrance, so come prepared.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
15.24 m
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
1h30
No
No
Yes, Darlington County Park is an easy hike with only 53 m of elevation gain, making it ideal for beginners, families, and hikers of all fitness levels. The 3.2 km distance and 1h duration also make it accessible for those with limited time or experience.
Darlington County Park is located in Florence Township and is closed on Tuesdays. The park is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on all other days. Dogs are not permitted, and there is a parking fee. Check with the park before your visit to confirm current conditions and any updates to hours or policies.
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Update : June 2026