Hoffman Park Trail is a 2.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Hampton, New Jersey that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This hike starts at Baptist Church Rd entrance and proceeds to Mechlin Corner entrance and back using the outside trail loop. One can start this at the parking lot, but make sure to check out the views on the driveway in. Start at Baptist Church Rd and proceed down the driveway, which offers a fantastic view of the hills to the north and Spruce Run reservoir. Just past the parking lot head downhill using the grass path. At the bottom of the path turn right on the paved road. Where the paved road splits next to Manny’s pond, turn left and follow the paved road past the pond. Many birds including geese, ducks, herons and kingfishers may be found on Manny’s pond. Continue straight past the pond until the paved road ends and makes a 180 degree turn. Do not follow the path towards the silo and barn, but instead follow the gravel path as it curves through the fields. The gravel path passes several ponds as it heads into the woods. Take the first left and head east. Follow this path through the woods, and fields ignoring all the side paths until you get to Mechlin’s Corner road. Retrace your steps back until you come to the first path on your left at the edge of the field. Follow this path south as it curves around and heads straight through the woods. Again ignore all the side paths until you get back to Manny’s pond.Continue back up the hill, but stay on the road this time. When you get to the top of the hill turn right and proceed back to Baptist Church Rd.
There are two entrances - one on Mechlin's Corner Rd, and the other on Baptist Church Rd. The one on Baptist Church Rd is at the top of the hill and one must descend it to get to Manny's Pond and the trails. The Mechlin's Corner lot is at the level of the park b u a considerable distance from Manny's Pond.
January 16, 2021
December 18, 2020November 15, 2020October 17, 2020beautiful. relaxing walk
July 29, 2020TICKS!!! Pulled 3 ticks off my dog and we were only there for 15 minutes. Besides that... it seems like a nice and beautiful park!
July 25, 2020July 15, 2020Pretty easy trail with mild/moderate inclines (for newbies like myself not in shape). We started out going past the sign with all the information. Which apparently led to the barn areas which on some angles had restricted signs and others not. So we didn’t really know it was a wrong path. Basically follow the brown fencing and gates to the left of where you park to start actual trails. Several shoot offs and cut across trails. A bit buggy on the trails behind the pond but it rained a lot recently. Will go back and explore more dirt/grass paths but I did like the paved pathways. Watch out for geese! And their poop.
June 19, 2020Easy walk and paths are relatively well-maintained and trimmed. Lots of flies from the horse poop people kindly left along the trail :)
February 1, 2020Relaxing and easy way to get a little fresh air and exercise.
March 16, 2019October 25, 2017Hoffman Park is located on an old farm property so most of the trails are old farm roads. The park has several trails allowing for different configurations of hikes through fields and forest pass several small ponds and one substantial pond - Manny Pond. In the winter its fields are a good place for cross country skiing or snow shoeing. This is a pleasant place for a walk in the woods,but don't expect solitude as the sound of trucks on I-78 is always in the background and frequent trains pass on the border. Thus I rate it only 3 stars The park has a variety of wildlife including deer and an occasional bear, but is mostly known for its bird population and you will frequently see birders in the park.
January 29, 2016Lovely park. Great for bird watching and fishing. Paved, stone, and grass trails. Parking areas off of Route 625, as well as the main entrance. If you want to skip the big hill, park in the lot off 625, but you miss the amazing views (you can see to Spruce Run).
September 7, 2015Nice for a leisurely stroll, bike riding or walking the dogs. Pond for fishing. Killer hill to get up, if you take the grass trail but if you stay on the paved part it's not as bad. Good sleigh riding in winter too
July 23, 2015great park kids loved the easy trails that we're all paved nicely and it had geocaches our favorite past time
March 28, 2015
First to ReviewScenic, paved and even trail, lots of birds.
January 10, 2021January 7, 2021January 2, 2021October 20, 2020October 3, 2020July 28, 2020July 7, 2020May 13, 2020May 5, 2020April 7, 2020April 7, 2020April 6, 2020March 8, 2020March 1, 2020January 15, 2020
