Thompson Park Trails

New Jersey

2 Reviews

View Trail Map
View Map
Print
Complete
Favorite
Send to App

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Thompson Park Trails Facts

States: New Jersey
Counties: Monmouth
Length: 5.4 miles
Trail end points: 805 Newman Springs Rd (Route 520) and Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft
Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Boardwalk
Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
ID: 13154146

Photos

This trail does not have any photos yet.
Be the first to add one!

Upload Photo

Thompson Park Trails Description

With fields, woodlands, trails, a playground, an arts center, and a lake, Thompson Park offers a multitude of outdoor activities. Established in 1968 with Geraldine Thompson's donation of the horse estate "Brookdale Farm" to the citizens of Monmouth County, the park is now 667 acres and serves as the Monmouth County Park System's headquarters. Brookdale Farm is a Historic District and as of 2020, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park has an off-leash dog area, tennis courts, a rugby field, and a wide variety of picnicking options. The Creative Arts Center has year-round classes for all ages and skill levels. The fields and meadows are great for playing frisbee and relaxing in the sun, or for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Fishing is available on the 21-acre Mariu Lake (NJ freshwater fishing license required).

Enjoy the lake by bringing a canoe, kayak, or trailered boat (electric motors only). Wildlife outlook points offer scenic views over the park's landscape and if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. For those with bikes, the bicycle repair station is located near the playground, just east of the visitor's center. Rebuilt in the traditional style after a fire destroyed the original 1896 building, the visitor's center also has exhibits and program space.

The Thompson Loop and the Inner Loop combine to create 5.4 miles of accessible, paved multiuse trail. The Thompson Loop winds for 4.2 miles through the heart of the park and along the northern border. The smooth, paved surface likely means it is barrier-free and accessible. The Inner Loop is specifically marked as accessible by the park. The trail circles between the playground and Marlu Lake for a total of 1.2 miles, with the option for a shorter 0.8-mile route. 

The Marshy Walk (0.2 miles) and the Woodland Walk (0.6 miles) are flat, maintained, and easy to navigate for all ages. The Marshy Walk includes boardwalks over wetter areas. The park also has a number of moderately difficult trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Start at the visitor's center by the main entrance to gather any additional information. Admission to the park is free. The park opens at 6am for fishing access and at 7am for the general public. It usually closes at 5:30pm with later closing times in January, February, and March. Visit the Monmouth County Park System website for any closure notices. Restrooms are available throughout the park. View the TrailLink map for specific locations. 

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at a number of lots within the park. Start by the main entrance (805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft). View the TrailLink map for all locations. 

Thompson Park Trails Reviews

Nice Trail

Rode this trail with my family . The trail takes you in a nice scenic route of mostly asphalt. A few hill but nothing a novice can’t handle.

Moderately Sized Park

Good for a light ride but better suited for runners and walkers. Excellent spot for children learning to bike.

Nearby Trails

Go Unlimited Today!

  • FREE Account
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Post your trail reviews
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Get a free map in the app!
Register for FREE
  •  
Purchase Unlimited

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR

Your account has been deleted.