Your Adventure Awaits: Hiking The Jackson Township, NJ Sports Perimeter Trail

Jackson Twp Sports Perimeter Trail

Photos and review courtesy: Tada Dalotto (November 21, 2025)

Discover the Sports Perimeter Trail in Jackson, NJ – one of several scenic paths created and maintained by the Jackson Pathfinders. These volunteer stewards, sponsored by Jackson Township, have built a network of trails perfect for walking, hiking, jogging, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Nestled on the edge of the Jackson Justice Complex, the Sports Perimeter Trail winds through forested areas just beyond the football and baseball fields, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

👉 Learn more about the dedicated work of the Jackson Pathfinders and their commitment to preserving local trails.

 

Difficulty: Easy. The trail is an easy flat hike or trail run with good blazing, but the only drawback is the deep ATV ruts, so watch your footing
Distance: 0.5 mile to 1.6 mile, depending upon which route you choose
Access: After entering the Jackson Justice Complex, drive to the parking lot at the end of Robert Ventura Drive. Enter the trail at Waypoint 1, Waypoint 1 starts in the northwest corner of the parking lot just to the west of the football field and southwest of the roller hockey rink

Jackson Twp Sports perimeter trai map

You can start your hike through any of the eight waypoints along the southern edge of the sports fields. 
The main trail is blazed with yellow paint, and the waypoints and connectors are blazed with orange paint. 
Waypoint 1 starts in the northwest corner of the parking lot just to the west of the football field and southwest of the roller hockey rink. The trail is one-way, ending at Waypoint 8 behind left field of the baseball field. 

Starting from Waypoint 1, you can try one of these suggested routes:

  • 0.5 mi. (0.78 km) Take your first right at Waypoint 2, then left at Waypoint 3, then right at Waypoint 2 to return to the parking lot at Waypoint 1 for a short loop.
  • 0.7 mi. (1.1 km) Take your first left at Waypoint 2 and follow the trail to the end at Waypoint 8.
  • 0.9 mi. (1.5 km) Take your first right at Waypoint 2, then right at Waypoint 3, and follow the trail to the end at Waypoint 8.
  • 1.6 mi. (2.5 km) Follow the 0.9 mi. route to Waypoint 8, follow the orange connector along the edge of the forest behind the sports fields and bioswales (berms), turn left at the Waypoint 4 connector to return to the main trail (yellow), turn right, then right at Waypoint 1 to return to the parking lot at Waypoint 1.