Trail Courtesy

Whatever it is you enjoy doing on the trails, here are ways you can share these areas with others so that everyone enjoys their experience!

Important Reminders

Trails are open from dawn to dusk and close at sunset
ATVs, dirt bikes and motorcycles are not allowed on any Park Commission trails
Clubs, organizations, businesses and groups of 25 or more persons utilizing any Morris County Park System area are required to make a reservation and obtain a permit
Make sure you are prepared before heading out on the trails
Be respectful of park and private property – do not trespass and do not create new trails
Carry out any trash and pick up after your pets. Dog waste bags should be carried out with you and disposed of properly
While many trails allow for multiple uses/modes of transportation, some have restrictions. Check our trail guides, located on each Park/Trail page to see what is permitted on a specific trail
Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles are permitted on all Park Commission trails that allow for biking
In facilities where pets are permitted, they must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length
Pets are not permitted at the following sites:
- Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center
- Cooper Gristmill
- Craigmeur Recreation Complex
- Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
- The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
- Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
- Historic Speedwell
- Willowwood Arboretum

If you need to report a trail maintenance need, please visit here.

Show courtesy to other trail users at all times and be considerate.
Stay to the right except when passing. Always pass on the left.
Before passing another trail user, make your approach known well in advance.
If you are taking a break, do so off to the side of the trail so others can pass you.
Downhill traffic should yield to uphill traffic.
Be alert and continually watch for other types of recreationists. Listening to headphones can make it difficult to hear and communicate with others.
Keep noise levels down – avoid portable speakers and excessive noise levels to respect others who are looking to enjoy wildlife sightings and the quiet solitude of nature.
Obey all traffic signals and signs. Use extra caution where trails cross streets.
Keep pets leashed and under control. Park Commission rules require dogs to be leashed at all times. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs; even a friendly dog might be seen as a threat by some users.
Keep children close. The trails can be busy and unpredictable behavior can result in accidents.
Avoid using trails when they are extremely wet and soggy. Feet, wheels and hooves can have drastic effects on wet trails leading to erosion and other problems which are difficult to reverse.

Bicyclists must yield to both pedestrians and equestrians. Pull to the side far enough for horses and pedestrians to safely pass when you see them.
Always pass on the left and give an audible warning when passing.
Ride at a safe speed.
Slow down and form a single file in congested or hazardous conditions, or when sight lines are poor.
Bicycles should always be walked across roads.

Always stay to the right and allow others to pass on your left. If hiking in a group, do not walk in a way that other users cannot easily pass on the left.
Stay alert to your surroundings and other recreationists.
Runners and hikers must yield to equestrians. Stop, move to the side and allow for the horse to pass or wait for the horse rider to indicate it is ok to continue.

Ensure your horse can be controlled when it encounters other trail enthusiasts who are allowed on the trail.
Leave space for others to pass you and be considerate when passing others.
If in a group, pass in a steady, single-file line and be sure to announce yourself first.
Remove your horse from the trail if you begin experiencing behavior problems.
Stay on Equestrian approved trails.
Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more “trail-wise” horses and riders.
Step off the trail (if possible) if your horse needs to relieve itself, or kick the droppings off the trail.