Schlesinger Preserve - Colts Neck, NJ
Schlesinger Preserve – Dog-Friendly Trails in Colts Neck, New Jersey
Schlesinger Preserve is a tranquil dog-friendly hiking spot nestled in Colts Neck, NJ. This park protects a lush beech-maple forest and offers a scenic, slightly hilly loop just under a mile long—perfect for dog owners seeking a peaceful, pet-friendly trail close to town. You and your leashed dog will enjoy easy, flat stretches with tall canopy shade, light hills, and a naturally serene setting ideal for a quiet walk or run. Wildlife sightings, especially deer and birds, add to the natural charm.
This preserve is known for its maintained, minimally disturbed trails, convenient trash barrels that help keep the park clean, and easy dusk-to-dawn access. While not a traditional fenced dog park, it provides a safe and enjoyable nature experience for dogs and owners alike. The park is open year-round, rarely gets muddy after rain, and is a fantastic spot to burn off energy or simply unwind in nature. Parking is straightforward and close to the trail entrance, making it accessible for visitors coming from around Monmouth County.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Schlesinger Preserve features a well-maintained loop just under one mile long, with a spur trail toward Big Brook Preserve (though it can be overgrown and unmarked).
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park is open with dusk-to-dawn access throughout the year.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the park is kept clean, and trash barrels are available and emptied regularly.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trail is covered with a tall, natural tree canopy providing plenty of shade.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available near the entrance at 95 Crine Rd, making it convenient for visitors.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? No, visitors report the trail does not get too muddy after rain.
Reviews
This park preserves a small, attractive piece of beech-maple climax forest with a short, slightly less than one mile trail looping through it. There is a spur trail that leads to the Big Brook preserve but is overgrown and unmarked. There are downed trees on some parts of trail but otherwise this is an easy walk.
This park preserves a small, attractive piece of beech-maple climax forest with a short, slightly less than one mile trail looping through it. There is a spur trail that leads to the Big Brook preserve but is overgrown and unmarked. There are downed trees on some parts of trail but otherwise this is an easy walk.
This park preserves a small, attractive piece of beech-maple climax forest with a short, slightly less than one mile trail looping through it. There is a spur trail that leads to the Big Brook preserve but is overgrown and unmarked. There are downed trees on some parts of trail but otherwise this is an easy walk.
Easily accessed & minimally disturbed,well maintained & clean.
The Loop is 1 mile I’ve been told and is generally an easy walk or run. Usually 1 or 2 trash barrels are present and cleaned out regularly. Please use them and help us keep Colts Neck ‘s many natural areas beautiful.
Easily accessed & minimally disturbed,well maintained & clean.
The Loop is 1 mile I’ve been told and is generally an easy walk or run. Usually 1 or 2 trash barrels are present and cleaned out regularly. Please use them and help us keep Colts Neck ‘s many natural areas beautiful.
Easily accessed & minimally disturbed,well maintained & clean.
The Loop is 1 mile I’ve been told and is generally an easy walk or run. Usually 1 or 2 trash barrels are present and cleaned out regularly. Please use them and help us keep Colts Neck ‘s many natural areas beautiful.
Nice little trail, no major weeds or debris on the trail when I had visited. It was a nice walk in the woods and I would go back.
Nice little trail, no major weeds or debris on the trail when I had visited. It was a nice walk in the woods and I would go back.
Nice little trail, no major weeds or debris on the trail when I had visited. It was a nice walk in the woods and I would go back.
Depending on your experiences, this little park is a neat little spot to burn off a few calories after breakfast or lunch. Hilly trail with nice tall canopy, deer, birds, maybe another person, but whenever I’ve hiked thru it’s been alone. Easy access, well marked, dusk to dawn entry. Quiet little spot. Enjoy. Keep it clean.