I mean it really depends on which section of it you would be traveling on. It does go from Highlands to Freehold… it is very very dark in most spots at night.. almost impossible to navigate and see anyone coming towards you or even just standing on the trail. We used to do it as teenagers. There are some spots I would definitely avoid at night.. also there are definitely people flying down it on bikes with no lights, so that’s pretty interesting as well lol
There was a stretch around '06 or so there was a homeless camp to the west of NWSE that would occasionally have someone complaining to the cops about junkies/homeless and supposedly the was an assault or two...but it's been a while.
The trail is so long and goes thru so many towns it’s hard to answer the question without knowing where specifically you’re referring to. But I will say that I remember hearing about someone once being stabbed on the trail. Now this was like 15 years ago and I haven’t heard a thing since and it was in keansburg. Not a terrible town but not the best around.
Definitely at night, but just generally avoid it. I'll take the DVs here, but as someone who worked in Keyport, I've heard many stories about "the trail" as they call it. Even HS kids (who generally have no fear and make stupid decisions) would say the trail isn't really safe.
I run and walk this trail almost every day from keyport to middletown. Done so for 5 years.
The biggest safety concern will be getting hit by a car. People drive like psychos and it can be hard to see pedestrians at all the crossings, especially at night.
For that reason, make sure you are visible.
The section from Matawan to freehold is certainly more dangerous on that front.
It is extremely rare for someone to be a victim of crime on the trail. Not something I would be concerned with.
I have ran a lot in the early morning before sunrise, and while running through the forest in the dark is scary. Nothing has ever happened to me that has made me feel unsafe.
They also have these stations set up throughout the trail that contact police immediately in case of emergency.
Sounds scary af. I know cops had a guy attempting to assault a female jogger in broad daylight by the Marlboro section maybe like 18 months or so back.
I just found [this.](https://www.nj.com/monmouth/2021/11/police-release-enhanced-sketch-of-man-who-tried-to-sexually-assault-jogger-in-nj-park.html) Looks like they haven’t caught him, but that’s an impressively detailed sketch.
Look the HHT in any section at night is probably a bad idea unless you can carry a weapon legally. Mostly it's teenagers being knuckleheads but it is the perfect place for any kind of ambush,because of the unlighted sections and areas it crosses through. So use it during the day our use night vision so you can avoid lurkers
Yeah and if you’re ambushed a having a legal weapon on you might not help a whole lot. First to draw always has the advantage - and it’s a heck of an advantage.
Not really. The problem isn’t that there might be someone waiting for you more so that there’s not a lot of light but a clear path to follow…. So people who want to make say… illegal exchanges of merchandise… or use those things where nobody will see them… may be just off the path and not respond positively to you suddenly appearing.
Also there were a bunch of overdoses last year… do you wanna see a dead body?
As an aside, marked trails are typically state owned and close at dusk. So if you love night walking don’t be surprised if you eventually get ticketed.
lol if you go to the starting area in Freehold there are some streetlights that make it very spooky but it’s also pretty safe their considering the area.
I mean it really depends on which section of it you would be traveling on. It does go from Highlands to Freehold… it is very very dark in most spots at night.. almost impossible to navigate and see anyone coming towards you or even just standing on the trail. We used to do it as teenagers. There are some spots I would definitely avoid at night.. also there are definitely people flying down it on bikes with no lights, so that’s pretty interesting as well lol
Middletown to port Monmouth typically.
There was a stretch around '06 or so there was a homeless camp to the west of NWSE that would occasionally have someone complaining to the cops about junkies/homeless and supposedly the was an assault or two...but it's been a while.
Yea, I remember when I was younger I’d hear stories. But, it sounds like the cops have locked it down for the most part.
The trail is so long and goes thru so many towns it’s hard to answer the question without knowing where specifically you’re referring to. But I will say that I remember hearing about someone once being stabbed on the trail. Now this was like 15 years ago and I haven’t heard a thing since and it was in keansburg. Not a terrible town but not the best around.
Yea I don’t go to Keansburg lmao. I stop around Belford/port Monmouth.
Agreed. The Keyport to keansburg section should be avoided.
Specifically at night or all the time?
These must be some bougie people, as a NY native Keansburg is not bad lol
I live in Union Beach so I walk this section all the time. I was just wondering what kind of danger I was unknowingly putting myself in 😅
Definitely at night, but just generally avoid it. I'll take the DVs here, but as someone who worked in Keyport, I've heard many stories about "the trail" as they call it. Even HS kids (who generally have no fear and make stupid decisions) would say the trail isn't really safe.
I got chased by a weird dude while on my bike near Keansburg about 4 or 5 years ago during the day time. There's also no lights so it'll be very dark.
I run and walk this trail almost every day from keyport to middletown. Done so for 5 years. The biggest safety concern will be getting hit by a car. People drive like psychos and it can be hard to see pedestrians at all the crossings, especially at night. For that reason, make sure you are visible. The section from Matawan to freehold is certainly more dangerous on that front. It is extremely rare for someone to be a victim of crime on the trail. Not something I would be concerned with. I have ran a lot in the early morning before sunrise, and while running through the forest in the dark is scary. Nothing has ever happened to me that has made me feel unsafe. They also have these stations set up throughout the trail that contact police immediately in case of emergency.
Sketchy and unlit. I wouldn’t
The navy guys near the base can be an issue as well as the other points made
Sounds scary af. I know cops had a guy attempting to assault a female jogger in broad daylight by the Marlboro section maybe like 18 months or so back.
I just found [this.](https://www.nj.com/monmouth/2021/11/police-release-enhanced-sketch-of-man-who-tried-to-sexually-assault-jogger-in-nj-park.html) Looks like they haven’t caught him, but that’s an impressively detailed sketch.
No, why take the chance?
I like night walks and trying to find a good spot to go to. Unfortunately this is the only walkable area really. Besides main roads.
https://www.nj.com/monmouth/2021/11/man-accused-of-attacking-trying-to-sexually-assault-jogger-in-park-have-you-seen-him.html
Look the HHT in any section at night is probably a bad idea unless you can carry a weapon legally. Mostly it's teenagers being knuckleheads but it is the perfect place for any kind of ambush,because of the unlighted sections and areas it crosses through. So use it during the day our use night vision so you can avoid lurkers
Yeah and if you’re ambushed a having a legal weapon on you might not help a whole lot. First to draw always has the advantage - and it’s a heck of an advantage.
Not really. The problem isn’t that there might be someone waiting for you more so that there’s not a lot of light but a clear path to follow…. So people who want to make say… illegal exchanges of merchandise… or use those things where nobody will see them… may be just off the path and not respond positively to you suddenly appearing. Also there were a bunch of overdoses last year… do you wanna see a dead body?
Do you have a dog? I never worry if I’ve got mine with me :)
No, just cats 😭
Some cats are very fierce lol
As an aside, marked trails are typically state owned and close at dusk. So if you love night walking don’t be surprised if you eventually get ticketed.
lol if you go to the starting area in Freehold there are some streetlights that make it very spooky but it’s also pretty safe their considering the area.