Marlu Loop

Marlu Loop is a short, easy hike in Thompson Park on county land in New Jersey, about 0.9 miles long and roughly 1.8 miles round trip. The trail is an out-and-back with a low point of about 69 feet and a high of about 83 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.6 miles in, with a grade of about 3 percent. The route is rated easy, and the climb is minimal, with only about 11 feet of elevation gain one way. Bikes and horses are both allowed, so the trail works for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Freehold-Marlboro weather station run to highs around 72°F in May and 78°F in September, with July the warmest month at about 86°F. Reservoir Loop starts just 0.1 mile away, and Paved Trail and Wanderer are both within half a mile. Thompson Loop is about a mile off.