🌤 Weather at Six Mile Run Reservoir Site at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–72 °F | 60–86 °F | 35–78 °F | 23–45 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at New Brunswick 3 SE, 8 mi away, elevation 111 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Six Mile Run Reservoir Site in Franklin Township, Somerset County, is part of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, which administers it. It is not a separate state park, although many people search for it as “Six Mile Run State Park”.
The site protects 3,037 acres of preserved land that was once meant to become a reservoir. Today it offers 13.5 miles on four marked trails for hiking, biking, birdwatching and horseback riding, through farm fields and forests along the Six Mile Run stream.
Quick Facts
| State | New Jersey |
| Location | Franklin Township, Somerset County |
| County | Somerset County |
| Park Size | 3,037 acres |
| Established | Under DEP’s Division of Water Resources from 1970; transferred to the Division of Parks and Forestry after the reservoir project was shelved by 1993 |
| Administered by | Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park |
| Entrance Fee | None |
| Trails | 13.5 miles on four marked trails |
Entrance fee, hours and phone as of October 2026, taken from the most recent version of the NJDEP page we could read (last updated November 2025). Check the NJDEP page for Six Mile Run Reservoir Site before you go.
From Reservoir Plan to Parkland
In the late 1950s New Jersey decided it needed additional water supply, and the area around the Six Mile Run creek was identified as a possible reservoir site. The state acquired properties here over several years in the 1960s, and in 1970 the area was put under the jurisdiction of the DEP’s Division of Water Resources. By 1993 other water sources had been found and the reservoir project was shelved. Administration of the land then passed to the Division of Parks and Forestry, and the current trail system through the former farmland was created soon after.
According to NJDEP, the area was listed on the National Register in 1995 and is the largest agricultural district in New Jersey. Along the trails you can see the remains of 18th and 19th century farmhouses, Dutch-framed barns, windmills and silos.
Trails and Access
Four trails provide 13.5 miles for hiking, biking and horseback riding. You can park at 625 Canal Road in Somerset, on Jacques Lane, or at 2186 Route 27 in New Brunswick (shared with the NJ Knights Soccer Club). The Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association (JORBA) helps the State Park Service maintain the trail system.
- Muddy trails: the soil erodes easily, so NJDEP asks you not to use the trails in muddy conditions.
- Stay on marked trails: in a May 2024 advisory the State Park Service asked visitors to avoid the area south of the Six Mile Run and west of the Creek Trail (Red Trail), where no authorized trail network exists.
- Accessibility: the site’s facilities are not accessible for people with disabilities; the D&R Canal park office can suggest accessible areas nearby.
Hours and Contact
The gate is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The park office is open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 to 4:00. For information, call the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park office at 609-924-5705 or email [email protected].
Hunting
Hunters must apply for a park permit to hunt anywhere within Six Mile Run. NJDEP lists state park permits for deer bowhunters on more than 2,000 acres, plus a limited number of firearm permits for a limited area. There is no hunting on Sundays on lands managed by the NJ State Park Service. During hunting season, trails in hunting areas may stay open, so expect hikers, bikers and riders there too.
Rules to Know
- No swimming.
- Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet and cleaned up after.
- There are no trash receptacles, so carry out everything you bring in.
- ATVs, alcohol and smoking (including vaping) are not permitted.
- Black bears live throughout New Jersey; never feed or approach them, and report aggressive bears at 1-877-WARN-DEP.
- Use insect repellent and check yourself for ticks after your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Six Mile Run a state park?
Not on its own. Six Mile Run Reservoir Site is part of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, which administers it.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. NJDEP lists the entrance fee as none.
Which county is Six Mile Run in?
Somerset County, in Franklin Township, according to NJDEP.
Explore More Parks in New Jersey
Six Mile Run Reservoir Site belongs to Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New Jersey guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Editor’s note: We replaced the earlier version of this page in October 2026. It called the site a separate state park in Middlesex County, gave 1970 as its founding year, used general New Jersey fee text instead of the site’s own information and contained wildlife claims we could not confirm. This version uses NJDEP’s pages for Six Mile Run Reservoir Site and Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
More parks nearby: D&R Canal State Park Trail is a short drive away, while Pigeon Swamp State Park lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Six Mile Run Reservoir Site at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash 6 feet or less, with the pet under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and swimming waters statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from cabins/lodging; the Pet Friendly Camping Program designates campsites at 13 areas (e.g. Round Valley all sites, Allaire 1-8, Bass River 1-85, Stokes 101-137) for up to two dogs or cats per permit.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $5.00 per night additional charge for a pet-friendly campsite; no day-use pet fee.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pet Friendly Camping requires current rabies vaccination with written proof at check-in; caged birds/reptiles only allowed inside RVs.
Are dogs allowed at Six Mile Run Reservoir Site at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park?
Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dep.nj.gov. More: New Jersey state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Six Mile Run Reservoir Site at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
