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Ten Mile Run is a small unincorporated community in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, with a recorded population of under 2,000 residents. It sits at approximately 40.41°N, 74.60°W in the central part of the state, roughly equidistant between New Brunswick and Princeton.
The name Ten Mile Run refers to the stream of the same name that flows through the area — a tributary of the Millstone River. The community has quiet, rural-residential character and is not a commercial tourism destination in its own right. Most visitors pass through while exploring the broader Somerset County region or while traveling between larger hubs such as New Brunswick, Princeton, and Somerville.
For travelers, Ten Mile Run is best understood as a gateway point rather than a standalone destination. Its real value lies in its proximity to well-developed parks, historic sites, and the cultural and dining infrastructure of surrounding towns.
Getting There
Ten Mile Run does not have its own transit hub, airport, or train station. The most practical way to reach the area is by car via US Route 27, which passes through Franklin Township and connects the community to the New Jersey Turnpike and I-287 interchange networks.
Nearest Major Airports
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — approximately 35–40 miles northeast; the most convenient major airport for this area
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) — approximately 65–70 miles southwest; an alternative depending on your origin
Train Access
NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor line serves New Brunswick station, roughly 8–10 miles east. From there, a car rental or rideshare is the most practical option for reaching Ten Mile Run itself. Verify current NJ Transit schedules at njtransit.com.
By Car
From the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), take Exit 9 toward New Brunswick and follow Route 27 southwest. From I-287, exit toward Franklin Township. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in this part of Somerset County but coverage may be less reliable than in urban centers — verify availability before your trip.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rental car is strongly recommended for getting around Ten Mile Run and the surrounding Franklin Township area. There are no dedicated local transit routes serving the community directly.
NJ Transit bus routes serve portions of Franklin Township and connect to New Brunswick; check the NJ Transit website for current route maps, as schedules change. Rideshare apps function in the area but wait times may be longer than in cities. Cycling is feasible on quieter local roads for those comfortable with mixed-traffic conditions, though dedicated infrastructure is limited.
Things to See & Do
Ten Mile Run's immediate surroundings offer access to outdoor recreation tied to the Ten Mile Run stream corridor and the broader Millstone River watershed. The stream itself is a feature of the local landscape and the source of the community's name.
Nearby Outdoor Recreation
- Blackwells Mills Canal House Area (D&R Canal State Park) — a short drive away, this section of the Delaware and Raritan Canal offers flat walking and cycling along the historic towpath, as well as wildlife observation along the canal corridor
- Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park — one of New Jersey's most scenic linear parks, stretching along the Millstone River valley; accessible at multiple points near Franklin Township
- Six Mile Run Reservoir Site — managed by the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission, this area near the community offers trails and open space; verify current public access conditions locally before visiting
Cultural Day Trips
The surrounding region contains significant Revolutionary War history. Washington Crossing State Park (New Jersey side) and the sites around Princeton Battlefield State Park are within reasonable driving distance and provide well-interpreted historical context for the area's role in the 1776–1777 New Jersey campaign.
Food & Drink
Ten Mile Run itself has no restaurant or café district. Visitors should plan to dine in Franklin Township's commercial corridors or in neighboring communities.
Franklin Township (Route 27 corridor) has a range of dining options including casual American, South Asian, and East Asian restaurants reflecting Somerset County's diverse demographics. Verify current businesses locally, as the dining landscape in suburban New Jersey changes frequently.
New Brunswick (approximately 8–10 miles east) is a more developed dining destination with a well-regarded restaurant scene, bolstered by Rutgers University's presence. Princeton (roughly 10 miles southwest) also offers a broad range of restaurants and cafés suitable for a meal before or after exploring the area.
Practical Information
Visas and Entry
Ten Mile Run is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) or the U.S. Department of State travel portal for authoritative guidance.
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Franklin Township Police Department provides local law enforcement; verify the non-emergency contact number locally.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage from major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) is generally adequate throughout central New Jersey, including this area. Wi-Fi is not broadly available in public spaces in this community; plan to rely on mobile data.
Health
No specific health advisories apply to this region beyond standard US travel considerations. Tick awareness is advisable when using trails in the Millstone River valley and D&R Canal corridor — check for ticks after outdoor activity, particularly during warmer months.
Safety
Ten Mile Run and Franklin Township are generally considered safe, quiet residential and rural areas. Standard travel precautions apply: secure your vehicle and belongings, be aware of your surroundings on trails, and note that some rural roads have limited lighting at night.
When using the D&R Canal towpath or Six Mile Run trails, carry water and inform someone of your plans if venturing on longer routes. Cell coverage, while generally present, can be inconsistent in wooded areas.
