New Jersey birders and cyclists already know the area around this national wildlife park for different reasons—the park itself offers some of the best birdwatching and photography opportunities outside of the Meadowlands and a few stops along the shore—and the flat quite roads around the park offer miles of great cycling. But away from the roads and pull offs the Great Swamp also offers nature walkers and hikers alike some peaceful walking trails. From the Wildlife Observation Center parking area along Long Hill Road one can find a few short trails, mostly over boardwalks, and bird observation blinds located around the marsh. Its a great stop for children and families … Continue reading →

Located adjacent to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the Passaic River, this Somerset County Park offers easy hiking and nature walks for all levels and ages along the park’s marshes and swampland. Over 8 miles of trails and boardwalks circle the park exposing a good mix of environments and wildlife – from cattail lined marshes to fields of wildflowers to wooded lowlands. In the winter the area is also open for cross country skiing. Parking is available at the Somerset County Environmental Education Center on Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge. The Environmental Education Center is open year round and offers a nice educational stop for the kids … Continue reading →

Watchung Reservation offers 13 miles of hiking along the valley and ridge of the lower Watchung Mountains and is located in Union County near the town of Mountainside and is easily accessible from RT 78 or RT 22. Those out for a leisurely afternoon will find the trails along Lake Surprise and the Blue Brook to be calming and scenic. The historic abandoned village of Feltville is also a nice walk, particularly in the fall. If you want to get a few more miles in, explore deeper into the western park of the park for hiking over the basalt ridge line and through forests and pine groves. A look at … Continue reading →