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Somerset County has one of the strongest county park systems in New Jersey, with ridgetop forests, river meadows and big preserves a short drive from every town. These seven Somerset County parks and trails are worth a walk in any season, including the quiet months of late fall and winter.
Park hours and trail conditions change, so check the Somerset County Park Commission page for each park before you go.
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Lord Stirling Park and the Environmental Education Center
Where: Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge
Lord Stirling Park borders the Great Swamp and is home to the county’s Environmental Education Center, with trails, including boardwalk sections, through wetlands and woods. The park also includes the Stable at Lord Stirling Park. In December, the Environmental Education Center hosts the Festival of Trees, a good reason to pair a walk with a holiday stop.
Environmental Education Center
Washington Valley Park
Where: Bridgewater, with access points at Vosseller Avenue at Millers Lane and at Newmans Lane
About 719 acres along the First Watchung Ridge, Washington Valley Park has more than seven miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The 21 acre former Bound Brook Elizabethtown Reservoir is the park’s centerpiece, surrounded by pine and hemlock forests, wetlands and rock outcroppings. A hawk watch area draws birders during the autumn raptor migration.
Sourland Mountain Preserve
Where: East Mountain Road, Hillsborough
The Sourland Mountain Preserve covers thousands of acres of forest, stream corridors and rocky outcrops. It is popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and horseback riding, and it is known for nesting birds such as the Summer Tanager and Winter Wren. Expect rugged, rocky footing on some trails.
Natirar
Where: 2 Main Street, Peapack-Gladstone
The former Ladd estate covers 411 acres across Peapack-Gladstone, Far Hills and Bedminster, with the North Branch of the Raritan River and Peapack Brook running through it. The 1.3 mile Great Meadow Trail and the 1.0 mile Upper Field Trail follow the river through woods, fields and meadows. Historic farm buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries add to the scenery.
Duke Island Park
Where: Old York Road, Bridgewater
Duke Island Park covers about 343 acres and is crossed by the historic Raritan Power Canal. It offers walking, jogging and bike trails, fishing, birdwatching, picnic areas and playgrounds. In winter, the park is listed for ice skating and cross country skiing when conditions allow.
Colonial Park
Where: Lot A, 156 Mettlers Road, Somerset (Franklin Township)
Colonial Park is best known for the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden, which holds more than 3,000 roses and peaks in early June. The rose garden is open April through October, but the wider park makes a pleasant flat walk year round. Plan a return trip in June for the annual Rose Day Festival.
Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden
Duke Farms
Where: 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough
Duke Farms offers about 20 miles of trails across a 2,700 acre former estate, with lakes, meadows, historic barns and the Orchid Range. The campus is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and closed Sundays and Mondays. It is a strong choice for a long walk with plenty to see.
Winter in the Parks
Late fall and winter are underrated park seasons in Somerset County. Bare trees open up long views along the Watchung ridge at Washington Valley Park, birds are easier to spot at Duke Farms and Lord Stirling Park, and Duke Island Park and Natirar are listed for cross country skiing when snow allows. Quiet trails and crisp air make a short walk feel like a getaway.
Trail Tips
- Wear waterproof boots in late fall and winter, especially at Lord Stirling Park and Natirar.
- Bring binoculars: Washington Valley Park and Duke Farms are excellent for birds.
- Daylight is short in December, so start walks by early afternoon.
More in Somerset County: the Duke Farms visitor guide, Revolutionary War sites and breweries, cideries and distilleries.
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