A nice area for hiking/walking that has some wide paths and not so overgrown. There are plenty of…read moretrails to diverge from. Hemlock Falls seems to be a draw and is very nice to relax around but can get a little crowded. Because there are multiple parking lots with easy accessibility, there's a bit of trash and broken glass here and there which is unfortunate. There were quite a few hikers, trail runners and dogs but it never felt claustrophobic. The hikes aren't that difficult but there are quite a few rocks and protruding tree roots. Montclair is less than 10 minutes if you want a bite to eat afterwards.

Great walk. Nothing like a walk through nature. Taking in the sights and sounds, what a beautiful…read morething!!!

Still well maintained garden and really helpful staff. Not-so stroller friendly due to someplace…read morehaving steps. Pathway is made of cobbles. Restroom is clean and smells good.

Really nice garden to take a stroll. It is well kept and relaxing to sit here. Hidden gem!read more

Recently, I wrote a review for Harry Dunham Park, which is also in Basking Ridge, about a mile or 2…read moredown the road from here. That park is actually closer to where I live, but this is where I prefer to come. I discovered it a few years ago. I always thought it was in Warren, but I guess technically it's Basking Ridge. My hours were somewhat wacky. In the past, back in the day, I had jogged at the high school track...even the local cemetery...but, given my increasingly bizarre hours, that wasn't really practical anymore. This park was a place where I could run early in the morning, or in the evening. Maybe it's just a personal preference, but I really like this place. It doesn't have some of the amenities that Harry Dunham has, but I think I can live without disc golf, if you wanna know the truth... I can't really tell how large the park is--- if you walk around the circumference of it, I'd guess it's approximately 2 miles? It has several athletic fields; some are obviously for baseball, the larger ones in the upper portion of the park look like they were designed for soccer (Pingry School is just up the road from the park, and I know the Italian Championship Soccer Team stayed there some years ago to practice...I wouldn't have known that...I'm as interested in soccer as I am in disc golf...but an Italian-born co-worker was a soccer enthusiast, and he told me). There's ample parking in the upper portion parallel to Liberty Corner Road, but I prefer coming down past a building used by the road department, where there's another parking lot-- this one is smaller but usually less crowded (unless it's a spring/summer evening and the athletic fields are being used by local sports teams, adult and juvenile). I'm not much of a jogger anymore, but I'll start with a jog, run as far on the path as I can before I become winded, walk some, jog a little more, walk even more, jog, pause to dry heave in the bushes, stagger walk until I recover, walk the rest of the way shakily, cautiously back to my car. It's ok. At least I'm still doing SOMETHING healthy, and the surrounding countryside is gorgeous (whatever season it is, although you have to watch the ice on the paths in the winter); it's always refreshing and restorative, whether I'm in shape or not. There are 2 small buildings at opposite ends of the park, that look like they have water fountains, and I guess have bathrooms as well (I haven't had to avail myself of them, so I can't really be sure). There are twisting paths that branch off from the park and wend their way through the woods, and I always like to take advantage of these. One time, I went off on a path that could have been a deer path, which twisted its way down a steep hillside, and came to a gurgling stream. Not exactly the Rocky Mountains, but I was impressed. Not sure where the stream leads (I've lived in Somerset County since I was in my teens, but I guess I'm still a Passaic County city boy at heart), but one day soon I'm going to have to spend more time and follow it along towards wherever it leads (Bedminster?). It's beautiful, tranquil, and occasionally even exhilarating, abundant with natural grandeur and loveliness. If there's such a thing as "God's Country," this could qualify. If there's a down side, it can get too crowded, especially on spring/summer evenings, when the sports teams and their "fans" monopolize the parking lot and playing fields. And there are a'holes who walk their dogs, let the dogs shite on the walking paths, and don't bother cleaning up. But you can't hold the park responsible for that. There are a'holes everywhere, sad to say. Even in bucolic, beautiful Somerset County.

Mountain Park offers walkers well-maintained paths with gorgeous views of New Jersey's rolling…read morehills and plants. There are a few paths you can take; some are more wooded than others. Even when the park is more crowded at peak times or during sporting events, there is enough space for everyone to enjoy and have some privacy while walking.

This is a very nice center that has a lot of information about the Great Swamp and the area. There…read moreis an entire room of live animals in tanks to see, an exhibit hall that was featuring an art show at the time of our visit, a cute library with kid-friendly seating and books. Don't miss the downstairs, which features an interactive exhibit space about the plants, animals, and history of the Great Swamp. Outside are multiple trailheads. There is a good sized parking lot available.

Superb County Environmental Education Center. Great visitor centers: animals in tanks, a gorgeous…read morenew display about the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge & its history, a library, meeting rooms, balconies with nice views. WONDERFUL array of trails, all very well marked, with lots of ponds, stream crossings, and habitat types. I highly recommend a visit. A short walk from it to the Raptor Trust, too.

It's definitely an underrated gem, which makes it a blessing or curse that their sign is so…read morenondescript. The walkways are well maintained. The crowds are usually just the right amount of thin. Hiking to the fenced off lighthouse is a pleasant stroll with a bench nearby for reflection. This is definitely a worthy destination if you're in the area.

I've decided to explore the Staten Island parks to walk/hike in. Today I came to Mt. Loretto Unique…read moreArea, and that it is! There is a small parking lot, but not too many people that you can't get a spot. There are different trails to walk up and there is a paved trail throughout. There is a wetlands trail and a dry lands trail. I took the wetlands. This takes you to the beach. You're like at the end of the world. I was expecting to see the head from the Statue of Liberty! only.49 miles so I came back and went on the paved trail which also has a few different trails, gentle rolling hills. Easy to do though. I saw birds, wild flowers interesting fields. Before I knew it I walked over 2 miles. There is an area with picnic tables covered by a roof. A few nice decks right by the water with a place to sit and watch the sea birds. Very very clean!. You do see others but no one is in your way. You can bring your dog. There is a pail for your poop bag and I would think it would be nice to walk your dog up there right before you go on the trail. There is a porta John up front in the parking lot. So all in all it was a great place! Will bring bug spray so I can hit a few of the more over grown trails. Taken care of but on the narrow side. Get out and walk or hike!

Lots of Parking space when we arrived around 11-12nn but…read moredoes have entrance fee of $10 per car and $10 per adult as of June 2026. Area is very well kempt and beach is clean. Restrooms are available as well as a shower/rinsing area. There is a limited food option from the concession area and there isnt a "boardwalk" so you just enjoy the beach and playground within the vicinity. the playground though is amazing! its quite clean and i love that they have shaded areas to sit and relax. The play areas itself has no shade at all though so can get quite hot. Some porta potties available.

It's that time of the year again! The Garden State Parkway is flooded with cars driving down to the…read moreJersey Shore all summer long. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is one of my favorite destinations for an enjoyable beach day. If you prefer a quieter and more peaceful type of beach experience, this is the right place for you. Hours are from 8AM-9:30PM. Guarded swimming is from 10AM-5PM. Admission is $10 per person and parking is $10 per vehicle. While this price may seem hefty for some, I think it's worth it. They have a huge parking lot with immediate walking access to the beach. You won't have to worry about finding street parking like many other Jersey beaches. Anyone ages 17 and under get free entry. Military and veterans (including their spouse and children) get free admission and parking. I wish they provided a discount for senior citizens. After 5pm, it's free for all individuals. What I love the most about this beach is how clean and quiet it is. You can tell that the park rangers take very good care of it. There isn't any trash laying around and the sand is clean. It's never overly crowded, so there's plenty of space to lay around. Most patrons are respectful and well behaved. They don't provide chair or umbrella service, so you have to bring your own. No, the water isn't completely crystal clear..... lol but as of lately, it's been looking a lot more blue, clearer, and prettier :-) There are designated areas for surfing. Waves can be rough and high tide is no joke, so don't sink okayyyyy. There are bathrooms and showers available. Other than the beach, there's a large playground, skateplex, and volleyball areas. The only major con is that there's not much else to do. There isn't a boardwalk, so you won't have access to a lot of food, bars, shops, and entertainment. They have one food/snack pavilion that offers your traditional greasy American fare - burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, etc. Breakfast bagels and sandwiches are served until 11AM. There are plenty of picnic tables and umbrellas around to enjoy your food. If you want more of a food scene, the Long Branch Pier Village is literally a 3-5 minute drive away. See yaaaaaaaaaa at the shore!

Wonderful, peaceful spot. Interesting variety of terrain. Trails are marked surprisingly well.read more

I came here but the building was closed. However they still had some awesome trails available to…read moreexplore. Parking at the trail heads is simple and well marked. I took the Army trail. It was a nice peaceful stroll. There is a little waterfall that sounds so very soothing about 1/2 mile in. The trail is well marked and maintained. They do not allow dogs on the trails, which is odd because I saw a lot of paw prints in the mud. The trails are very quiet and not than many people go on them. I was the only one on the trail that I was on. I think this is one of the better trails in the area because of its maintenance, ease to get to and through there, quietness, and little to no other people on the trail. I will tray and make it back here soon to check out the building and another trail.

I've been going to this park multiple times every summer for the Summer Sounds by the bay concerts…read moreand I always have a great time. I also go biking occasionally. The park is big and there's a big parking lot but please note that during busy concerts the parking lot gets full so you can expect to park on the street if you don't arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. Also expect a slow moving line when leaving the park on busy days. But overall this is a nice park!

Amazing park! 1)…read moreThe views from this park of the Hudson River & NY-NJ is just fantastic! 2) The parking is limited, but there is some other street parking. Which is the main downside of this park. 3) Overall, this park truly has one of the best loop to run & walk with amazing views!