I really wanted to go hiking and in the area this mountain is not bad! I came on a Sunday in the…read morelate morning (~11am) and there was ample parking. We hiked about 6 miles and when we finished there were more cars in the parking lot but not super crowded or anything. In the fall the trees are pretty and there is cell signal everywhere. Overall the trails are pretty easy to follow and shaded. You can get a decent workout since there is some elevation (our elevation map looks up and down and up and down, etc). Come Again? Yes! This satisfied my hiking cravings. In the area there aren't that many places to get a decent hike but this one is good.

Nice, pleasant hike. Paths were maintained and clear. Only comment would be that the markings for…read morewhich trail you're on weren't always the clearest. Never arrived at an end spot such as a "lookout point" but the trees itself were pretty. Farmhouse/guesthouse was perfect for a quick picnic lunch during our day. Really cute grounds with tables and chairs.

Beautiful park! My son and I went walking here to get our steps in and the scenery was so gorgeous…read more The greenery was also gorgeous. I would come here again.

I don't like using the phrase, "hidden gem", but even though it's quite literally between a…read moreresidential area and I-295, this location is a unexpectedly nice, peaceful space to walk and view nature just minutes from the bulk of Mercer County's population. The name of the page should actually read "John A Roebling Park/Abbot Marshlands", as the surrounding marshlands and its trails make up the bulk of what you'll see, and provides a home for many of the creatures living at the park. It's perfect for a walk to help get in your 10K steps, and you've a great mix of wooded and marsh dwelling wildlife to view. The trails are smooth and easy to walk on. I especially like the trail on the Island portion of the park, as it's completely forested and you can easily walk the entire circular route without encountering another soul. If you're like me and prefer to walk in a park without encountering someone every 30-seconds, this is your place. I wouldn't say the park is quiet, the background buzz of cars on 295 is ever present, but with a breeze and rustling leaves, you really don't notice it unless you try to notice it. That said, if you're at the picnic area--which is actually pretty nice--you're going to hear the traffic. If you have questions about some of the wildlife you see there, the helpful people at the adjacent Tulpehaking Nature Center are very knowledgeable about all things fauna.

These are beautiful woods, with easily walkable trails. If you stay on the wooded paths, it will…read morebe shady on the brightest of days. Wear light, waterproof hikers if you venture into the Rogers Refuge after a rain. The woods are filled with numerous varieties of trees and shrubs that provide a haven for a wide variety of birds, so bring your field guide! The trails are popular, but you'll encounter fewer humans the closer you get to the Delaware Canal. Parking is also limited, but you can park at the Rogers Refuge entrance, rather than the Battlefield Park lot. That said, here are a couple of notes: Beware of poison ivy if you step off of the actual trail, as it is everywhere. Also, during Autumn and early Winter, be sure to prep your shoes/pants for ticks, as they may be found in the leaf litter that blankets the trails. This is a good idea anytime and anywhere you hike. It's not a huge area, but the trail markings may as well be nonexistent. If you're unfamiliar with the trails, bring a map of the refuge and the institute grounds. They're both easily found and/or printed here: https://rogersrefuge.org/guides/

Lovely spot for a stroll, I find it very relaxing. Trails…read moreare level but tend to get muddy. They are pretty connected so even if you do loops and walk them all, it's not a long hike. If you're lucky, you'll see frogs and deer! If you're not, it's still fun to id trees and any mushrooms you stumble upon. There's a fun swinging bridge by the river's edge trail. I recommend: old sneakers or hiking shoes (for the mud), bug spray (mosquitoes), and a map (you can find one online or just use your phone). Note: I have never found a tick on me and I visit at least once a week, weather permitting! But you should still check for them.

We came to Mercer Meadows to catch the short-eared owls and northern harriers at dusk. There were…read moreso many birders that were also there. It truly couldn't have been more convenient as you could even see the action from the parking lot. Before the sunset spectacle we walked around the woods and checked out the other sights that the park has to offer. It's pretty great and extremely large. You can ride bikes, run, walk, birdwatch, etc. They even have bathrooms! Go have a picnic or something.

One of our favorite local parks, and one of the best around for Nature based activities, Mercer…read moreMeadows is a great place to visit during all seasons. The trails are multi use, and along with hikers, it's common to see people running, dog walking, biking, birding, or horseback riding. When there's enough snow, x-country skiers head there as well. If you're looking for swing sets and teeter totters for the rug rats, this is not the park you are looking for. The trails themselves run from gravel to paved to dirt, and they can get pretty muddy at times, but if the Shih Tzus can handle it, so can you.

A very good view during fall colors . You will miss the parking if you go a bit fast but there is a…read moresmall parking on the other side . Good views of the lake and good photogenic spot . It is also good during summer and spring timeframes . Wish they had a small washroom here . Not sure if it is on the other side . Liked it overall. 4 stars ..

MILLSTONE: as we are exploring more parks, we realize we love to take leisurely strolls through…read morescenic areas and on easy to moderate paths. Perrineville Lake Park is perfect for this type of outing. Leashed dogs are allowed on all the trails and on this trip we took the pretty Lakeside Loop trail around the lake through fields and woods. We recommend wearing a waterproof sneaker or hiking boot as some of the trail is grassy and wet, and other parts are dirt/gravel. There are no buildings and just 1 portable toilet available. NJ truly has beautiful parks for all abilities and bringing your dog along will make it that much more special. More details here: https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2550 "All (Monmouth) county parks are open, but picnicking and group gatherings are prohibited. Parking is at 50% capacity so periodic closures should be expected. Face coverings are required in all restrooms."

An excellent preserve located in rural Mercer County. It contains well maintained paths and also…read morehas boardwalks along some stretches that help during the wetter months. There's a good mix of wooded paths and others that lead along the edges of the open fields. It's not technical hiking, but it's great for a walk when you're looking to get into some nature. The trails are well maintained and easy to manage, with additional areas of boardwalk in place compared to how it was several years back. As with many wooded trails, watch your step for tree roots so that you don't faceplant while enjoying the outdoors. Trail distances range from .7 to 6 miles, but you can easily walk 5 miles or so without even using the bulk of the 6 mile route that leads to the northernmost parts of the preserve. Waterproof shoes are recommended if you use the field trails after a rain. Get your map from the institute's website, as the NJ Trail Association's website map is out of date and somewhat inaccurate. You can also pick up a copy from the friendly people working at the Watershed Center. Trails are reasonably well marked, and maps of the trails that include your location are placed at the major trail junctions. Along with nature based educational programs, they often have special events for families, with the Butterfly Festival being a major draw in the Summer. Make certain that you visit the Butterfly House itself during the Summer and early Fall months. Check the calendar before you come, as the parking lots and trails can be very full and busy on the event days. Some trails may be closed certain days in Fall/Winter for deer population management. Check their website for information before you go.

I went back here recently with a friend my LO to go on the hiking event that they put together…read more.. unfortunately, we got there too late and the hike started without us. They gave us a map to catch up, but because we were advised that it was very muddy after the recent snow melt, we decided to just hang around the main center. My friend brought donuts and we were very pleasantly surprised to find out that there is complimentary coffee!! But.. like the good kind. Really brewed well.. and wonderful quality creamers and raw sugar to add. I enjoyed two cups. You can sit in an area and talk while your kid plays in this area that was very educational about nature. It was very clean and well kept with live animals such as toads, walking sticks, turtles, etc. We both thoroughly enjoyed the simple experience. Joan, was very helpful and friendly. We cannot wait to return and enjoy the wonderful nature events that they hold throughout the year!

It's right next to the D&R canals and walkways. Right across the street from the canoe and kayak…read morerental. It's a large clearing with trees and a covered picnic table area. There's nothing else. No walking path. In the back right of the field, there's a very faded sign that says trail but it's so overgrown and not maintained you can't really go anywhere. A good spot for a picnic maybe or a rest between walking on the canals. There's two portable restrooms but no actual bathrooms. The portapotties were particularly filthy but it's also a holiday weekend day.

Turning Basin Park is a convenient spot along Alexander Road with easy access to the walking trail…read morealong the Delaware & Raritan canal. The entrance is somewhat hidden from the road, but it's directly across from Princeton Canoe Rental. The entrance to the park has spaces for about 15-20 vehicles and provides easy access to the canal trail for walkers, bicyclists, or kayakers One nice feature is that the canopy of trees provides shade in the summer if you take a stroll in the late afternoon or early evening. Be careful on the path as you're likely to encounter bicycles, joggers, and walkers. When it's not crowded, the trail is peaceful and the canal is calm. This is a great spot for easy access to the canal trail!

I love this park so much and they have a nice walking trail but in the summer there are many bees…read moreon the playground.

Hopewell borough park was a safe family friendly oasis until recently as they are now spraying…read moreherbicides on certain areas to get rid of invasive species of plants. It is well known that the use of any pesticide does not stay where it is sprayed but ruins microorganisms in the soil, runs into the water sources, and eventually to humans. There are other sustainable ways to block out invasive plants... As my child and i played in the beautiful pine trees on the hill, a go cart came by spraying. We quickly got out of there and went down the hill and over the bridge to the playground. It didn't take long for the smell to waft down to the playground. We must really educate ourselves about pesticide use because it affects everyone and everything. Where will our children play safely? Go to www.beyondpesticides.org for pesticide fact sheets and ways to change policy on pesticide use.