BEDMINSTER, NJ — Looking to get outside and enjoy the fall season? Bedminster residents have several nearby parks offering hiking trails, nature walks and scenic surroundings.
One option is Natirar, located at 2 Main Street in Peapack. The 411-acre park stretches across Peapack-Gladstone, Far Hills and Bedminster, offering trails through wooded areas, fields and meadows.
According to the Somerset County Park Commission, visitors can explore the 1.3-mile Great Meadow Trail and the 1-mile Upper Field Trail. The property also features historic buildings, open lawns and access to the North Branch of the Raritan River.
For a longer nature walk, the Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park offers approximately nine miles of hiking trails.
Located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, the park also features nature-themed exhibits and educational programs. Trails are open from dawn to dusk, and pets are not permitted.
Another nearby destination is Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater, where visitors can explore more than seven miles of trails. The approximately 719-acre park features forests, wetlands, rock outcroppings and a 21-acre reservoir.
Washington Valley Park also includes a hawk-watching area, where visitors can observe migrating birds of prey during the fall.
Before heading out, visitors should check official park websites for maps, restrictions and current park conditions.
Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.
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