Fall Hiking Near Middlesex: 3 Scenic Parks To Explore This Season

MIDDLESEX, NJ — Looking for somewhere to enjoy the changing leaves this fall? Middlesex residents have several nearby parks offering hiking trails, wooded landscapes and opportunities to spend time outdoors.

Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater offers more than seven miles of trails winding through the property.

According to the Somerset County Park Commission, the approximately 719-acre park features a mix of forests, wetlands and rocky terrain, along with a 21-acre reservoir.

Fall is also an ideal time to look for migrating birds of prey at the Washington Valley Hawk Watch. Visitors interested in watching the seasonal migration can access the hawk-watching area from Miller Lane.

Visitors can access the park from Vosseller Avenue at Millers Lane or from Newmans Lane.

For those who prefer a walk through the woods, the Rutgers University Ecological Preserve, located at 83 Rockafeller Road in Piscataway, offers another nearby option.

The preserve welcomes the public during daylight hours, with several ways to reach its trails. Visitors can park at Johnson Park and access a trailhead across River Road, or use designated parking areas on Rutgers' Livingston Campus, subject to university parking rules.

Visitors who wish to park in the EcoPreserve Parking Lot, located off Road 3, must purchase a daily parking permit through Rutgers University's Department of Transportation Services for $5, plus sales tax.

Rutgers asks visitors to stay on marked trails, avoid disturbing plants and wildlife, and take home anything they bring into the preserve. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed.

Another place to enjoy the outdoors is Duke Island Park at 191 Old York Road in Bridgewater.

The park offers walking paths along the Raritan River and through wooded areas, making it an option for a leisurely walk or birdwatching.

Visitors can also follow paths near the historic Raritan Power Canal, where trees and waterways provide additional scenery.

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.