Living in Basking Ridge, NJ means opportunities to commune with nature are never too far away. If you’re an enthusiast of the great outdoors, or a weekend warrior who enjoys running, hiking, or riding your bike in more rugged environs, take the time to visit one of these four amazing nature trails:
Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail
468 South St, Morristown, NJ
A roughly 15-minute drive northeast towards the town of Morristown in New Jersey, Loantaka Brook Reservation is trail system popular with cyclists, runners, and hikers. The well-maintained and paved trails, as well as swaths of shade cast by the thick foliage of trees during the summer months make it a local favorite.
The trail best serves beginner cyclists and runners, thanks to the paving and relatively flat trails. For those more used to challenging trails, give Loantaka Brook Reservation a spin for times when you just want to take it easy and let aching muscles recover.
Parking space is ample.
Watchung Reservation
Historic Trail, Mountainside, NJ
About 10 miles to the southeast of Basking Ridge and just a 20-minute drive away, the Watchung Reservation is a quiet retreat that offers a variety of hiking and running trails that can be explored on multiple visits to the park.
The terrain is only slightly challenging, making it an ideal outdoor family outing, especially if there are younger children in tow. Dirt trails are off limits to bikers, who can only cycle on designated paved biking paths.
Sourland Mountain Preserve
421 E Mountain Road, Hillsborough Township, NJ
For experienced cyclists, Sourland Mountain Preserve is a welcome challenge. Plan a 40-minute weekend drive to the preserve, which lends itself well to mountain biking. Numerous trails are made for intermediate and advanced cyclists who can navigate the rocky terrain and manage the occasional dismount for particularly tough sections.
While the preserve is more of a biker’s destination, there are several running and hiking trails across fields. For added difficulty, the mountain’s rockypaths will put your trail running skills to the test.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail
Hunterdon, Mercer, and Somerset Counties, NJ
If you’re willing to drive 45 minutes south, be ready to be awestruck by the breadth of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. It’s the longest multi-use trail in the state with over 70 miles of trails.
There’s also something for every kind of interest. History buffs and architecture enthusiasts can spend hours marveling over bridges, culverts, rail depots, and a gristmill dating back to the 1900s. Mountain bikers can pedal through single-track trails traversing the woods, while adventurous trail runners can pick a path that snakes through a variety of terrain before they end up at the canal.
Enjoy a more active version of you on the biking and running trails around Basking Ridge, NJ! Discover the homes in the area by getting in touch with Cindy Pagnotta, one of the top Realtors in New Jersey. Let her experience and local area expertise work for you today. Call 908.436.7947 or email info(at)pagnottahomes(dotted)com.