If you’re planning a move to the Newark, New Jersey, area, pack your walking shoes as the community offers many scenic walks that make it easy to return to nature, even when the temperatures fall.
Here are a few of the best places to walk in the fall and winter around Newark and Harrison, New Jersey.
Branch Brook Park
A visit to Branch Brook Park — the first county park in the United States — offers a glimpse into history. Bring your cell phone and take the self-guided historical audio tour of this park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Follow the green signs around the trails, and listen to a narration of the area’s past at each stop.
Branch Brook is an Olmstead Designed Landscape, and the renowned designer’s vision of green community spaces for all shines through. You’ll also find basketball, tennis, bocce courts, public gardens, an urban farm, and a greenhouse here.
South Mountain Reservation
If you want to spend a sunny — yet chilly — weekend day exploring nature, head to South Mountain Reservation. This nature reserve encompasses more than 2,110 acres of woodlands, rivers, reservoirs, and watersheds.
Best of all, there are almost four miles of trails to explore on foot or bike. Highlights include:
- The 25-foot-tall Hemlock Falls.
- Stunning views of Newark and Staten Island from the 550-foot-high ridge near Millburn.
- Towering hemlocks in the hardwood forest.
Weequahic Lake Trail
If you are looking for an easy-going loop trail with water views, take advantage of Weequahic Lake Park. The jogging path winds around a picturesque 80-acre lake. The track has no elevation gain, so it’s appropriate for a range of fitness levels.
Fall visitors will appreciate the changing foliage and the lake views, but there’s more to see here. Sprinkled throughout the park are historic sites, including New Jersey’s first golf course, the Divident Hill Pavilion, and the Elizabeth Avenue Children’s Building, which offers a lovely example of Gothic architecture.
Eagle Rock Reservation
Nestled on the edge of the Watchung Mountains, Eagle Rock Reservation offers miles of hiking trails. This 400-acre park, located in West Orange in Essex County, NJ, is crisscrossed with hiking, biking, and horse trails, many offering views from rock cliffs.
For amazing views of the New York City skyline, hike to Lookout Point. The park’s wooded acreage blazes with fall color in autumn, and you may even catch a glimpse of resident wildlife. You’ll find trails suitable for many different ages and ability levels.
Garret Mountain Reservation
For even more city views, don’t miss Garret Mountain Reservation. This Passaic County park has more than 560 acres to explore, all at 500 feet of elevation (or more). Take the Garret Mountain Loop Trail through the trees and marvel at the fantastic views.
The park also offers picnic areas, basketball courts, fishing, and a butterfly garden. If you don’t feel like walking, head to the equestrian center and explore the trails on horseback.
If you’re planning a relocation, contact us today to ensure a smooth, stress-free move.