Outdoor Activities in & Around Elizabeth, New Jersey

Best Outdoor Activities in Elizabeth

While the Elizabeth community may not be far from New York City, there's more to do in Elizabeth than visit other places. Elizabeth is home to numerous outdoor activities that guests can engage in throughout the year. Regardless of the season or weather conditions, there's an outdoor activity that's sure to provide fun and entertainment for all ages. From water recreation to hiking, biking, golfing, skating, and more, there's something for everyone to do outside in Elizabeth. New residents can easily leave their new construction homes in Elizabeth and make their way to local parks, rivers, or even mountains to get outside and take in some fresh air. Read on to discover some of the most popular outdoor activities in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

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Water Recreation in Elizabeth

Elizabeth Water Recreation Spots

  • Elizabeth River
  • Mattano Park
  • Public swimming pool

There are numerous opportunities for water activities in Elizabeth. The Elizabeth River runs right through the heart of this small city and is popular for fishing. A valid New Jersey fishing license is required to catch the striped bass, bluefish, and tub gurnard found in the river.

Mattano Park has its own sprayground, operational during the summer. Additionally, The Elizabeth Department of Recreation operates several spray fountains and spray parks during the heat of the summer season.

Elizabeth also operates a public in-ground swimming pool. It's free and open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The city fully staffs the pool with certified lifeguards.

Elizabeth Hiking & Biking Trails

Popular Elizabeth Trails

  • Hemlock Falls
  • Watchung Reservation History Trail
  • Openwood, River, Lenape, and Overlook Trails Loop

Those who enjoy lacing up their hiking boots or lubing up their bike chains will find plenty of opportunities to indulge in all of the trails in and near Elizabeth. Hemlock Falls is a six-mile rocky trail that runs along the Rahway River. Visitors who take on the moderate hike will be rewarded with a beautiful viewpoint of the area from historic Washington Rock. This rocky trail can get muddy, and the rocks do shift, so biking is not recommended (though it's not prohibited).

The Watchung Reservation History Trail is a popular, moderate, 6.3-mile loop trail. Dogs are permitted on the trail, but they must be leashed at all times. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their four-legged friends. On the trail, visitors will see a lake and beautiful scenery.

The Openwood, River, Lenape, and Overlook Trails Loop is an easy 4.3-mile loop, which is incredibly popular due to its flat terrain. Hiking, walking, running, and biking are common activities to see on the trail. Many groups also complete nature trips as well. Leashed dogs are permitted.

Elizabeth Parks

Popular Elizabeth Parks

  • Warinanco Park
  • Mattano Park
  • Phil Rizzuto Park

Elizabeth is home to several parks that are open for community use. The Warinanco Park opened in 1920 and is named after a prominent Native American Lenape leader. The 205-acre park welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Guests can enjoy paddle boat rentals, splash pads, playgrounds, a running track, and turf fields. There are also gardens and walking paths. Additionally, the Warinanco Park features a $7 million sports center home to an ice skating rink in winter and other sports the rest of the year.

Mattano Park is a smaller park that packs plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. The green fields have small streams running through them that flow into the nearby Elizabeth River. The park itself includes playgrounds, ball fields, water spray areas, and a skate park. There are no covered picnic areas, but one can easily lay out a blanket and enjoy an afternoon.

Phil Rizzuto Park is one of the smallest parks in Elizabeth, coming in at only 10 acres, but doesn't lack in things to do. The park has a soccer field, fitness trail, and playground. Visitors can enjoy using the outdoor parcourse equipment throughout the year. The fitness equipment is regularly maintained to ensure the equipment is safe to use, though the course will not be cleared if there's snow. Those who wish to use this equipment during the winter will need to be prepared to remove the snow themselves. It's also possible for the equipment to completely ice over in certain weather conditions.

Golf Courses in Elizabeth

Popular Elizabeth Golf Courses

  • Weequahic Park Golf Course
  • Suburban Golf Club
  • Galloping Hill Golf Course

Golfing is a popular activity for Elizabeth residents to partake in throughout the year. Even with the northeastern winter climate, all of the golf courses in Elizabeth operate year-round. The Weequahic Park Golf Course is situated on rolling hills that create a beautiful and challenging course. Just under 6,000 yards, the course features small greens that create a nice challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Some guest-favorite holes on the course include the third hole, a par five with two bunkers on the hillside, and the sixteenth hole, which is a long par four with the green at the bottom of the hill.

The Suburban Golf Club is over 100 years old and has a par-71 course. Many advanced players are still chasing after the course record of par 63. The course was designed by A. W. Tillinghast and features challenging, surprising golfing. The Suburban Golf Club doesn't have tee times, so players can come in and get started when they are good and ready.

The Galloping Hill Golf Course lives up to its nickname as "The Golf Course That Never Sleeps." From private tee times to corporate outings, lessons, and private events, something is always going on at The Hill. The 18-hole course is over 6,800 yards and features a par 71. Designed by Williard G. Wilkinson, the course plays into the natural hills and valleys the course is built on. The amenities at the course include a state-of-the-art learning center, a 9-hole practice course, and 52 driving range stalls.

Take a Breath of Fresh Air in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Elizabeth offers a multitude of outdoor activities every resident can easily enjoy. Whether going on a solo adventure or having a day of fun in a group, there are activities for all ages and skill levels. Elizabeth is perfectly positioned to offer water and mountain activities within a short drive of Elizabeth's townhomes and condos. Those who prefer to lay out a blanket have many popular parks with unique amenities at each. Combined with the shopping, dining, arts and culture, and nightlife that Elizabeth offers, why would anyone ever want to live anywhere else?

If you'd like to live in Elizabeth, contact The Dekanski Home Selling Team of RE/MAX 1st Advantage with New Jersey Real Estate Network at (800) 691-0485 to talk to an Elizabeth real estate agent and find an Elizabeth home you can fall in love with today.

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