Best Walking and Jogging Trails in Edison: Edison, NJ Hiking Trails Guide

Best Walking and Jogging Trails in Edison

The local government in Edison, New Jersey, devotes extensive resources to maintaining its local systems of parks and trails, with over 123 trails that extend over a total distance of more than 873 miles. Even though New Jersey is claimed to be the United States' most densely populated state, it offers residents and visitors alike plenty of opportunities to escape city and suburban life, so that everyone can bask in the great outdoors. Those considering a move to Edison and would like to purchase a condo or luxury home located near Edison's best trails should become familiar with the following places.

Search Edison Homes for Sale.

Moving to Edison? Let the Robert Dekanski Team help! As the #1 real estate team in New Jersey, no one is better equipped to help you buy your next Edison home.

Edison State Park

Address: Edison State Park, 37 Christie St, Edison, NJ 08820

From all the options enumerated on this list, Edison State Park falls on the side of less physically challenging and provides plenty of opportunities for time indoors or resting. This state park is devoted to Thomas Edison's famous Menlo Park laboratory, where over 600 inventions were developed by the beginning of the 20th century, which continues to fascinate people today. In fact, the "main" street in this park, Christie Street, is the first street in the entire world to have been lit by a lightbulb.

Although Edison State Park covers a total of 37 protected acres, the main historical facilities cover two acres, around which there are a couple of relatively easy nature trails that pass through a small meadow, a small pond, and a few ravines. Because this is a historical attraction, visitors will find it easy to access by car (with on-premises parking) or by NJ transit.

Rutgers University Ecological Preserve

Address: Rutgers University Ecological Preserve, 83 Rockafeller Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854

The Rutgers University Ecological Preserve includes all 360 acres of protected woodlands in Piscataway, New Jersey. It was established in 1976 with two primary goals in mind: the first was to protect and conserve the woodlands on its land, and the second was to provide a live teaching area that can be used with students of all ages.

The land itself has been important throughout American history, providing campgrounds to both American and British troops during the Revolutionary War, before it became part of rich, local farming estates. It even served as a WWII staging area. The preserve was established in 1976, from which point the land entered protected status and assumed its conservation-focused role.

Almost eight miles of trails of varying difficulty levels are available at this preserve, which is accessible by car (with several parking lots available) or Rutgers campus bus. There are hiking and biking options available, allowing natural enthusiasts spanning different interests to enjoy the preserve with their preferred pace and style. The preserve is celebrated for the wide range of birds, amphibians, and small animals that are visible even during a casual walk.

D&R Canal State Park Trail

Address: D&R Canal State Park Trail, Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, Somerset, NJ 08873

The D&R Canal State Park Trail system is huge, with over 70 miles of trails accessible to the public. Visitors can hike, jog, mountain bike, canoe, kayak, fish, or even horseback ride to their heart's content in this park, with offerings at every difficulty and skill level.

The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is part of the National Recreation Trail System, meaning that extensive resources are dedicated to preserving and maintaining its functionality as a core recreational center. It also helps to connect various wildlife ecosystems, boasting figures such as over 160 different birds observed within the park's confines.

Even history buffs can find attractions along the trail systems, with various bridges, 19th-century tender houses, cobblestone pathways, and arches nestled throughout the landscape, connecting many local towns and villages. Several government organizations partner up to preserve and operate the park and its trails, which helps to keep it open and thriving year-round.

Papaianni Park

Address: Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Blvd, Edison, NJ 08817

Papaianni Park is home to an easy one-mile trail around its lake for which it is aptly named: Lake Papaianni. Most visitors to this paved asphalt trail choose to walk or jog on it, although it is worth noting that fishing is an option within this park. Other visitors come to watch the geese and other birds at the lake. Best of all, people can bring their dogs along for a jaunt around the trail, provided their canine companions remain leashed at all times.

Oak Ridge Park Trail

Address: Oak Ridge Park, 136 Oak Ridge Rd, Clark, NJ 07066

Oak Ridge Park Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that can accommodate all hiking skill levels, and on which visitors most often choose to either walk, hike, run, or bike. Visitors frequently note how flat the trail is, which makes it accommodating for all skill levels and fitness goals. Interestingly enough, Oak Ridge used to be a golf course, which was then later converted into a park, with this trail based around what golf carts used to use to commute around the park.

Watchung Reservation

Address: Watchung Reservation, Historic Trail, Mountainside, NJ 07092

The Watchung Reserve is a 2,000+ acre nature preserve in northern Union County and is part of the Union County Parks System. One thing that makes this park system particularly notable is that it was designed by the Massachusetts-based Olmstead Brothers, who are best known for designing New York City's own Central Park.

The Watchung Reservation Trail is six miles in length. One key feature of this trail is the curated markers contained all throughout the trail system, which elaborate on all the various prior uses of the land that now comprises the park. This comes alongside other markers that identify the trees and animals that may be encountered along the way. Although the Watchung Trail has various access points throughout, it was designed to ideally start and stop at the Trailside Nature & Science Center.

Explore the Best Trails Near Edison

There is a wide range of landscapes available in New Jersey. Between cars and public transportation, it is fairly quick and easy to access any of these trails and their associated parks. In fact, the hardest part might be discovering them all! Exploring a map and asking local residents is a great way for people to learn more about what is open for exploration.

Does Edison sound like the ideal home for you? Contact The Dekanski Home Selling Team of RE/MAX 1st Advantage with New Jersey Real Estate Network at (800) 691-0485 to get in touch with experienced Edison real estate agents and find the Edison home that's best suited to you today.

Buying or Selling
an Edison Home?

Work With the #1 Real Estate Team in New Jersey Now!

Do you want to buy a home in Edison? Let the Robert Dekanski Team handle it all. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a stress-free home buying experience with the best real estate team in Edison, NJ.

Robert Dekanski

Post a Comment