Mountainside
Mountainside is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors and especially for those seeking some New Jersey hiking.
Get the adventure started at Watchung Reservation, the largest park in Union County, a 2,000-acre wooded retreat with fields, streams, more than 13 miles of scenic nature trails, and peaceful bodies of water like Surprise Lake and Seeley’s Pond.
While you’re here, check out New Jersey’s first nature museum, Trailside Nature and Science Center, where you’ll find more than 4,500-square-feet of interactive environmental exhibits, perfect for children and adults alike.
For those looking for a fun afternoon of horseback riding in New Jersey, plan a trip to Watchung Stable, which offers 26 miles of bridle paths, lessons and rentals.