Rutgers Eco Preserve Trailhead — Attraction in Highland Park

The Rutgers Eco-Preserve is several hundred acres of preserved/reclaimed woodlands and is a handy if imperfect woods breathing space (you'll hear road noise everywhere, but I did come across a beaver last time I was there). The area around the brook has some small ups and downs, while the area containing the Black aka Wildlife trail is mostly level with one exception. The woods around the brook are mixed, while the upper section tends towards evergreens. Trails are fairly well maintained but blazes aren't so take a map or your phone the first time. Apply mosquito and tick repellant if you plan to walk about, and be alert for mountain bikers on weekends. Note: M-F, folks without Rutgers parking privileges will find it easiest to park in Johnson Park across River Rd from the marked "Trailhead". Directions: NJ 27 to River Road (CR 622) in Highland Park, then left into park at Cedar Lane (CR 692) intersection (first left after train underpass), or NJ 18 to River Road (CR 622) exit, then left on River Road to Cedar Lane (CR 692) intersection, where you turn right into...

Beautifully restored woodland and watershed. It was the perfect place to teach a toddler a love for nature, especially in a year in which COVID foreclosed so many other opportunities for travel. So many of New Jersey's waterways are polluted, dammed, and cramped with unattractive housing, and this is a wonderful exception. We especially loved seeing such a wide variety of ecosystems in...

Love this place! Park in Johnson Park. Nice forest with some little hills. Tons of well marked trails. I see pretty blue birds and deer here all the time. Great way to spend the afternoon and escape nature. This place is beautiful and quiet in all seasons. I also recommend Rutgers Gardens/Helyar Woods and...