The best walks and hikes in Union County

Yes, Union County has many options for beginners and casual walkers. Most of the 26 trails in the area are rated as easy. For a very gentle and short walk, the Briant Park loop is a great choice, covering just over a mile on flat terrain.

Many parks in Union County are well-suited for families. The Sensory Trail in Mountainside is a popular, accessible trail designed to engage the senses. For a pleasant walk with varied scenery, consider the Warinanco Park loop from Roselle, which offers wide paths and open spaces.

Yes, many trails in Union County are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. Watchung Reservation is a popular spot for dog walkers, and the Sensory Trail is particularly well-regarded by dog owners. Always check specific park regulations before you go.

The trails in Union County are primarily easy to moderate, with rolling hills rather than steep mountains. While there are no officially designated 'difficult' hikes, you can find a good workout on longer routes. The Sierra Trail loop is one of the more challenging options, covering about 9.5 miles with over 700 feet of elevation gain.

Watchung Reservation has several parking areas, which are generally sufficient for visitors. Key lots are located near the Trailside Nature & Science Center, Lake Surprise, and the Deserted Village of Feltville. On sunny weekends, popular trailheads can fill up, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.

While Union County's landscape is more focused on woodlands and rivers, the nearby South Mountain Reservation in Essex County is famous for Hemlock Falls. Many hikers combine visits to both reservations. Within Union County, you'll find scenic water views along the Rahway River and around the area's various ponds and lakes.

Both are excellent choices for hiking near the area. Watchung Reservation is known for its extensive and varied trail network, including historical sites on the History Trail and the large Lake Surprise. South Mountain Reservation, in neighboring Essex County, is slightly more rugged and is famous for features like Hemlock Falls and the whimsical South Mountain Fairy Trail.

Hiking in Union County is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, and summer offers lush green forests, though it can be humid. Autumn is a local favorite for its spectacular fall foliage, especially in Watchung Reservation. Winter provides a quieter experience, with opportunities for cross-country skiing on some trails if there's enough snow.

Yes, loop trails are very common in Union County's parks. This allows you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. A great example is the Lake Surprise loop, a popular 2-mile circuit in Watchung Reservation.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained and clearly marked trails within the extensive park system, particularly in Watchung Reservation. The variety of scenery, from dense woodlands to peaceful lakeside paths, is also frequently mentioned.

Hawk Rise Sanctuary in Linden is a prime destination for birdwatchers. This reclaimed landfill has been transformed into a thriving wetland habitat with boardwalks and trails offering excellent opportunities to spot various bird species. The paths around the lakes and rivers in other county parks are also good spots for observing waterfowl.

Accessing trailheads directly via public transport can be challenging, as most are designed for car access. However, some parks, like Warinanco Park or Nomahegan Park, are located in more urbanized areas and may be reachable by a combination of NJ Transit trains or buses followed by a short walk or rideshare.