The Great Outdoors
Morris County is a treasure trove of outdoor activities. The county boasts multiple outdoor adventure sites including trails, parks, golf courses, lakes, horseback riding and other activities. Morris County even has its own Central Park. While Morris County’s Central Park is not as well known as its New York neighbor, it is not short of activities and fun. The 299-acre multifaceted sports complex includes hiking trails, baseball and softball fields, sand volleyball courts, a playground, a picnic area and a natural amphitheater.
If hiking in a natural wilderness area is on your to-do list, the Pyramid National Historic Area is a local favorite that draws hikers from around the state. The 1,545-acre park includes rugged trails, fields, forests and wetlands, providing a unique outdoor experience. One can even get a view of the New York City skyline from the park’s highest peak, which is 934 feet.
Water lovers won’t be disappointed visiting Morris County, which is home to Lake Hopatcong, the largest lake in New Jersey. Visitors can take historic tours on the lake during a lunch or dinnertime cruise. If golf is your game, Morris County is the home of many golf courses, each providing a day of fun and leisure and maybe some friendly competition.
Floral lovers can stop and smell the flowers at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum — a 127-acre regional center for all types of horticultural activities. Visitors can stroll the beautiful meadows, rose gardens and marvel at the magnificent collection of trees. The Arboretum’s Colonial Revival Mansion makes it seem as if you’re strolling back in time. Morris County is also home to Willowwood Arboretum, a 131-acre wonderland that is home to more than 3,500 native, exotic and rare plants. A beautiful forest with forest wildflowers is also on the property.
This historic county which once relied on horses for its main mode of transportation now provides horseback enthusiasts with the opportunity to ride as our ancestors did. Seaton Hackney Stables features both an indoor and outdoor barn, stalls for rent and private and group equestrian lessons in one of the two riding rings.
There are so many amazing ways for visitors and residents to experience and enjoy the great outdoors in Morris County! Be sure and visit www.morrisparks.net for detailed information about everything the Morris County Park Commission has to offer.
Outdoor Activities
Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center
170 Longview Road, Far Hills
973-326-7600
Bridge Marina
89 Brady Road, Lake Hopatcong
973-663-1976
Central Park of Morris County
1 Governor Chris Christie Drive, Parsippany
973-326-7616
Cooper Gristmill
66 Route 24, Chester Township
908-879-5463
Cross Estate Gardens
61 Jockey Hollow Road, Bernardsville
201-240-5898
Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center
200 Pottersville Road, Chester
973-635-6629
Frelinghuysen Arboretum
353 E. Hanover Ave., Morris Township
973-326-7601
Garden State Fondo
3 Speedwell Ave., Morristown
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
247 Southern Blvd., Chatham
973-635-6629
Hedden Park
124 Reservoir Road, Randolph
973-326-7600
Historic Speedwell
333 Speedwell Ave., Morristown
973-285-6550
Lake Hopatcong Adventure Company
37 Nolans Point Park, Lake Hopatcong
973-663-1944
Lee’s County Park Marina
433 Howard Blvd., Mt. Arlington
973-398-5199
Lewis Morris County Park
270 Mendham Road, Morristown
973-326-7600
Loantaka Brook Reservation
468 South St., Morristown
973-326-7600
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
955 Weldon Road, Jefferson
973-697-3140
Morristown National Historic Park
30 Washington Place Morristown
973-539-2016 ext. 210
Mount Hope Historical Park
75 Teabo Road, Rockaway
973-326-7600
New Jersey Audubon Scherman Hoffman
Wildlife Sanctuary
11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville
908-396-6386
Patriots’ Path
270 Mendham Road, Morristown
973-326-7600
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
472 Boonton Ave., Montville
973-334-3130
Savor and Stroll Culinary Tours
973-452-2094
www.savorandstrollculinarytours.com
Schooley’s Mountain
91 East Springtown Road, Washington Township
973-326-7600
Seaton Hackney Stables
440 South Street Morristown
973-644-3355
Silas Condict Park
100 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon
973-326-7600
Willowwood Arboretum
300 Longview Road, Far Hills
973-326-7600
