Middlesex officials highlight hiking trails in county parks

Middlesex County’s Parks and Recreation Department recently updated its park maps, including the addition of several new trails.

“Residents don’t need to travel far to find a great outdoor experience,” said Freeholder Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina, chairman of the county’s Parks and Recreation Committee. “There are a wide variety of trails available for everyone from seasoned hikers to families looking for a fun place to explore.”

There are more than 15 miles of marked and maintained trails at county parks and preserves in Old Bridge, Monroe, East Brunswick and South Brunswick. Residents can learn about local Pine Barrens ecology along the half-mile, self-guided interpretive trail at John A. Phillips Preserve in Old Bridge, or string together a longer hike along Gravel Hill at the Thompson Park ConservationArea in Monroe.

County officials said residents can also take advantage of the rolling terrain of the Tamarack Hollow Preserve in East Brunswick, and the scenic views along the edge of the pond at the Mill Pond Trail, located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick.

Trail maps were made possible in part by a grant from the Recreation Trails Program, which is administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Color trail maps and directions can be found on the parks website at www.co.middlesex.nj.us/parksrecreation/ parks.asp

“We are so proud to be able to provide our residents beautiful places to spend quality time together,” said Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano. “Our park system and our open spaces provide plenty of opportunities for active recreation and more passive pursuits, such as bird watching and hiking,”

For more information, call Rick Lear at 732-745-5988.