The best walks and hikes around Rutgers University-Busch Campus

The Donaldson Park Loop offers a delightful, easy 1.6-mile (2.6 km) hike along the Raritan River in Highland Park, New Jersey. With a minimal 11 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, this paved route is perfect for a casual 38-minute stroll, offering continuous river views and a chance to spot local wildlife like geese and ducks. It's a flat, accessible path that provides a relaxing outdoor experience for all ages.

Planning your visit to this family-friendly hike is simple, as Donaldson Park provides ample parking and a host of amenities, including clean restrooms, playgrounds, and even a dog park. While the trail is generally well-maintained, be mindful that heavy rains can occasionally cause flooding in certain areas of the park. It's a great spot for a quick walk or jog, easily accessible for a spontaneous outing.

This particular Donaldson Park Loop stands out for its extensive community facilities and its scenic location right on the Raritan River, offering opportunities beyond just hiking, such as fishing and boating. It serves as a popular hub for local recreation, providing a gentle and welcoming environment for anyone looking to enjoy some fresh air without a strenuous climb.

The Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath offers a remarkable long-distance hiking experience, tracing a historic waterway through diverse New Jersey landscapes. You'll traverse a mostly flat, hard-packed path, often crushed stone, that meanders through woodlands, past marshlands, and alongside the Delaware River, providing picturesque views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The route is dotted with 19th-century historical structures like bridge-tender houses and old locks, making it a journey through time as much as through nature. This difficult 71.2-mile (114.6 km) trail, with 599 feet (183 metres) of elevation gain, is a significant undertaking, requiring approximately 28 hours and 55 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit to the D&R Canal Towpath requires consideration for its extensive length. While the trail is open year-round, spring and fall provide the most comfortable hiking conditions. Access points and parking are available in various towns along the route, but for multi-day trips, you'll need to plan for overnight stays and resupply in charming communities like Stockton or Lambertville. Be aware that some sections, especially towards New Brunswick, might have a rougher surface due to past flooding, so appropriate footwear is essential.

This trail is not just a recreational path; it's a significant piece of New Jersey's heritage, originally used by mules to pull barges between Philadelphia and New York City. It's recognized as the longest completed multi-use trail in New Jersey and forms part of the larger East Coast Greenway, connecting various historic towns. The D&R Canal State Park, encompassing the towpath, is a vital wildlife corridor, home to turtles, beavers, and over 160 bird species, offering a rich natural experience alongside its historical charm.

The Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath offers a unique blend of history and nature, following the path where mules once pulled barges. This 71.5-mile (115.1 km) route, while rated difficult due to its sheer length and estimated 29 hours and 3 minutes duration, features a gentle 608 feet (185 metres) of elevation gain, making it physically accessible for long-distance walkers. You'll traverse varied surfaces from finely crushed stone to hard-packed dirt, with some paved sections, all while enjoying the tranquil canal, lush forests, and glimpses of the Delaware River. Keep an eye out for historical structures like bridge-tender houses and locks that dot the path, offering a tangible connection to the past. This is a journey that rewards those who appreciate a long, immersive experience rather than a steep, technical climb.

Accessing the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath is convenient, with numerous parking areas and trailheads available along its extensive length. While it's a fantastic option for hiking, the trail is also popular for cycling, with hybrid or mountain bikes recommended to handle the varied surfaces. The trail connects to other networks like the D&L trail and is part of the larger East Coast Greenway, offering even more exploration opportunities. There are no specific permits or fees required, making it an easy choice for a day trip or a multi-day adventure.

Beyond its recreational appeal, the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath is a living museum, preserving the route of a vital 19th-century transportation corridor between Philadelphia and New York. As you walk, you'll encounter remnants of this industrial past, including cobblestone spillways and hand-built stone-arch culverts. The park also serves as an important wildlife corridor, home to over 160 bird species, beavers, and deer, adding a rich ecological dimension to your journey. It's a testament to New Jersey's natural and historical heritage, offering a peaceful escape into a landscape shaped by both human ingenuity and the flow of nature.

The Rutgers Ecological Preserve loop offers a delightful escape into nature, providing an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) hike with a gentle 79 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes. You'll wander through diverse landscapes, from mature upland forests to wetlands, with the charming Buell Brook winding through the preserve. It's a true urban oasis, perfect for a quick but pleasant leg-stretcher, and you might even spot some wildlife in the Rutgers Ecological Preserve loop.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trails are generally well-maintained, though you should be prepared for compact red clay, shale, and roots underfoot. While mostly easy, some sections are somewhat hilly, adding a bit of variety. The preserve shines in autumn with vibrant fall foliage, making it a popular time for a visit, and a section near the Road 1 entrance is even wheelchair-accessible, making it a family-friendly option.

This preserve is more than just a trail; it's an outdoor teaching area for Rutgers University, boasting rich biodiversity and historical significance. You can find remnants of WWII-era Camp Kilmer along the White trail, adding a unique historical layer to your hike. It's one of the hidden gems Rutgers Ecological Preserve hiking offers, providing a serene natural environment amidst the bustling university campus.