Summer on the Trails: The Best Hikes, Bike Rides & Outdoor Adventures Near Montgomery Township

Montgomery Township is full of surprises. Perhaps one of the best surprises is that much of the land is still publicly available and protected. About a third of the township is in some form of preserved open space in the form of parks, stream corridors, preserved farmland, and natural areas that range from quiet neighborhood trails to thousands of acres of rocky woodland. For residents, that means outdoor activities near Montgomery Township are right in the backyard.

This guide will cover the best places you and your family can get back to nature around the Montgomery Township area.

Use the links below to go to the sections you want to read:

Sourland Mountain Preserve
Skillman Park
Montgomery Park and the Back Brook Trail
Duke Farms
Van Horne Park
Frequently Asked Questions

Sourland Mountain Preserve

Sourland Mountain Preserve spans approximately 3,025 acres across the border of Hillsborough Township and Montgomery Township, with roughly 9 miles of interlocking trails cutting through woodland, boulder fields, and wetland areas that feel remarkably remote given how close they are to central New Jersey's busiest corridors. The preserve is owned by Somerset County and managed by the Somerset County Park Commission, which keeps the trail system well-marked and accessible throughout the warmer months.

The most popular route is the Devil's Half-Acre, Ridge, and Tributary Trail Loop, which is a 5.6-mile circuit with 623 feet of elevation gain that takes hikers past some of the most dramatic rock formations in the region. It carries a 4.6-star rating on AllTrails from more than 2,700 reviews, which reflects just how consistently it delivers. For those who want to ease into Sourland's rocky terrain, the White Square Loop covers 2.3 miles at a gentler grade, winding through heavily wooded sections with boardwalks and small wooden bridges that make for a less strenuous trek.

Mountain biking has become one of Sourland's signature draws as well. The Somerset County Park Commission recognizes it as one of the premier mountain biking locations in New Jersey, with trail options that range from beginner-friendly to advanced. Bouldering and birdwatching are also popular here, and the preserve's ecological diversity means that there is no shortage of plants and wildlife to appreciate. Dogs are welcome on leash, and parking is available at the main trailhead at 421 East Mountain Road in Hillsborough Township.

Skillman Park

Skillman Park is a 247-acre Somerset County park located off Route 601 in the Skillman section of Montgomery Township, and it has earned a steady following among residents who want an outdoor routine they can count on regardless of the season. The centerpiece is a 2.25-mile paved multi-use loop trail that sweeps through wide open fields and wooded stretches, with broad views across the landscape. For a park close to the township's commercial hubs, Skillman feels disconnected from the hustle enough that you think you're somewhere more remote.

Several parking areas are positioned along the route, so visitors can join the loop at whichever point works best for them. Benches appear at intervals throughout, and there are chess tables at some of the trailheads. The park's two-acre leash-free dog run, with separate areas for large and small dogs, has become one of the more popular amenities in the township for dog owners who want somewhere to let their pets roam freely.

Skillman Park also connects to a broader multi-use pathways network that Montgomery Township has been building out over the years, with the long-term goal of linking schools, parks, and preserved farmland into a continuous off-road trail system. That network is designed to eventually reach Sourland Mountain Preserve and the Delaware and Raritan Canal Park.

Montgomery Park and the Back Brook Trail

Montgomery Park on Harlingen Road is a township-owned park built around a trail system that moves between two distinct environments in a relatively short distance. Parking is available at three areas along Harlingen Road, and from any of them, the Nature Trail Loop begins as a straightforward walk through open grassland before the path enters a grove of Eastern red cedars. The grove is considerably cooler and darker than the fields around the grasslands, making it a good place to rest from your hike.

The Nature Trail Loop connects to the Back Brook Trail, which follows the brook through preserved land into the surrounding neighborhood. The crushed stone surface holds up well through the summer, but spots near the water can soften after a good rain. So be sure to bring your hiking boots if you plan to go further along the creek. The trail system is well-suited to people who want something more immersive than a paved loop but aren't looking to commit to the terrain demands of Sourland.

Public restrooms are open through the summer months, and picnic tables are placed throughout the park. The Montgomery Township pathways network, which is still expanding, is designed to eventually link Montgomery Park to Skillman Park and beyond, connecting the township's green spaces into a continuous off-road system that residents will be able to follow without returning to the road.

Duke Farms

Duke Farms in Hillsborough covers more than 1,000 acres of conserved land that the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has spent decades actively restoring. The trails run through meadows, native plant gardens, and wooded corridors. The large size of the property means it can accommodate plenty of visitors and does not get too crowded on weekends. Unlike the rockier terrain at Sourland, the trails here are relatively level and accessible, which makes Duke Farms a good option when you want time outdoors without navigating uneven ground. Duke Farms also offers public programming on conservation and land stewardship throughout the year, ranging from guided walks to workshops on sustainable practices.

The estate has been thoughtfully managed with habitat restoration as a central priority, and that shows in the diversity of what you encounter along the trails. There are native plantings that attract pollinators, ponds, and open views across meadow land that has been pulled back from more degraded conditions over time. The on-site café sources its ingredients from the farm, so stop by to get some post-hike nourishment.

Van Horne Park

Van Horne Park is located on the border of Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill. It features both paved walking paths and sports facilities that see regular use from residents throughout the week. The park is well-suited for a morning walk or an afternoon with younger children because it is close to surrounding neighborhoods and other nearby amenities.

The park has well-maintained and paved walking paths. Somerset County manages Van Horne Park alongside its broader network of parks and preserves in the region. You can find information about current conditions and programs through the Somerset County Park Commission.

Montgomery Township's attractions do not stop here, however. The Otto Kaufman Community Center adds year-round indoor programming, including aquatic activities for residents of all ages, and the township's trail network continues to expand as new pathway sections are completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails near Montgomery Township, NJ? The Devil's Half-Acre, Ridge, and Tributary Trail Loop at Sourland Mountain Preserve is the most well-regarded local option, covering 5.6 miles with 623 feet of elevation gain and earning a 4.6-star rating on AllTrails. For a shorter outing, the White Square Loop at Sourland is 2.3 miles with a gentler grade, and the Nature Trail Loop at Montgomery Park connects to the Back Brook Trail for a pleasant, low-key alternative.

Are there bike trails near Montgomery Township, NJ? Skillman Park's 2.25-mile paved loop is a reliable option for road or hybrid cyclists, while Sourland Mountain Preserve draws mountain bikers looking for more technical terrain. The Somerset County Park Commission lists Sourland among the top mountain biking destinations in the state.

Can I bring my dog hiking near Montgomery Township? Dogs on leash are permitted at Montgomery Park, Sourland Mountain Preserve, and all Montgomery Township park facilities. Skillman Park also maintains a dedicated two-acre leash-free dog run with sections for different dog sizes.

What outdoor activities are available near Skillman, NJ, in summer? Hiking and mountain biking at Sourland Mountain Preserve, paved trail cycling at Skillman Park, trail walking at Duke Farms and Montgomery Park, bouldering and birdwatching at Sourland, and aquatics programming at the Otto Kaufman Community Center are all accessible to residents throughout the summer months.

How long are the trails at Sourland Mountain Preserve? The preserve has approximately 9 miles of total trails in interlocking loops. The routes range from easy 2-mile circuits to more demanding multi-mile loops with meaningful elevation changes.

Get Reconnected to Nature With Country Classics

Montgomery Township's outdoor life is one of the many reasons people love calling this area home. Country Classics has been building homes in central New Jersey for decades, and our Somerset at Montgomery community puts residents within reach of natural beauty and a host of family-centric activities. Explore our communities to see the kinds of homes we build.