The Frelinghuysen Arboretum Is A Hidden Garden In New Jersey Worthy Of A Day Hike

I love a good hike, but I'm not always ready to go trekking into the woods. That's why for more laid-back days, there's nothing like a garden hike in New Jersey to get the blood pumping and the spirits lifted. New Jersey has some incredible gardens, but one hidden gem is found in the historic town of Morristown - home to some of the state's best attractions. This is the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, a massive 127-acre garden run by the Morris County Parks Commission and open free of charge daily. There are miles of simple hiking trails located within the Arboretum, making it an amazing place to spend the day hiking and discovering the many secrets within. There are untold species of plants, trees, and flowers here, and the arboretum will look a little different every time you visit - because nature never stops growing and changing.

At the center of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a historic house from the Colonial Revival period. Today it stands as the headquarters of the Morris County Parks Commission.

It served as the centerpiece of a majestic park that is teeming with flowers and trees - one of the best botanical gardens in the state.

Where to start? That's up to you - just start exploring the trails and see what you find.

There are two main trails here - the Frelinghuysen Arboretum Trail and the Patriot's Path Blue Trail. Both are easy to navigate and will lead you to some majestic sights.

Aside from the central gardens, there are around 2000 specimen trees lining the many paths.

There are plenty of peaceful little spots to stop and reflect, if the day is getting hot and you need a quick rest.

You'll also find historic markers and small museums on the Arboretum grounds, which help to make this a top spot for school groups during the year.

Have you visited the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown before? Tell us about your visit, and let us know your favorite spot for a garden hike in New Jersey in the comments section! You can find out more about the arboretum on the Morris County Parks Commission page. While you're exploring Morristown, why not pay a visit to the Morris Museum? It's one of the state's best natural history museums. And if you're visiting the area and need a place to lay your head, we recommend the Hyatt House Morristown - a mid-priced hotel that gets high marks with families.