Billie Johnson Mountain Lakes Preserve In New Jersey Is So Hidden Most Locals Don’t Even Know About It
If you’re looking for a new spot to relax in the calm and quiet New Jersey nature, head towards Princeton and explore the Billie Johnson Mountain Lakes Preserve. This delightful spot in nature makes for an excellent outing. Just wait until you see everything there is here!
This beautiful, underrated park in Princeton is worth a drive from nearly anywhere in the state, and its 400 acres of preserved open space just a mile north of the university campus are truly worth exploring.
You can wander for however long you'd like - the trails weave in and out of the property in an easy-to-follow way. There are even two bike trails if you prefer to explore on wheels.
Part of the mission of the Mountain Lakes Preserve is to educate the public, and you'll find all sorts of information displayed throughout the park. Learn about native flora and fauna and how you can help protect the wilderness of the Garden State!
Most of the grounds were part of the Witherspoon Estate, also known as Tusculum, and the historic Coventry Farm. A lot of the architecture, including old stone walls and driveways, were part of these structures that survived the test of time.
The Mountain Lakes Preserve is just one of five sections of the entire park system that's connected in this area. You can also explore Mountain Lakes North, John Witherspoon Woods, Community Park North, and the Tusculum Fields. Be sure to look out for signs that mark where private open space begins.
What a beautiful place to spend time outdoors! While Princeton itself is always worth a visit, when you feel the need to get out of town, come enjoy this peaceful preserve.
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
