Lord Stirling Park At A Glance...
- Todays Sunrise: 6:59 am, Sunset: 6:32 pm
- New Jersey Skylands Region Somerset County
About Lord Stirling Park
Lord Stirling Park is located in Basking Ridge, NJ, within the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. You will find 9+ miles of walking and hiking trails, acresof primebird/nature watching, Lord Stirling Stable, the Environmental Education Centerand more.
The variety of habitats of floodplains, swamps, rivers, intermittent streams, marshes, meadows, and natural and man-made ponds, fields, and forests provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park.
-
Activities:
- Equestrian / Horseback
-
Fishing
Nearby
-
Hiking
More like walking
- Hunting
- Jogging / Running
- Picnicking
- Walking
Amenities:- Bathrooms
- Parking Lot(s)
- Gardens
- Nature / Environmental Center
- Picnic / Sitting Area
- Picnic tables
Trails:- Boardwalks
- Flat / Easy
- Walking Paths
Park Type:- County Parks
- Park (General)
- Preserve
- Scenic Areas (overlooks/waterfalls)
Rules/Regulations:- Alcohol *NOT Permitted*
- Biking *NOT Permitted*
Contact / Location
Our Personal Take...
We have visited the park many times and have always had a great time.
A Brief History
Lord Stirling is nestled within 500 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp. A variety of habitats including swamps, rivers, marshes, meadows, ponds, and forests provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park.
Historically, the area was once home to Paleo-Indians, the Lenni-Lenape, and a Major General of the Continental Army named Lord Stirling. In the 1960's, grassroots citizens rallied to protect the precious wetlands from becoming an international airport. Consequently, 2,600 acres of land were presented to the Department of the Interior to create the core of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; the property adjacent to the SCPC Environmental Education Center.
Programs / Education
Many programs are held within the park throughout the year. This includes riding opportunities at the stables, nature and educational programs at the EEC, and nature walks across the property.
Trail & Path Info
You will find 450 acres and 9 miles of trails within Lord Stirling Park... Learn More...
The trails can be very muddy throughout the year. Though there are many many boardwalks, you still may find some mud before getting to them.
Speaking of boardwalks... the Boondock Boardwalk section of the trails has been fixed and reopened to the public this year. If you have not been back recently, you should visit soon :)
Hours / Season of Operation
The Park is open year round, dusk to dawn. I the past we have seen special days where the facilities are closed to the public, so it is best to check the Somerset County website for specific details.
Parking
There is one main parking lot off Lord Stirling Road that provides access to the EEC and the nature trail. There is no launch access to the nearby river from this lot.
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Related Groups / Organizations
Below are a few groups that we have connected to Lord Stirling Park. If we are missing any, please let us know
More To Explore in Lord Stirling Park
Nearby Places
- Lord Stirling Park (~0 miles)
- Environmental Education Center (EEC) - Somerset County (~0 miles)
- Lord Stirling Stable (~1 miles)
- Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center (~1 miles)
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (~3 miles)
- Wagner Farm Arboretum and Gardens (~4 miles)
- Cross Estate Gardens (~4 miles)
- Camp Riverbend - Day camp (~4 miles)
- Leonard J. Buck Garden (~5 miles)
- Lewis Morris County Park (~6 miles)
- Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (~6 miles)
- Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (~7 miles)
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Basking Ridge, NJ 07920