The beauty that can be found in nature is abundant, and perhaps surprisingly, the benefits of spending time outdoors are as well. In fact, Healthline reports that spending at least two hours in nature per week can significantly boost health and well-being, which is easy to do in Hillsborough Township in Somerset County, New Jersey. The area offers abundant natural beauty and a climate that embraces all four seasons, making it a great place to retire and enjoy life year-round. Here are just some of the opportunities to get back to nature in Hillsborough Township’s parks.
Get the benefits of nature in Hillsborough Township’s parks
Spending time in nature provides both mental and physical benefits for seniors, such as better sleep, improved memory, reduced risk of depression, lower blood pressure and stress levels, increased energy, boosted immune function, and improved cardiovascular health. And it’s so easy to reap those benefits with the options Hillsborough Township’s parks provide, from nature reserves to greenways to gardens to trails and more. Here are some of our favorite options:
- Duke Farms offers more than 1,000 acres dedicated to nature, natural beauty, and environmental education. Visitors can see abundant wildlife, explore the Great Falls, take a class, or learn about orchids and other native plants at the Orchid Range.
- Franklin Township’s Bunker Hill and Franklin Park Natural Areas feature over 400 acres of raw natural beauty, which is great for birdwatching and hiking in woods and meadows.
- Rutgers University Ecological Preserve in New Brunswick covers 316 acres of eco-preserve dedicated to teaching but also open for the public to enjoy walking, hiking, and viewing wildlife.
- The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is a great place to walk, wander, stroll, or hike. The park has more than 70 miles of multi-use walking paths along the beautiful historic canal; visitors can also enjoy programs and activities designed for people of all ages.
- The Mike Merdinger Memorial Trail is a beautiful hike that spans 2.3 miles through farmlands and woodlands and is considered a quick, easy route to complete.
- Devil’s Half-Acre Trail at Sourland Mountain Preserve is a 2.5-mile moderately challenging loop to hike. The trail is popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
- Natirar Park features the 1.3-mile Great Meadows Trail and the 1.0-mile Upper Field Trail, which wind through meadows and fields along the North Branch of the Raritan River Corridor.
Download our guide, “Senior Living in Hillsborough Township: Everything You Need to Know”.
Nature is a natural part of senior living in Hillsborough Township
At All American at Hillsborough, we empower older adults to embrace their own health and well-being by creating lifestyles that inspire creativity, foster independence, protect dignity, and celebrate wisdom. Our mission is to provide the finest quality senior living with an emphasis on the important family values of compassion, integrity, and respect.
You may be surprised to learn that senior living communities like ours also recognize the benefits of nature and, as such, incorporate it into everyday life. Here, you’ll find lush green landscaping, numerous outdoor spaces such as patios and courtyards, and activities that include gardening clubs, walking groups, and outings to Hillsborough Township’s parks. Plus, we make it easier for residents to take advantage of our outdoor spaces with an accessible, easy-to-navigate campus.
In fact, you may have even more opportunities to enjoy the benefits of nature here than you would at home.
For more information on retirement in Hillsborough Township, visit our helpful guide, “Senior Living in Hillsborough Township: Everything You Need to Know” today.
