5 Best Parks in Branchburg NJ: Explore Duke Island Park, Ann Van Middlesworth Park & Others (2024)

Branchburg Township, New Jersey, nestled in the heart of Somerset County, boasts a wealth of picturesque parks that serve as the community's green heart. The parks in Branchburg each offer a unique charm and a variety of recreational activities, catering to all ages and interests, from sprawling fields ideal for sports enthusiasts to serene trails for nature lovers. These well-maintained spaces provide a perfect escape for relaxation, exercise, and fun. No wonder they represent some of the best aspects of living in New Jersey, including a dedication to outdoor recreation and community well-being.

White Oak Park

White Oak Park is a 127-acre park conveniently located in the west-central part of town, adjacent to Branchburg Central Middle School. The park is in a neighborhood made up of Branchburg new construction homes. A one-way street leads through the park from Baird Road and exits at Story Brook Road, and visitors can find abundant free parking lots and spaces next to the road.

The community can enjoy many amenities at this park, including multiple fields for outdoor sports, such as baseball, softball, soccer, and lacrosse. It also has sand volleyball courts and an outdoor basketball court. Kids can explore multiple playgrounds and a wooden tot lot, or visitors can go for a hike or a jog on the park's 1.5-mile hiking trail. The park also has a picnic area with tables, a campfire ring, a concession stand, and public restrooms. With its centralized location and wide-open spaces, White Oak Park is the perfect spot for Branchburg residents to enjoy fresh air and playful exercise.

Ann Van Middlesworth Park

Ann Van Middlesworth Park is located about 12 miles south of Branchburg in Hillsborough Township. The entrance to the park is at the end of Pleasant View Road in Hillsborough, next to a neighborhood of single-family homes on large lots. The Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Department manages this nine-acre park.

Some amenities include two new baseball fields and two new basketball courts. Visitors will find a children's playground near the main parking lot after the entrance. The park, one of the top parks in Hillsborough, also has heated restrooms and an unpaved hiking path that makes a one-mile loop. Pet owners will want to know about the fenced-in, off-leash dog park near the western side of the park.

Two of the big draws in this area are the skating park and the fishing pond. A new skate park is on the left side of the road as visitors enter and is a great spot for boarders to practice their nollies, half-pipes, and verts. The fishing pond is handicap accessible and has a viewing dock that extends into the pond with safety rails all around it.

North Branch Park

North Branch Park is located on the eastern border of Branchburg in Bridgewater Township. The Raritan River runs next to the park and marks the boundary between Branchburg and Bridgewater. This 194-acre park is within walking distance of a community of low-rise condos and townhomes. North Branch Park is a popular spot due to its open spaces, and many hobbyists come here to fly remote-controlled planes at the Somerset RC Flying Field.

Horse Ring Road is the street that enters the park off Milltown Road in Bridgewater. There are several additional entrances and parking lots along Milltown Road, although these are not named streets. Visitors can find a large children's playground on the left, next to the first parking lot along the road. The Somerset County Park Commission's main offices are in this park, along with the Therapeutic Recreation Department. The Therapeutic Recreation Department offers year-round activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Many festivals and events take place at the sprawling fields in North Branch Park, making it one of Bridgewater's best parks. The annual 4-H Fair happens here every August, while the Independence Day Family Festival offers live music, entertainment, activities, and a big fireworks show.

Duke Island Park

Duke Island Park is in Bridgewater, just a short distance south of North Branch Park. Duke Island is an artificial island that was created when the Raritan Water Power Canal was dug. Visitors can drive south on Park Road from Old York Road in Bridgewater to reach the park. At 343 acres in size, it offers ample outdoor space for families to enjoy. About 3.5 miles of wooded trails follow the canal and the river, where hiking, biking, and jogging are allowed. The trails are a good spot for birdwatching.

The park has five separate picnic areas available on a first-come, first-serve basis, or groups ranging from 20 to 150 people can reserve them for special events. There's also a children's playground area next to the picnic areas.

This park offers some unique outdoor opportunities during the winter months. When the weather permits, supervised ice skating is available. The trails are also groomed for cross-country skiing. Between June and August, a free Music in the Park series of concerts happens every Sunday evening, a highly popular option among the bounty of things to do in Somerset County.

Cushetunk Mountain Preserve

The Cushetunk Mountain Nature Preserve is directly northwest of Branchburg in the Lebanon area of Hunterdon County. This is a largely undeveloped nature preserve with about five miles of strenuous hiking trails. The main trailhead can be located at 106 Old Mountain Road.

The nature preserve is 380 acres and includes a challenging hiking trail that climbs Cushetunk Mountain. Experienced hikers who make the climb enjoy beautiful views of the woods and hills surrounding Round Valley Reservoir, which is directly south of Lebanon and west of Branchburg. Hiking, biking, and leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

Visitors will also want to know about the Round Valley Recreation Area, which is adjacent to the nature preserve on the opposite side of the reservoir. It has a sandy beach where swimming, fishing, boating, and wilderness camping are seasonally available. It's worth driving a couple of extra miles beyond the Cushetunk Mountain Preserve to check out this state-managed recreation area.

Plentiful Parks in Branchburg Township, NJ

Branchburg's parks are more than just recreational areas; they are vital components of the community, enhancing the quality of life for residents in this corner of Somerset County. Each park, with its distinct features and well-maintained facilities, offers a unique outdoor experience and contributes to the town's charm and community spirit. Whether for sports, leisure, or simple enjoyment of nature, Branchburg's parks provide a welcoming space for everyone, cementing their role as cherished destinations within this vibrant New Jersey township.