Peaceful. Vibrant. Colorful. Educational. Fun. That’s how I would describe Frelinghuysen Arboretum. We went on a scarecrow scavenger hunt through gardens bursting with fresh produce destined for thoughtful donation to those in need. Woodland trails – both gravel and paved – were drenched in sunlight and, much to our surprise this late in the season, beamed with regal autumn splendor around every corner. Benches scattered throughout the space featured thought-provoking quotes like the ones below, and invited nature lovers to stop for a moment and appreciate their surroundings.
Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.
Chuang Tzu
Would you like to sit and watch the flowers grow? Life is too short not to.
Deborah A. Powell
We discovered a gazebo with a beautifully crafted 6-seater table perfectly positioned to take in the stunning views and happily shared a meal together, feeling incredibly lucky to be dining al fresco in solitude. Picnicker’s will delight at the many tables near the entrance and the wide open grassy field as well. We ran through the field, learned fun facts about trees, jumped in sugar maple leaf piles, and climbed live oak trees. What a perfect fall day in one of New Jersey’s hidden gems!
The Park Mama Tips:
- Bow hunting is in progress here. While we didn’t see any hunters on our visit, hikers are asked to exercise caution and stay on marked trails.
- There are no open bathrooms due to COVID. Portajohns are available, but they were not the cleanest during our visit. Bring a travel potty.
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