If you love nature, long walks, the option of paved roads or the beaten path, Duke Farms is for you! Located in Hillsborough, New Jersey right next to the Raritan River this park features many moderately trafficked trails with plenty to see along the way. Duke Farms has over 1000 acres of land devoted to native species, preservation and sustainability efforts, and natural beauty.

There are about 18 miles of trails that wind through woodlands and meadows and around lakes and lagoons. These trails feature waterfalls, fountains, a Japanese Garden, old estate structures and sculptures, botanical gardens, greenhouse, water ponds and more. 12 of the 18 miles are open to bikes and many are wheelchair accessible and friendly to strollers.

You can spend an hour in the park or about 6 hours if you explore the entire area and do some trails along the way. I’d recommend bringing or renting a bike so you can see more in less time. I spent about 3 hours in the park starting at the farm barn orientation center and ending at migration woods.

Hay Barn

I started by taking the pedestrian path to the South Gate making my way to the Hay Barn. This barn features an outdoor sculpture gallery filled with individual marble statues. The collection are from a number of the marble statues that were scattered throughout the estate. They were arranged for display as a contemporary sculpture garden within the confines of the hay barn.

Coach Barn

After stopping and taking a few pictures I took central way, past the orchid range all the way up to the Coach Barn. You’ll recognize the Coach Barn by its distinctive clock tower and rustic walls. This building was restored and is used for educational classes and conferences related to the mission of Duke Farms

Meditation Garden

The meditation garden (Japanese garden) is located where Duke Doris’ mansion used to be, but you would never know otherwise. The area has a feature Guzei (red bridge), Komainu (lion dogs), and a group of four-foot sculptures called the Elfin Band.

This was part of the park I was most excited to see as the area embodied an great amount of symbolism in its design

Guzei

Red is an important color in Japanese culture, and in this case represents wisdom, transformation and all that is sacred.  The Guzei offers the individual a spiritual experience that works on multiple levels and encourages positive growth, spiritual change, and transformative experiences. 

Komainu

As a symbol of protection, the komainu statues are believed to ward off evil spirits from sacred shrines and temples as well as private households. They come in pairs with one having its mouth open while the other having its mouth closed

Elfin Band

These statues are located right outside of the meditation garden in the Island of Musicians. I don’t know the significance of these Tawainese elves to the garden, but take a look at them.

I took the west way back stopping at the Great Falls and the Old Foundation. The falls weren’t on by the time I got there and I didn’t want to wait 40 minutes for the next cycle but this show is beautiful. They are turned on 4 times a day for about 10 minutes. Plan to be at this part of the park when this show starts.

Duke Farms is well maintained and kept. It was features so many beautiful things to see and I can’t wait to go back! If you are ever looking for a nature day out I’d highly recommend Duke’s Farm!

You can visit all of the key spots within half of the day with plenty of time to rest in between. Be sure to wear sneakers or comfortable walking shoes and don’t forgot to bring water! You can even bring a blanket and food and lay out in the park, either way you’ll have a blast!