5 Best Parks in Bridgewater NJ: Spend Time at Duke Island Park & Washington Valley Park

Bridgewater, NJ, is home to an array of parks that offer serene beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Exploring the best parks in Bridgewater Township provides a unique experience in each, from tranquil nature walks to active sports facilities. These parks are not just green spaces but community landmarks where people can unwind, exercise, and connect with nature—and add significantly to the bounty of things to do in Somerset County. Discover the beauty and variety of Bridgewater's parks, each a testament to the town's dedication to outdoor spaces.

Washington Valley Park

Located in Bridgewater Township, Washington Valley Park covers 719 acres over the First Watchung Ridge, offering scenic views of Somerset County and ample recreational activities. Wooded trails and rock outcroppings surround the historic Bound Brook Elizabethtown Reservoir, making for a picturesque hike or mountain bike ride. There are also freshwater marshes that are ideal for fishing and hawk-watching.

Washington Valley Park is located near a cluster of luxury homes in Bridgewater. The park has a dedicated area to spot thousands of birds migrating every fall, plus seven miles of undisturbed nature to hike and explore. Peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and ospreys are also often spotted in the skies from August to November. Visitors can expect to see more native flora and fauna throughout the hemlock and pine forests, which lead to hidden fishing spots along the shoreline. Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch are some of the top catches from the reservoir.

One of the most popular hikes is a 6.4-mile hike around the Washington Valley and East Branch Reservoir with a stop at Buttermilk Falls. The easy-to-moderate trail also has a two-mile loop for shorter hikes.

Washington Valley Park Additional Information

• Hours: Dawn until dusk unless otherwise posted

Prince Rodgers Park/North Bridge Street Park

Locals often head to Prince Rodgers Park to play ball. This park is conveniently located right near I-287, across from Bridgewater Commons Shopping Center and near Bridgewater’s border with the Somerville community. The 10-acre baseball field complex was built in 2001, and it features a full-sized field and Little League diamonds for Bridgewater Baseball junior programs. There are two parking lots accessible from Prince Rodgers Avenue.

A walking path connects Prince Rodgers Park to neighboring North Bridge Street Park, which covers 7.5 acres and includes the city's only sand volleyball court. There's playground equipment and permanent restrooms, and parking is available next door at the Martin Luther King Center. The park dates back to the early 1950s and offers plenty of open space for outings with family and friends.

Duke Island Park

About five miles southwest of Bridgewater town center lies Duke Island Park. The Raritan Power Canal runs through this park, offering a range of land and water recreation. The 343-acre site, located on the border of Hillsborough Township, was acquired by the county in 1958 and is a local favorite for community activities and special events. The park has 3.5 miles of picturesque trails for walking, jogging, and biking throughout the year.

The open deciduous forest between the river and canal is home to owls, deer, and many other small animals, and migrating warblers, songbirds, and painted turtles can all be spotted within the park. Birdwatchers also frequent the area to catch a glimpse of waterfowl, hawks, and osprey soaring above the hemlock and sycamore trees lining the river banks.

There are five picnic areas for group reservations, picnic tables, and a playground. Duke Island Park has lots of green space and a softball field. These fields are often used for league play and tournaments, but if they’re unoccupied, they can be used for casual practice and friendly games. The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the river so avid anglers can drop in a line from the river shore. Even in winter, this area is still a big hit with cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Duke Island Park Additional Information

• Address: 191 Old York Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
• Hours: Dawn until dusk unless otherwise posted

Kidstreet Playground

Kidstreet Playground is a fun spot located within Slattery Park, which is just off Route 202 and I-287. The 10.2-acre park has been around since the 1950s, and the playground was built by volunteers in 1995. With a wooden playground and a mix of classic and modern play equipment, there are numerous areas for kids to explore. Amenities like this earn Bridgewater mentions among the best towns in Somerset County.

There are also swings, slides, steps, and treehouses for hours of outdoor entertainment. The 15 swings across the playground include both traditional and tire swing styles to encourage fine motor skills, plus baby swings for the littlest visitors.

As for slides, visitors will find a mix of straight side-by-side, twisting tunnels, and open-air slides throughout the play area. Climbing webs, towers, and fireman poles are other popular features, and there’s also a large wooden ship at the back of the playground. Picnic tables and a pavilion area offer a shaded place to sit too.

North Branch Park

North Branch Park serves Bridgewater and Branchburg Township. Located on the western outskirts of town just north of Route 202, North Branch Park houses administrative offices for the Somerset County Park Commission and hosts the annual 4H Fair. Acquired in 1961, the park—which is in the area of many of the condos in Bridgewater—spans 194 acres and is used for county shows and exhibits.

This park has a mile of frontage on the Raritan River's North Branch, and great blue herons and waterfowl are often spotted along the river. The park boasts picnic groves, pavilions, and playgrounds spread throughout the lush green fields and surrounding woods. Local sports like baseball and softball are played here, plus there are horse show rings and Greenway Park for roller hockey and basketball.

Visitors can also check out the Ralph T. Reeve Cultural Center and the model airplane flying field. The North Branch Railroad Station is right by the park, and three parking lots are accessible from Milltown Road.

The Parks of Bridgewater, NJ

Even after the briefest exploration of Bridgewater's parks, it's evident that each park offers a distinct slice of nature and recreation. From lush trails to well-equipped playgrounds, these parks serve as vital green spaces that enhance the quality of life in Bridgewater and Somerset County as a whole. They are places for leisure, community building, and environmental appreciation. These parks stand as inviting outdoor havens, embodying the town's spirit and commitment to providing accessible, enjoyable, and diverse natural spaces for all.