One of the Garden State’s most majestic rambles, the grounds of Natirar include a hilltop English manor and sweeping meadows with enchanting, hidden away nature trails at opposite ends. Each roughly a mile long, these are great short loops – and the level one around the Great Meadow at the foot of the mansion is a smooth and elegant ride for bikes and strollers.
From the parking lot, one trail sneaks between the grey barns and little waterfall, before it ascends to a lovely pastoral view and swings back down through the woods to complete the loop. The other nature trail is accessed from the far corner of the Great Meadow loop via the portion of the path that flanks the Raritan River. Tucked away in a bend of the Great Meadow path, a stone bridge and short uphill climb through the woods form the passageway between manicured lawns and eco habitat. The loop begins at the top of the hill and swoops along the perimeter of an open meadow, passing a picturesque barn and railroad tracks. Benches are placed just where you’d wish them, in all of the gazing places.
