By Linda Seigelman
Weather notwithstanding, my interest these days continues to be in finding safe places to spend time outside. It was particularly enjoyable to hike the bucolic trails of Natirar Park in the summer and fall, but I have come to find it very serene and quite lovely in the winter as well.
Natirar is a 411-acre property whose location spans the municipalities of Peapack/Gladstone, Far Hills, and Bedminster. Formerly the estate of the Ladd family, the grounds and buildings offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Somerset County. In its heyday, the Ladd family holdings were more than 1000 acres, and they named their estate Natirar as an anagram of the Raritan River which meanders through the property. Dotting the park are informative signposts that provide a brief history of the area and highlight its current environmental significance as a watershed.
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There are three main trails in the park to walk, run, hike, or bike: Great Meadow Trail, Upper Field Nature Trail, and Lower Field Nature Trail, each of which is well-marked and approximately a mile or so in length. The terrain ranges from beautiful open meadows filled with seasonal wildflowers to wooded paths alongside babbling brooks, with a few hills thrown in for good measure – it is partly in Far Hills after all. The park is open from dawn until dusk. An early bird friend tells me that most days there are runners with headlamps out on the trails in time to greet the sun. Benches and picnic tables scattered throughout Natirar Park create perfect spots for a brief respite or a picnic lunch.
Located just up the road from Natirar is CocoLuxe Pastry Shop, a wonderful French bakery. Whether you prefer a sandwich on a crusty baguette, a buttery almond croissant, or the perfect pear tart and cappuccino, it is hard to resist whatever they’ve got. A daily selection of freshly-baked pastries, hand-made chocolates, and delicious soups make it a great place to stop for a picnic lunch or a post-hike reward. A small number of outdoor tables are available in front of the shop.
Pick a day to enjoy Natirar Park. At this time, we could all use a bit of sunshine and nature.