Walk For a Healthy Lifestyle: Summer Exercise Options In Basking Ridge

Residents looking for a way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors can benefit from two local programs this summer.

The Somerset County Parks Commission offers two options in their "Walking For a Healthy Lifestyle" program, both conveniently located in Basking Ridge.

Dog Walks

For animal lovers, the popular Saturday Dog Walks at Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable, located at 256 South Maple Avenue, will continue weekly. The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable host the event.

Check-in time for owners and their pets begins at 6:45 p.m. every Saturday, where residents and their pets can enjoy a guided, one-hour trail walk that starts at 7:00 p.m.

Registration is $3 per dog and all pets must be leashed and kept under control at all times.

"These sanctioned Dog Walks offer participants the only opportunity to explore the beautiful equestrian trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot," said a Parks Commission press release.

For more information on the Dog Walks, contact the Parks Commission at 973-635-8672. For directions, call Lord Stirling Stable at 908-766-5955.

Nature Walks

Residents who would rather have a scenic view than a canine companion can participate in the Parks Commission's Nature Walks program at the Environmental Education Center.

The walks are scheduled for Saturdays from 12 to 1 p.m. on July 24 and August 14 and on Sundays from 12 to 1 p.m. on July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 15, 29; and September 5, 26. The walks are one-hour long and led by Environmental Education Center Naturalists. The walks focus on different themes depending on the weeks. More information on each walk's themes can be obtained by calling for scheduling updates at 908-766-2489.

The walk is free of charge and pre-registration is not required. The Parks Commission says the walk is not designed for organized groups.

The Environmental Education Center is located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge and is open seven days each week.