Getting out and about in nature is a great way to get some extra exercise and re-energize with fresh air. Whether you are born and bred in Mount Laurel or are just visiting this wonderful city, you’ll be excited to discover many options near you. From local parks to natural preserves, Mount Laurel is home to some welcoming and well-kept locations where you can catch a famous sunset or enjoy a relaxing stroll. Read on to learn about our top five nature-filled experiences to see around Mount Laurel, New Jersey. 

Laurel Acres Park

Image via Flickr by illustir Licensed CC BY 2.0

When you’re looking for a little sunshine in Mount Laurel and want to get a breath of fresh air, visiting Laurel Acres Park is a phenomenal option. Avid and novice joggers alike love the short walking trail. It is under a mile and travels through the woods. 

The lake is an ideal spot to fish and provides park visitors with a gorgeous view to sit and relax. If you have kids, there are several playground areas where they can work off some extra energy before you sit down for a picnic under a tree or at one of the picnic pavilions throughout the park. 

The massive park also features eight baseball fields, a sledding hill for winter fun, and a sand volleyball court. Dog lovers enjoy bringing their furry friends along for some quality time at the dog-friendly park. Walk along the paved trail with your leashed puppy, or visit the dog run where pups can play a game of fetch. The hiking trail is a moderate stroll, great for both kids and pets to traverse. 

You can find Laurel Acres Park at 1045 S. Church St. The park is open from sunrise to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, or to learn about fishing regulations, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 856-234-0001. 

Black Run Preserve

Black Run Preserve is 1,300 acres of natural areas. The ecological wonder encompasses pine barrens forest, wetlands, streams, cranberry bogs, and many threatened and endangered plant species. With a mission to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the area, Black Run Preserve focuses on educating the community for the benefit of all citizens. An ideal place for novice and experienced nature photographers, Black Run is home to native fauna and flora. Walk along the miles of trails to reconnect with nature and clear your mind. 

Several recreational opportunities make visiting Black Run fun for the entire family. The preserve has several miles of marked walking trails, including sandy roads and single-track trails. Park visitors can mountain bike on sandy or flat terrain, and enjoy some cross-country skiing in the winter. Animal lovers will rejoice in the opportunity to bird watch some dozens of feathered creatures that call the preserve home while future botanists can explore and learn about the native grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees. 

Black Run Preserve sits ready to entrance you with its beauty at Kettle Run in Evesham, New Jersey. For more information, or to learn about upcoming events, call 609-451-0580.

Boundary Creek Natural Resource Area

An ideal destination for outdoor excursions in Mount Laurel, Boundary Creek Natural Resource Area is a 34-acre park that provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy birding and witness different species in their natural habitat. Specifically designed for quiet nature study and passive recreation, many people enjoy sitting in the quiet of nature and meditating here. 

The park features both upland and lowland forests, tidal wetlands, fields, and the open waters of Rancocas Creek. Park guests can follow the footpaths and boardwalks across the diverse habitats. Just be sure to have your binoculars ready to see some of the over 30 resident species of birds. The 1.3 miles of marked trail throughout the park make a leisurely stroll safe and easy on almost any evening. Leashed dogs are allowed and the park is monitored by rangers, making this a particularly safe area to bring young kids for an afternoon outing or learning opportunity. 

The park is at 515 Creek Road in Moorestown. Open daily from dawn to dusk, you can start your day with a wonderful sunrise and the sound of birds chirping or end your day staring out onto the sunkissed waters. For more information, or to learn about the wildlife blinds and viewing platforms, call 609-265-5858.

Cooper River Park Loop

Cooper River Park Loop in Camden County is a must-see hidden gem. With so much to do, you and your family can easily spend the day in the open air and never run out of things to do. Whether you are interested in hiking, boating, cycling, or peddle paddling, you will find a thrill at this local park. Bring the kids out to jump around on the playground and have a snack at one of the pavilions, or bring your family dog to run around at Pooch Park. Take pictures at the Sculpture Garden, and enjoy the sunset as the evening sky glistens on the Cooper River. 

Leave your vehicle safely at 101 Park Blvd. If you plan to use the boat launch or go kayaking, be sure to bring your personal watercraft, as rentals are not available. For more information, call 866-266-3362.

Blueberry Hill Trail

Blueberry Hill Trail in Gibbsboro offers a scenic escape and spectacular setting for getting away from daily stresses. Enjoy a hike and view the city from the peak to marvel at the beauty of New Jersey and gain perspective. Listen to the calming sounds of nature and the wind blowing through the trees as you follow clearly posted signs guiding your journey. The trail, paved in some places, takes hikers across the ground with interesting landscapes and up hills. 

Be sure to stop and see the radar station built in 1957 as part of the Nike Missile Defense System. You can access Blueberry Hill Trail at 50 Haddonfield-Berlin Road. 

So there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, has just shared with you our top picks for some exceptional nature-filled experiences to see around Mount Laurel. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite location to reconnect with nature? If we did, let us know! Leave us a message sharing your thoughts and we’ll be happy to check out what you have to say.