Lord Stirling Park runs along the western edge of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The park offers 14 miles of equestrian trails and eight miles of hiking trails throughout its 921 acre expanse.
The park has two main hubs in Basking Ridge, Lord Stirling Stables at 256 S. Maple St., and the Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Rd. The equestrian trails start at the Stables and the hiking trails branch away from the Environmental Education Center, which is an 18,000 square foot building operated by the Somerset County Parks Commission.
The center offers educational programs year-round at its main facility and at schools and other parks around New Jersey.
Nearly 8,000 acres of wild habitats and plant and animal life make up the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Established by Congress in 1960, the Great Swamp is managed by the U.S. Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service "specifically for the protection of wildlife and its habitat," according to its Web site.
The Great Swamp extends into Morris County from the Helen C. Fenske visitor center in Basking Ridge. Along with its large variety of native and endangered species, the Great Swamp offers hiking paths, wildlife observation opportunities and environmental education programs.