Even though winter is fast approaching, you shouldn’t be afraid to brave the cold and appreciate the outdoors every once in awhile. Hillsborough is fortunate enough to be surrounded by great areas to take in the beauty of nature that will spare your gas tank and your wallet, and the nature preserves are worth seeing in every season.

The closest spot would be Duke Farms. Duke Farms was established by James Buchanan Duke for his wife and children as a summer getaway and was left to the town by the late Doris Duke, his daughter. Dukes is in the heart of Hillsborough and about a 10-minute drive from the high school. Duke Farms is free to enter and it is almost 1000 acres of beautiful nature. Popular attractions are the Orchid Range in the greenhouse, the Coach Barn, and the Old Foundation- old ruins of a building project that was never finished.

Duke Farms also offers classes and activities for visitors to learn more about nature and other related topics and provides a free tram, or bicycle rentals to help visitors get around. With stunning landscapes like the Great Meadow, or the various lakes and waterfalls, it’s no wonder that Duke Farms is a great getaway spot for those looking to explore.

The second closest would be the Sourland Mountains, the nature preserve is about a 15-minute drive from the high school, but it’s worth the journey. The mountain offers various trails one can take based on their skill level and experience, and it’s easy-to-navigate woodlands give anyone the chance to try their hand at hiking and exploring. A popular aspect of the Sourlands is that it’s open to pets, so you can be sure to bring your dog/cat/bird/hamster hiking with you!

If you’re willing to brave the drive, Cira Green in Philadelphia offers visitors a stunning view of the city from its rooftop park. While Cira Green is an apartment complex, the rooftop is open to anyone. View the city from more than 10 stories up, and bask in the beauty of the rooftop nature. Cira Green offers trees, bushes, grass fields and a clear glass ledge so that the view is never obstructed.

However, if you’d like stunning views of cities with a shorter drive, Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers just that. Located on the Upper New York Bay, the park offers a panoramic view of New York City. See the skyscrapers like never before from a picturesque spot across the bay. The quick drive, free admission, and beautiful view are sure to entice any tourist or visitor!