Poricy Park Nature Center - Middletown Township, NJ
Poricy Park Nature Center – Dog-Friendly Trails in Middletown Township, New Jersey
Located in the heart of Middletown Township, New Jersey, Poricy Park Nature Center is a welcoming spot for anyone looking to enjoy peaceful, pet-friendly trails and the scenic beauty of local nature. While not a traditional fenced dog park, Poricy Park offers a variety of interconnected, dog-friendly hiking trails through meadows, woods, and along a river — perfect for leashed walks with your four-legged friend. With relatively short and easy paths, it’s ideal for families and dog owners seeking a relaxing outdoor escape.
The park features open green spaces, picnic areas, educational amenities like a green roof demonstration, and fossil-hunting opportunities along the river. While dogs must remain leashed and there is no dedicated, off-leash or fenced dog run, the tranquil environment, wide trails, and friendly community make this park a top destination for dog lovers in Monmouth County. Parking is available, and there is a restroom at certain lots, though amenities such as dog water stations or waste stations are not guaranteed. Visit during a community event or explore the quiet trails for a serene, dog-friendly adventure close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs should be leashed at all times while visiting Poricy Park Nature Center.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Poricy Park features a network of interconnected trails suitable for leashed dogs and their owners.
- Where is the best place to park? You can park at the main entrance or at the Red Hill Rd lot, both of which provide easy access to the park’s trails.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trails, especially near the river, can be muddy after wet weather.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Portions of the park are accessible, with wide paths and gentle terrain in certain areas.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Restrooms are available at some parking lots, such as Red Hill Rd.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? There is a playground on site, making it a family-friendly destination.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several short, interconnected nature trails throughout the park.
Reviews
It was great. I took my 3 kids 5,3, 18 months. Trails were amazing, and I was able to let them run with the wide paths. We then decided to try a little more daring and went through a smaller trail but it was exactly what I was looking for. Great place will be back.
It was great. I took my 3 kids 5,3, 18 months. Trails were amazing, and I was able to let them run with the wide paths. We then decided to try a little more daring and went through a smaller trail but it was exactly what I was looking for. Great place will be back.
Beautiful park! However the trails are relatively short, so if you’re looking for a jog longer than 1.5-2 miles, I don’t recommend this. The path is great if you’re looking for a one mile jog.
Beautiful park! However the trails are relatively short, so if you’re looking for a jog longer than 1.5-2 miles, I don’t recommend this. The path is great if you’re looking for a one mile jog.
This is a small park I visited while I was at my in laws. The trails are not long nor hard but if you want to enjoy the outdoors for a short time then this place is perfect. They also have a green roof demonstration which was pretty cool.
This is a small park I visited while I was at my in laws. The trails are not long nor hard but if you want to enjoy the outdoors for a short time then this place is perfect. They also have a green roof demonstration which was pretty cool.
Very cool place. The trails I was on are over grown. A few families searching for fossils in the river. It wasn’t buggy but muddy. I entered from the backside of the park, not the main entrance, so the trails are probably in different condition.
Very cool place. The trails I was on are over grown. A few families searching for fossils in the river. It wasn’t buggy but muddy. I entered from the backside of the park, not the main entrance, so the trails are probably in different condition.
This is my go to when I need to get away. Everyone I meet there is polite and dogs are leashed properly. Best time to bring kids is during an event. They are frequent enough. But a good hiking and quiet walk place.
This is my go to when I need to get away. Everyone I meet there is polite and dogs are leashed properly. Best time to bring kids is during an event. They are frequent enough. But a good hiking and quiet walk place.