Huber Woods - Monmouth County
Huber Woods Park
25 Brown's Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Twp.), NJ 07760 732-872-2670 - Environmental Center 732-872- 0336 - Ranger Station Park Brochure & Map Park opens at 7:00am 365 days a year. Closing time is 6:30pm through March 8; 8pm March 9-April 12; and 8:30pm April 13-May 2. Nestled on a hill overlooking the Navesink River, the park was established in 1974 with a 118-acre gift of land from the Huber Family and the J.M. Huber Corporation. With continued acquisitions, additional land donations and the help of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, Huber Woods Park has grown to 366 acres of permanently preserved open space. Besides forests and meadows, the site also features over 8 miles of multi-use trails and an Environmental Center. A visit to Huber Woods Park is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the facets of nature that are often taken for granted. While there, take a moment amid the scenic beauty and panoramic views to observe small things - sounds, smells, light and shadow, subtle hints of seasonal change. Relax in a meadow or take a walk along a wooded trail. Each experience will enhance your appreciation of the fascinating natural world around you. History Hans Huber was the eldest son of Joseph M. Huber, who came to America in 1883 to develop new markets for the dry colors (pigments used to produce inks) that his family manufactured in Germany. Within a few years Joseph Huber had established a dry color business of his own in New York. Joseph and his wife Anna began to spend their summer vacations in this area about 1905, renting an old farmhouse on the Andrew Brown property. The Hubers fell in love with the farm’s hilly pastures, peach orchards and river views, and eventually purchased it. The house they built still stands at the foot of Brown’s Dock Road on the Navesink River. Hans and Catherine Huber chose the farm’s hilltop for their home. Designed by New York architect Edwin L. Howard, the large half-timbered house with a distinctive terra cotta roof is inspired by the old-country style of the Alpine region and reflects the cultural background of the Hubers. Deciding that they wanted to see the woods of the Huber estate permanently preserved, Hans and Catherine donated 103 acres to the Monmouth County Park System in 1974. In 1984, the J.M. Huber Corporation donated another 48 acres of the Huber estate, and the house, to the Park System. Trails Walkers, and equestrians all have favorite trails at Huber Woods. Short or long loops, steep inclines, and gentle grades offer something for everyone. (8.5 miles of trails) Park Map with Trails (PDF) |