One of the most uniquely peaceful destinations in New Jersey, Rutgers Gardens is a hidden gem deserving of a spot on your winter to-do list.

Rutgers Gardens is one of the most unique destinations in New Jersey, located near the state's most famous university and filled with dozens of beautiful gardens and art installations. During three seasons, the free botanical garden is packed with visitors taking in the sights and the constantly shifting plants and colors on display.

As for that fourth season, well, that's one of the state's best-kept secrets. Winter in a botanical garden doesn't typically attract many guests, but there's a peaceful beauty to winter in Rutgers Gardens. The park is open six days a week (closed on Monday), and it's a great opportunity to explore the quiet, snow-capped paths and the attached Helyar Woods. If you love winter hikes, it's the perfect time to discover this hidden gem in central New Jersey.

During spring, summer, and fall, Rutgers Gardens is a lush, beautiful botanical garden that draws visitors from around the state. It hosts countless events throughout the year and is usually hopping with locals and first-time guests.

But during the winter, everything changes and it's the perfect opportunity to explore the parts of the garden that are a little off the beaten path. If you visit on a cold day after a snowfall, you might feel like you're the only person for miles.

Helyar Woods, connected to Rutgers Gardens by a 1.7-mile easy trail, is a peaceful hiking spot. Dogs are allowed if they're on a leash, and this quick hike shouldn't take more than an hour to complete.

The predominantly flat trail doesn't typically have any uneven terrain, although you might face several obstacles, including muddy conditions after it rains, trail markers hidden by snow, and some overgrowth. Still, the kid-friendly path is full of such natural beauty as bodies of water and symmetrical forests. It's a great little added adventure to a visit to Rutgers Gardens that many locals don't know about. While the area is popular for birding and hiking, the winter is usually extremely peaceful.

Have you experienced winter in Rutgers Gardens? If not, tell a hiking buddy and discover it for yourself! Learn more about the garden's monthly events and regular features on the Rutgers Gardens website, and see more pictures of the trail on the official AllTrails trail listing. While this is an easy trail, I always like to have AllTrails + on hand for winter hikes. Snow-covered paths can be tricky, and the point-by-point downloadable trail guides are invaluable. Once you're done here, I highly recommend taking the rest of the day to explore New Brunswick, New Jersey's best college town, packed with fantastic museums and restaurants.