Hike in Ocean County wetlands?

Glenn Walters

Glenn Walters

Explorer
Oct 2, 2013
190
64
Hey Piney's. Probably like most of you, I am a very busy parent, or just a busy person. That is why most of my posts you read mention hikes in Ocean County, or close by(Apple Pie Hill). That is usually all I have time for on days off. Day hikes. Max 10 miles.
I was wondering if anyone knew of any bay area wetlands with decent trail systems for hiking and exploring in Ocean County? I know Forsythe is in Barnegat, but not sure of trail system there and hard to find info. Preferrably a little off the beaten path like that area. Any info is welcome. Thanks...
 
GermanG

GermanG

Piney
Apr 2, 2005
1,177
546
Little Egg Harbor
Enos Pond County Park, in Forked River, has a small trail system. Not really what I would call hiking length but good for some short exploration or nature study. Cattus Island Co. Pk. in Toms River has longer trails. The nature center is still closed due to Sandy damage but the park and trails are open. The Tuckerton Seaport has a short trail through the forest as well. I often do a nice 3-4 mile loop at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area which takes you through both forest and marsh but it isn't a marked trail. Always see lots of waterfowl, wading birds and raptors there. When you get close to the bay, there aren't many off-the-beaten-path spots. Development hasn't left much. :( I know a few more spots without trails if you are the bushwhacking type. I imagine you could find those as well using an aerial photo. That's how I find most of my spots. ;)
 
Glenn Walters

Glenn Walters

Explorer
Oct 2, 2013
190
64
Thanks guys,
Been to Eno's. Do like it there. Will try Cattus and Stafford WMA. Dont mind a little bushwhacking either. As long as I have proper gear and weather has been cooperating. Dont need any Piney quicksand. Lol Thanks again
 
46er

46er

Piney
Mar 24, 2004
8,837
2,144
Coastal NJ
Forz
Glenn Walters said:
Hey Piney's. Probably like most of you, I am a very busy parent, or just a busy person. That is why most of my posts you read mention hikes in Ocean County, or close by(Apple Pie Hill). That is usually all I have time for on days off. Day hikes. Max 10 miles.
I was wondering if anyone knew of any bay area wetlands with decent trail systems for hiking and exploring in Ocean County? I know Forsythe is in Barnegat, but not sure of trail system there and hard to find info. Preferrably a little off the beaten path like that area. Any info is welcome. Thanks...
Click to expand...

Island Beach SP has trails to the bayside, the best is walking Rescue Rd to the inlet, as does Barnegat Light SP on the portion of the park off Sunset Blvd/

Forsythe has several trails at their Brigantine/Oceanville location; maps and info at their link. Some folks walk the dikes/loop road as well. Also have a boardwalk that gives excellent views of the wetlands below it. Forsythe has a short trail on Mantoloking Rd. There are some informal trails in the Goodluck Pt area of Berkeley on Conservancy Land, and on the RR ROW thru the Forsythe portion.

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin_b_forsythe/

If you want to head south, the Wetlands Institute on the causeway to Stone Harbor had a couple of wetland trails, not sure how they were affected by Sandy.

http://wetlandsinstitute.org/about-us/visit-us/

And my favorite, but a bit far. Does make a nice day trip though. Cape May Meadows and Cape May Point SP. A number of trails thru forest and wetlands. Also the WMA just south of the canal on the Delaware bBy side.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/capemay.html

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiative...ey/placesweprotect/south-cape-may-meadows.xml

There are some spots to the north, but then your getting into the land of eternal traffic. You might check these pamphlets out. Put out for birding and wildlife watching, but good info for locations.

http://www.njwildlifetrails.org/
 
Glenn Walters

Glenn Walters

Explorer
Oct 2, 2013
190
64
You 46er are, obviously, an avid wetlands fan. Thank you to everyone who has responded. Alot of great options. Much appreciated.
 
Boyd

Boyd

Administrator
Staff member
Site Administrator
Jul 31, 2004
10,466
3,436
Ben's Branch, Stephen Creek
Well this is also pretty far South but not so far as Cape May. :) Atlantic County Park at Estell Manor has some great wetlands and an extensive trail network. The South end of the park is developed, but the North end has some wild areas. Enter on Artesian Well Rd here:

http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.412523999820486&lng=-74.74233038696286&z=15&type=topo&gpx=

If you are adventurous enough to wander off the trails you will find some truly remarkable ruins of a WWI munitions factory. Time has really forgotten this place and very few people have seen these ruins. You will shed some blood finding them - they're surrounded by dense thickets with holly and thorny vines.

Adjacent to the park you have thousands of additional acres of wetlands in the Maple Lake, Tuckahoe and new 5000 acre Lenape Farms WMA's. You could easily spend a whole day exploring there and get your fill of wetlands. :)
 
Glenn Walters

Glenn Walters

Explorer
Oct 2, 2013
190
64
Yeah I do do most of my hiking in the Pines in the fall, winter, early spring. Love the map Boyd. All places look cool. I will let everyone know when I get to these place. Will Keep you all posted. Spung-Man, intrepid is a good word. I think there alot of us Intrepid Souls on this site. I was texting some Pines pics to a friend in Minnesota today who was sitting in a deer stand where he will spend most of the night. Intrepid Souls. He sent me a pic of their campsite and the first snow fall outside of Duluth. We were both laughing at each other as I was bushwhacking near the Cedar Creek again today. Intrepid Souls are we all. Good hiking/hunting/camping/riding/driving/paddling to us all. If you all havent already. Check out my pics on Piney Sunset under recreation threads. Pretty cool.
 
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