Page 25 - 2025 Southern NJ Vacationer

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER 23
Stockton University, is Seaview Trails, which is about 4.5 miles of trails that hikers must share with mountain bikers.
Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve is a 220-acre nature preserve located in Egg Harbor Township. The reserve features an arboretum, 6 miles of hiking trails and a lake used for fishing and kayaking.
Brigantine, with its North Brigantine Natural Area, is a pristine, natural beach that is a favorite locale for nesting shorebirds. It has an out-and-back trail that clocks in just under six miles, it is always advisable to check tides before venturing out to this beautiful hike in the northern part of Atlantic County.
Nearby is the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, situated in northern Atlantic County and southern Ocean County, which protects more than 48,000 acres of coastal habitats. There are several hiking trails in the refuge, including the 4.7-mile Songbird Trail Loop, and the deCamp Wildlife Trail, which is 2.5 miles long.
CAPE MAY COUNTY:
Cape May Point State Park is a coastal gem that offers a combination of beach and woodland trails. The park features several well-marked trails that range from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The Red Trail is a favorite, offering stunning views of the beach, dunes, and the iconic Cape May Lighthouse. Birdwatchers will be delighted, as the park is a hotspot for migratory birds. The Monarch Trail is particularly popular during the fall when monarch butterflies pass through during their migration. The trails are relatively short but provide a rich experience of the coastal environment.
Belleplain State Forest located in the northern part of Cape May County, Belleplain State Forest covers over 21,000 acres and offers a variety of hiking trails. The facility offers three wonderful trails The East Creek Loop Trail is a moderate 6.8-mil loop trail that takes you through dense woodlands and along the shores of Lake Nummy, providing beautiful water views.The Lake Nummy is an easy, 1.4-mile loop that offers a challenging hike with diverse terrain, including hardwood forests and serene meadows. The Pink Trail to Meisle Road trail is a 3.3-mile journey that can be challenging because not all areas are well-marked, so be sure to have a map or GPS capability beforehand. The forest is also known for its rich biodiversity, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The Cold Spring Bike Path runs through most of Lower Township and, of course,
Cold Spring. The 2.7-mile path is a favorite for hiking, running, or biking, and connects at its northern terminus with the 8.9-mile Middle Township Bike Path and ends at the Cape May County Zoo.
Nearby, in a section of Lower Township known as Villas, a former golf course has been allowed to revert to its natural former lands, Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area has more than four miles of trails, mainly on former cart paths. With a lake and a field of sunflowers, this facility is a hidden gem in southern Cape May County.
At the Lizard Tail Swamp Preserve, just off Court House-South Dennis Road in Middle Township, are a few trails through sensitive ecological areas, each just over two miles in distance.
The Cape May National Wildlife Preserve
covers more than 21,000 acres in the South Jersey Cape, and includes features like the Higbee Beach Loop, at just over two miles, the South Cape Meadows Trail at about one mile, and the Two-Mile Beach facility, which takes hikers just over two miles from the southern entrance of the Wildwoods south to Cape May Inlet.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY:
Maurice River Bluffs Preserve covering 500 acres, is a hidden gem in Cumberland County, offering several miles of trails that provide stunning views of the Maurice River. The
Bluffs Trail, at 4.9 miles, is a highlight, taking you along high bluffs that overlook the river, offering spectacular vistas and opportunities to see bald eagles and other birds of prey. The preserve is known for its tranquil atmosphere, with trails that wind through forests, meadows, and along the riverbanks. It’s an excellent spot for a peaceful hike, with the added bonus of picnic areas and observation platforms.
The Manumuskin River Preserve across the river from Maurice River Bluffs, is a two- mile hike through woods and swamp that has at its centerpiece a clear, blue Manumuskin Pond oasis.
Natural Lands’ Peek Preserve in the southern part of Millville is the Natural Lands’ Peek Preserve with two trails providing nearly five miles of gorgeous scenery and river views.
Bridgeton City Park home to the Cohanzick Zoo, has more than two miles of hiking in a beautiful environment.
Each of these locations offers unique features and diverse landscapes, making the coastal region of New Jersey a fantastic destination for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re seeking the solitude of a forest trail, the historical intrigue of ancient ruins, or the breathtaking views of coastal bluffs, Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties have something special to offer. So lace up your hiking boots, grab a map, and set out to explore the natural beauty of New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region. Happy hiking! l
Cape May May Point State Park