So. NJ Hikes?

[Waumbek]

It was a little tricky getting into VFTT today but kinda fun to come in the back door. It took a little while to figure out that I had to click the bottom forums button to get in. I find myself heading down to Southern Jersey (Ocean County) this week. I know there aren't mountains there, but are there any recreational walking trails without snowmobiles in the winter? Maybe there are some beach trails? (And this is WOT, but has anyone ever used a car shipper, auto transport company that is reliable? Please PM if so.)

 

[Jay H]

As I live in northern NJ, close to the border of NY, can't say I've ever hiked in south jersey. Ocean county is by the Pine Barrens. You might want to email/PM another VFTT member whose tagname is "tuco". His name is Eric and he is from Tom's River which I think is Ocean County. However, he is in the process of moving so he seems very busy. Might not get a reply or so, but it's worth a shot. You might also try and ask carole or "daxs" who is further south in Cape May.

Baring, that, you could look up places like Pine Barrens, Wharton State Forest, or further south in Bellplain State Forest.

Mountain biking wise, Hartshorne/Huber in Monmouth county is nice, Cheesequake SP, Allaire. Those would make nice XC ski places if there is snow down there. Hartshorne should be marginal for now. This week is supposed to get into the mid 30s or upper 30s so we might be losing a lot of the nice XC ski conditions down south of me....

Jay

 

[DougPaul]

There are some nice trails in the Pine Barrens. Not much vertical.

Doug

 

[daxs]

There is a trail in southern jersey called the BATONA (BAck TO NAture) trail. I beleive there is a website for this trail. It runs through several of the NJ state parks including Bass River and Wharton state park (you can check the NJ state website of more information on these parks and most NJ state parks have info centers with trail maps) and thru several counties. I have hiked on it several times, I call these hikes my "flatlander" hikes. There are also trails in Belleplain state park in Cape May county but the Batona trail would be closer. I can check my Jersey Hike book for other hikes but that would need to wait until I get home from work today.

 

[Waumbek]

Many thanks to all! I'll google these before I head south this afternoon.

 

[Liz]

I live in Ocean County, about an hour from Brendan Byrne State Forest, formerly Lebanon State Park, located on Rt. 70 in New Lisbon. There are about 25 miles of sandy trails here. Several are over sandy roads. I recently hiked the Mt. Misery loop (about 9 miles-shared with mountain bikes ). Shorter loops (Cranberry Trail for one) are easily accessible. The Batona Trail also is here, offering other options. The weather is going to be fairly mild this week. If you get an opportunity on a real nice day, visit Island Beach State Park ($5 entrance fee). You'll get trail map/description from Ranger. Walk the beach (stay off the dunes!); go to the end and walk to the inlet (approx. 1.5 miles); walk the self-guided trails-lots of fun. The beach this time of year is simply majestic. Enjoy.

 

[Waumbek]

Thank you, Liz. Perfect. I was hoping to get to see some ocean.