Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 5 31 of New Jersey operates the Center in partnership with the NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife as a premier natural resource education facility. LOCHIEL CREEK COUNTY PARK Barnegat Boulevard North (westbound side), Barnegat 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Opened in 2014, this hidden gem covers over 177 acres of forests and wetlands. The entrance road winds among pines and blueberries into a quiet and pristine setting. Amenities include a comfort station with restrooms, ample parking, and a 1.75 mile marked nature trail. The trail highlights the park's diversity as it meanders through rolling hills that are relic sand dunes from a time when the area was a prehistoric beach. The trail also crosses Lochiel Creek, the park's namesake, which harbors populations of federally threatened wildflowers and strange carnivorous plants. Along with native orchids and wetland shrubs, there are plenty of wildflowers to see throughout the growing season. The parking area also serves as a trailhead where visitors can access the 6.5 contiguous miles of the Barnegat Branch Trail via a short connector trail. MANASQUAN RESERVOIR 311 Windeler Road, Howell Township, (732) 919-0996 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Please refer to the listing under "Canoeing & Kayaking" and "Boat Rides & Cruises." County operated public recreation area on 1,203- acre reservoir. Hike, picnic, or put in your own canoe, kayak, or electric powered boat and pay a daily or seasonal ramp fee. Rent boats too! Or tour the reservoir on a thirty-six foot pon- toon boat with a guide who will introduce you to the area's plants and wildlife. Forty minute weekend tours from Memorial Day to the end of September. $6. for adults and $4. for twelve and under. In the winter, the reservoir is open for ice skating, ice boating, and ice fishing (depending upon weather conditions). Be sure to visit the Environmental Center on 331 Georgia Tavern Road. Dedicated to providing experiences of learn- ing and discovery of wetland ecology and wildlife and habitat protection, the Environmental Center is open daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Free! MANASQUAN RIVER GREENWAY Freehold to Howell, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Over 337 acres along the Manasquan River are protected in their natural state. This preserved open space provides river access for fishermen, kayakers, and boaters with canoes and other small watercraft. Please be aware that navigating sections of the river may be challenging and/or require numerous portages due to natural obstruc- tions and fluctuating water levels. River access, including fishing, is available from these locations in Howell: Southard Avenue; West Farms Road; Ketcham Road; Haven Bridge Road. MANTOLOKING BRIDGE FISHING PIER 30 Mantoloking Road, Brick 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org With great views of Barnegat Bay, this park caters to anglers, crabbers, and sightseers. On the Brick side of the Mantoloking Bridge, the 70-foot-long fishing and crabbing pier also features a board- walk, picnic area, sun shade, gazebo, and lighted paths. Park goers have access to a second pier on the south side of the bridge, as well as Traders Cove Marina and Park (maintained by the Brick Township Department of Parks & Recreation). METEDECONK RIVER GREENWAY Freehold to Howell, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 929-acre greenway protects the water quality and wildlife habitat along the Metedeconk River, a natural border between Monmouth and Ocean counties. The Monmouth County Park System is preserving land along the Metedeconk stream corridor in conjunction with similar efforts in the Ocean County portion of the watershed. Currently, there is no established parking for this site. MILL CREEK COUNTY PARK 111 Chelsea Avenue, Berkeley Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Mill Creek County Park is located in Berkeley Township between Pine Beach and Ocean Gate. Cedar chip trails, the Mill Creek, the Toms River, and three playgrounds make this a scenic and inviting park. The park's 14 acres offer the perfect spot for a family picnic under the pavilion or at one of several secluded picnic tables. Basketball, con- servation area, trails, grills, restrooms, handicapped accessible. This park is also the future site of the Ocean County Sailing Center. MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD AND MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK 16 Business Route 33, Manalapan (732) 462-9616 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/monbat.html This is where Molly Pitcher became famous during a Revolutionary battle. It was on the Monmouth Battlefield that General Washington and General Sir Henry Clinton faced each other. This victory convinced the British that the revolutionaries were a force to contend with and not just a ragtag rabble. This is also the setting for the historic Craig House. Learn more about the rich history of Monmouth Battlefield through wayside exhib- its located on Perrine Hill, Combs Hill, and the Hedgerow. Visitors Center, birding, picnic areas, trails, and playgrounds. Sledding and cross-country skiing in winter. MOUNT MITCHILL SCENIC OVERLOOK 460 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Highlands, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This is the Jersey Shore's highest point—266 feet above sea level—and is the second highest point on the Atlantic seaboard (after Maine's Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park). The overlook's 12 acres offer spectacular views of Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay, and the NYC skyline and features picnic tables and a playground. Mount Mitchill is home to Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial. The memorial is a tribute to the 147 men and women born, raised, or residing in Monmouth County who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. OCEAN COUNTY PARK 659 Ocean Avenue (Route 88) Lakewood, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org This magnificent 323-acre facility in Lakewood has a rich and fascinating history. Ocean County Park was originally part of Financier John D. Rockefeller's vacation estate. White pine, hemlock, and other unique specimen trees, now mature, were imported by Rockefeller from all over the country. Fitness and bike trails, tennis courts, open playing fields, beach volleyball, canoeing, fish- ing, and even a driving range, all free of charge, appeal to adults of all ages. Children will delight in using the playgrounds or swimming in the large, clean swimming lake on hot summer days. Ocean County Park has a large, accessible picnic facility. Reservations are available for a nominal fee for up to 700 persons. Warm weather isn't the only time to enjoy this park. Transformed into a lovely and silent winter wonderland after a snowfall, it's a great site for cross-country skiing. Of course, there is no charge for casual use of the park, the beach, or its many facilities. An off-leash dog park area is also available. Yearly fee applies. Visit website for details. continued on page 32 Manasquan Reservoir in Howell. Ocean County Park in Lakewood. courtesy of Ocean County Parks & Recreation/Lisa O'Neill courtesy of Monmouth County Park System

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