Jersey Shore Magazine

32 J e r s e y s h o r e PARKS and Recreation Areas in Monmouth and Ocean Counties PLACES TO GO & THINGS TO DO THE HISTORIC VILLAGE AT ALLAIRE 4263 Atlantic Avenue (Route 524) Farmingdale, Park: (732) 938-2371 Village: (732) 919-3500 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/allaire.html www.allairevillage.org Please refer to page 25. This park boasts a restored early-nineteenth-century bog iron mining community. You'll find picnicking, playgrounds, campsites, walking and riding trails, a Nature Center, general store, living history, and the Pine Creek Railroad steam trains. See also "The Historic Village At Allaire" under "Historic Sites & Museums." BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK Route 72, Long Beach Island, (732) 494-2016 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/barnlig.html A one time hideout of Captain Kidd and his pirates, this panoramic beach now offers fishing, swimming, trails, birding, and picnicking. Historic "Old Barney" lighthouse is here, too, and you can learn the story behind the lighthouse at the Interpretive Center. Park open daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Lighthouse open daily Memorial Day - Labor Day, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Lighthouse admission: ages 12 and older: $3.; children 6 to 11: $1. BAYSHORE WATERFRONT PARK 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth (732) 783-3033 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com At 228 acres, this scenic park is home to a 495-foot fishing pier, the historic Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center (the Seabrook-Wilson House), and beautiful views of the Raritan Bay and the NYC skyline. Beach access, salt marshes, boating, fishing, birding, picknicking. CATTUS ISLAND COUNTY PARK AND COOPER ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard (off Fischer Blvd.), Toms River (732) 270-6960 or 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org The unspoiled beauty of nature is the main attrac- tion at Cattus Island County Park. For nature lovers, this 500-acre park offers panoramic bay views, hiking trails, a boardwalk through the wetlands, a conservation area, bird watching, crabbing and fish- ing, picnic areas, a playground, a beautiful Butterfly Garden, and cross-country skiing in the winter. This environmentally sensitive park boasts miles of trails, many offering lovely vistas of the adjacent Silver Bay. Cattus Island is home to the Cooper Environmental Center, where visitors of all ages can enjoy the many displays and collections of snakes and reptiles, as well as numerous programs and presentations. CLOVERDALE FARM COUNTY PARK 34 Cloverdale Road, Barnegat 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Get acquainted with this tucked away, 90-acre jewel, the newest park in the Ocean County system. A former cranberry bog and tree farm, the natural beauty of the park lends itself to a unique 1.4 mile self-guided nature trail which meanders through the farm and into undisturbed woodlands, offering an escape from every day life. Also on the grounds are original buildings from the Collins' family farm, dating back to the early 1900s. The Nature Center, opened in May 2015, contains exhibits that high- light the natural beauty and historical significance of the park and is open on Fri., Sat., Sun., and by chance during the rest of the week. DEEP CUT GARDENS 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown (732) 671-6050 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Deep Cut Gardens is dedicated to the home gar- dener. The 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses are planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. Whether identifying the specimens in the gardens, questioning the horticultural staff, or perusing the books and magazines in the horticultural reference library, you will discover ways to improve your home garden. While there, visit the Home Compost Demonstration Area. Views of the surrounding countryside, shade, seating, and picnic tables. DOUBLE TROUBLE STATE PARK Double Trouble Road West, Berkeley or 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville (732) 341-6662 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/double.html Double Trouble State Park offers an outstanding example of the Pine Barrens ecosystem and a win- dow into Pine Barrens history. The park provides the protection and interpretation of over 8,000 acres of significant natural, cultural, and recreational resources representative of the Pinelands National Reserve. Rich with natural and cultural heritage, visitors can enjoy trails, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. Double Trouble Village is a well-preserved historic village featuring New Jersey's cranberry agriculture, logging, and milling indus- tries. Experience the cranberry bogs, restored village buildings, and Interpretive Center. The park open 8:00 AM to dusk. The Interpretive Center is open Wed. - Sun. 10:00 AM - 3:45 PM. FISHERMEN'S COVE CONSERVATION AREA 391 Third Avenue, Manasquan (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 55-acre site, the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet, is a great place for fishermen, kayakers, wildlife enthusiasts, and beach-goers. Locally known as "Dog Beach," dogs are permitted in designated areas only. HARTSHORNE WOODS PARK 300 Navesink Avenue, Locust (Buttermilk Valley Entrance) 1402 Portland Road, Highlands (Rocky Point Entrance); 239 Locust Avenue Locust (Claypit Creek), (732) 872-0336 www.monmouthcountyparks.com You'll feel many miles away from civilization as you travel the trails of this park. Features include group cabin camping (by reservation), cross country ski trails, fishing in the Navesink River, and trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Adventure, exercise, and relaxation await you on the nineteen-mile trail system of this 787-acre park. It's the perfect place to escape the sounds of sub- urbia. A historic World War II naval gun from the Battleship New Jersey is now on permanent display as a part of the Battery Lewis restoration. HENRY HUDSON TRAIL Aberdeen/Keyport border to Atlantic Highlands, and Matawan to Freehold Activity Center: 945 Route 36, Leonardo (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This paved, ten-foot wide, 22-mile long trail is a former railroad right-of-way. It is relatively flat, trav- eling through both man-made and natural environ- ments. Much of the trail is tree-lined, though some parts have views of surrounding wetlands, streams, and fields. The northern trail section runs ten miles (just north of and parallel to Route 36) from the Aberdeen/Keyport border at the intersection of Lloyd Road and Clark Street to the Leonardo section of Middletown/Atlantic Highlands border at Avenue D. Work is underway to extend the Henry Hudson Trail another twelve miles to Freehold Borough. Currently, the trail runs four miles from Route 537 in Freehold to Stevenson Drive in Marlboro. The trail then resumes at Station Road in Marlboro and con- tinues for five miles to Church Street in Matawan. Future plans for the Trail include linking these two sections of trail and providing a connection to the original northern section of the Henry Hudson Trail. The park totals 100 acres. Note: Trail conditions are primitive and users should expect wet and muddy patches, with no alternate route around. HOLMDEL PARK AND HISTORIC LONGSTREET FARM 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel (732) 946-3758 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 572-acre park features hiking and fitness trails, fishing and skating ponds, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, a sledding hill, and more. Historic Longstreet Farm, located in the park, is a liv- ing history farm that maintains life as it was during the 1890s. Costumed interpreters work the farm as it was over a hundred years ago. Come see the 14-room farmhouse, live animals, agricultural fields, and barnyard! The park is also home to the David C. Shaw Arboretum, a 22-acre educational and horti- cultural display devoted to trees, shrubs, and other woody plants that grow in Monmouth County. Activities, guided tours, and children's programs are available. Open everyday except Christmas. The farmhouse is open only on weekends. HUBER WOODS PARK 25 Brown's Dock Road Locust section of Middletown (732) 872-2670 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Enjoy a fabulous view of the Navesink River and relax as you get away from it all on one of the trails. This park features 366 acres of forest and meadows. Other attractions include eight miles of multi-use trails, and the Environmental Center with hands-on nature displays. A visit to Huber Woods Park is the perfect opportunity to appreciate facets of nature that are often taken for granted. Take time amid the scenic beauty and panoramic views to observe the small things—the sounds, smells, lights and shad- ows, and subtle hints of seasonal changes. Relax in a meadow or take a walk along a wooded trail. Each experience will enhance your appreciation of the fascinating natural world around you. Cattus Island County Park in Toms River. Lisa McCabe

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