Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • s p r i n g 2 0 1 4 29 HArTSHOrne WOODS PArK 300 navesink road, middletown and 1402 Portland road, Highlands, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com You'll feel many miles away from civilization as you travel the trails of this park. features include group cabin camp- ing (by reservation), cross country ski trails, fishing in the Navesink River, and trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Trails include three miles of paved paths closed to vehicular traffic in the Rocky Point Section. Adventure, exercise, and relaxation await you on the nine- teen-mile trail system of this 787-acre park. It's the perfect place to escape the sounds of suburbia. HenrY HuDSOn TrAIL Aberdeen/Keyport border to Atlantic Highlands and matawan to Freehold, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This paved, ten-foot wide, 22-mile long trail is a former rail- road right-of-way. It is relatively flat, traveling through both man-made and natural environments. 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 Rt. 36) from the Aberdeen/Keyport border at the intersection of Lloyd Rd. and Clark St. 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 Rt. 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. HOLmDeL PArK AnD 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. Longstreet farm, located in the park, is a living 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! Activities, guided tours, and children's programs are avail- able. 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 appre- ciate 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 shadows, and subtle hints of seasonal changes. Relax in a meadow or take a walk along a wooded trail. Each experi- ence will enhance your appreciation of the fascinating natural world around you. ISLAnD BeACH STATe PArK Shore road, Island Beach, (732) 793-0506 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests One of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the North Atlantic. features bathing areas, food, as well as a nature center, wildlife sanctuary, and botanical preserve. JAKeS BrAnCH COunTY PArK AnD nATure CenTer 1100 Double Trouble road, Beachwood (732) 281-2750 www.ocean.nj.us/Parks/jakesbranch.html Known as "The Gateway to the Pines," Jakes Branch County Park offers a balance of active and passive recre- ation opportunities. The nature center in the park high- lights the beauty, history, and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens. Breathtaking views of the seemingly endless Pine Barrens can be taken in from the observation deck perched atop the nature center. Jakes Branch also offers soccer, baseball/softball, tennis, and basketball in addition to miles of nature trails. The tot lot, picnic grove, and open playing fields appeal to children of all ages. LAKe SHenAnDOAH COunTY PArK AnD SPOrTS COmPLeX 600 route 88 east or 300 new Hampshire Avenue, Lakewood, 1-877-OC PArKS Tall oaks and pines surround the gorgeous 100-acre Lake Shenandoah, which is the focal point of this 143 acre park. Trout-stocked waters, accessible fishing piers, and an on- site bait-and-tackle shop with boat rentals make this spot perfect for freshwater fishing, from land or water. Small boat launch (electric motors only), conservation area, picnic area, and bike trail. See also "Shenandoah County field Sports Complex." THe LIgHTHOuSe CenTer FOr nATurAL reSOurCe eDuCATIOn 7th Street and navajo Drive, Waretown (609) 698-8003 www.experiencebarnegatbay.org Owned by the Division of fish and Wildlife and situated on 194 acres of diverse coastal habitat adjacent to Barnegat Bay in Ocean Township, there are a variety of opportuni- ties to explore the maritime forest, salt marsh, two tidal streams, and a freshwater impoundment on this unique site. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist for shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl, and woodland wildlife including fiddler crabs, songbirds, otter, turtles, deer, and fox. The Lighthouse Center is the perfect setting for groups to truly experience the natural wonders of Barnegat Bay through hands-on and meaningful contact with its resources. This former "Camp for the Blind" was purchased by the Trust for Public Land and transferred to the NJDEP Division of fish and Wildlife as part of their ongoing commitment to the Barnegat Bay watershed. The Natural Resource Education foundation of New Jersey operates the Center in partnership with the NJDEP's Division of fish and Wildlife as a premier natural resource education facility. mAnASQuAn reServOIr 311 Windeler road, Howell Township (732) 919-0996 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Please refer to our 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 daily or seasonal ramp fee. Rent boats too! Or tour the reservoir on a thirty-six foot pontoon 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. $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for twelve and under. Be sure to visit the Environmental Center on 331 Georgia Tavern Road. Dedicated to providing experiences of learning and discov- ery of wetland ecology and wildlife and habitat protection, the Environmental Center is open daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. free! mOnmOuTH BATTLeFIeLD STATe PArK AnD mOnmOuTH BATTLeFIeLD route 33, one mile west of route 9, Freehold (732) 462-9616 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests 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. Visitors center, picnic areas, and playgrounds. 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 sea- board (after Maine's Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park). The overlook's twelve 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 resid- ing in Monmouth County who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. OCeAn COunTY PArK 659 route 88 West, Lakewood, 1-877-OC PArKS or (732) 506-9090 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, Ocean County Park in Lakewood. Holmdel Park. continued on page 30 Ocean County Parks & Recreation/Lisa O'Neill courtesy of Monmouth County Park System

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