Posted in New Jersey
December 26, 2016
The Easy 1-Mile Winter Hike In New Jersey That’s Positively Bewitching
Some of us hibernate during the winter, waiting for warmer weather to brave the outdoors. I admit, I was guilty of this for a long time. But if you keep to indoor attractions all season long, you’ll be missing out on some pretty spectacular stuff. I highly recommend everyone bundle up after the next snowfall and head to one of the Garden State’s gorgeous hiking trails.
This drinking reservoir and county park offers a plethora of activities including several trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Trails range from .2 miles to 5.1 miles and span from easy to moderate.
My recommendation is the Cove Trail, a 1-mile nature trail that explores the area around the environmental center. For pedestrians only, hikers will enjoy wetland and woodland views. One may spot cardinals, blue jays and even bald eagles. Around 200 avian species call the area home.
My recommendation is the Cove Trail, a 1-mile nature trail that explores the area around the environmental center. For pedestrians only, hikers will enjoy wetland and woodland views. One may spot cardinals, blue jays and even bald eagles. Around 200 avian species call the area home.
Stop at the environmental center for interactive exhibits, multi-media presentations and wildlife viewing centers. You can also see a listing of the species you can spot each season. The visitor's center, which has its own parking area, offers restrooms, activity rooms and a spectacular elevated viewing area overlooking the water.
You might also try another trail if you're up for it, like the .5-mile Bracken Trail featuring information panels filled with facts about local plants and animals. Another option is ice skating, when conditions allow.
You might also try another trail if you're up for it, like the .5-mile Bracken Trail featuring information panels filled with facts about local plants and animals. Another option is ice skating, when conditions allow.
There's plenty to participate in each winter, and you don't need to spend a cent. On January 5th, enjoy a birding walk with binoculars available to borrow (ages 8 and up). On January 7th, head to Manasquan Reservoir for a program on local fossils featuring paleontologist Ralph Johnson.
You can find the Manasquan Reservoir at 311 Windeler Road, Howell. The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk. The environmental center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. For more winter hiking in New Jersey, try this easy to moderate 3-mile trail at Cheesquake State Park.
