MONMOUTH COUNTY

Bayshore Waterfront Park

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

Port Monmouth Road north: Lat 40°26'23.35"N Long 74° 5'38.38"W

Port Monmouth Road south: Lat 40°26'16.84"N Long 74° 5'22.54"W

Trails:

Although there are no formal trails here, there is a good section of beach that can be hiked with scenic views across of Staten Island, NYC, and the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Bodman Park

Managed by Middletown Township

Acreage: 41.2

Map: None found

Parking:

End of Market Street, on Grove Street: Lat 40°22'6.37"N Long 74° 4'30.24"W

Trails:

There is a paved pathway which extends from the Grove Street area parking north to Cooper Road, the northern end of the park. Although Bodman Park is not large, it can be used as  part of longer hikes in the vicinity. Cooper Road on the north side is quite scenic, with many nicely manicured properties and unique trees. It becomes a lovely dirt road before entering Monmouth County's Huber Woods Park.

The west side of Bodman Park is the long forgotten former Red Bank Branch of the Central Railroad of NJ. This line once connected the New York and Long Branch Railroad (now NJ Transit in Red Bank) with the Bayshore Branch of the CNJ (now Henry Hudson Trail) in the north. The right of way is now used as a power line right of way from it's former junction site north to Belford. The right of way can be closely followed walking the east side of Bodman Park, north-south. The line once crossed the Navesink River on a long bridge. The site is now visible from the current Rt 35 bridge.

To the north, more of the line is visible along Sleepy Hollow Road in the form of a fill along the power line. Some of the right of way is now absorbed into the Normandy Road and railroad, a US Government line closed to civilians. Do not trespass.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Deal Lake

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

Off of Ocean Ave: Lat 40°13'46.99"N Long 73°59'49.79"W

Trails: As with many lakes very close to the ocean, there are no formal trails here, but much of the eastern portion of Deal Lake can be walked with ease. Roads encircle this section, but there are walkways up against the water which make it quite lovely, and lack the difficulty of walking on the sand. Informal paths may lead through public land further west on the lake, but most of it is privately owned. Please respect private property owners and do not trespass.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Edgemere Park and Wreck Pond

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

Brown Ave: Lat 40° 8'21.30"N Long 74° 1'39.49"W

Trails: Metrotrails is not away of any formal trails around the perimeter of Wreck Pond, or anywhere in Edgemere Park, although we have yet to explore most of it. Many roads may be followed closely parallel to it's shore, and nearly continueous greenway along the waterfront appears on maps. Amazing hikes may in fact be possible here, but it will merit much further research.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Ferruggiarro Park

Managed by Belmar

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

5th Avenue (and also nearby 6th Avenue): Lat 40°10'56.10"N Long 74° 0'50.46"W

Trails

Silver Lake Perimeter Path: 0.85 mile, unblazed. This paved pathway encircles Silver Lake, the centerpiece of the park. Ferruggiarro Park has a somewhat wider, but also more open perimeter than many of the other lake side walks to the north, but it too offers access to the beach in addition to a formal walkway.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Fletcher Lake

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

On Broadway: Lat 40°12'32.48"N Long 74° 0'19.47"W

Trails: There are no formal trails, but like most ocean front lakes, it is nice to walk around. Total mileage around the lake is 0.9. There is a foot bridge over the western portion which cuts it short by about 0.2 mile.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

MacLearie Park and Shark River Lake

Managed by Belmar

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

River Road: Lat 40°10'43.47"N Long 74° 2'13.05"W

Trails: There is a small boardwalk trail which follows the Shark River, a wide lake at this point, through this small park. Unlike so many other lake front parks along the Jersey Shore between Manasquan Inlet and Long Branch, this one is not nearly as walkable. A few places, like MacLearie Park are islands of niceness in a sea of population. There are many roads which follow close to the waterfront, and a few small parks, but not nearly continuous.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Mt. Mitchell Scenic Overlook

Managed by Morris County Park System

Acreage: 12

Map: http://co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/130/mt_mitchill_brochure_oct_2011.pdf

Parking:

Off Ocean Blvd: Lat 40°24'27.54"N Long 74° 0'19.16"W

Trails:

While there are no formal trails in this small park, there are many walkways and informal paths which lead down from the site, though not on the steep side. The site is well worth the visit. At 266 feet above sea level, it is the highest point on the east coast between Mexico and Maine.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Gateway National Recreation Area/Sandy Hook

Managed by National Park Service

Acreage: ?

Map: http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=gate&parkname=Gateway (poor)

Parking

Hartshorne Drive, first lot: Lat 40°24'54.58"N Long 73°58'50.78"W

Hartshorne Drive, second lot: Lat 40°25'26.26"N Long 73°59'2.82"W

Hartshorne Drive, third lot: Lat 40°25'42.21"N Long 73°59'5.19"W

Hartshorne Drive, fourth lot, small: Lat 40°26'51.12"N Long 73°59'39.25"W

Just off Hartshorne Drive, sixth lot, small: Lat 40°26'57.03"N Long 73°59'50.23"W

Seventh lot: Lat 40°27'22.63"N Long 74° 0'13.20"W

Eighth lot: Lat 40°27'27.87"N Long 74° 0'14.55"W

Ninth lot: Lat 40°27'27.64"N Long 74° 0'9.35"W

Large lot, north end of hook: Lat 40°27'31.59"N Long 73°59'51.98"W

Large lot, north end: Lat 40°27'55.77"N Long 73°59'52.20"W

Trails:

Sandy Hook Bike Path: About 7 miles of paths, unblazed. This pathway, beginning at the east end of the Rt 36 bridge stretches north up Sandy Hook.

Description beginning from east end of the Rt 36 Shrewsbury River bridge:

0.00 Walkway along the sea wall begins near the eastern end of the new Rt 36 bridge, and begins to head up along Sandy Hook with several beach accesses.

0.38 A beach access leaves to the right. The road is wide at a toll gate.

0.46 The surface changes to blacktop with a center line for opposing cyclist traffic.

0.70 Fine views to the south which include the new Rt 36 bridge and the Twin Lights on the Atlantic Highlands.

0.76 Another beach access on the right

0.80 Building on the right with restrooms.

0.87 Beach access on right

0.90 Beach access on right

1.00 Northern end of a large parking lot

1.40 Another large parking lot is to the left of the trail

1.47 Another beach access from the parking lot

1.50 Access to the beach and a building to the right. Displays and restrooms available.

1.60 The trail comes back close to Hartshorne Drive

2.05 After the trail turns away from the road again, pass another large parking lot on the left. Soon pass another beach access on the right

2.15 Beach access on right, concession, shower, and restroom buildings on the left

2.20 Beach access on right

2.25 A nice boardwalk trail is crossed, coming from the parking lot on the left. It leads on to the right to another parking lot.

2.32 Another beach access. It crosses the afore mentioned little boardwalk trail.

2.35 Large parking lot to the right

2.42 Cross the entrance road to the parking lot

2.50 Dirt trail leads to the right into the dunes. Several dune paths lead through the area, and connect with other paths out to the beach. The trail continues through light woods.

2.60 Another sand path on the right, with access to a parking lot on the left

2.80 Open area with buildings on the right. Soon cross an access road.

3.08 Cross an access road leaving Hartshorne Drive, still very close to the left

3.80 Cross another roadway

3.90 Parking lot on the left of the trail

4.13 Another parking lot on the right at another little road crossing

4.30 Another road crossing, still near Hartshorne Drive. May be pedestrian only marked

4.50 Another pedestrian route comes in on the right from near buildings

4.75 The trail turns left to cross Hartshorne Drive, now separated into definitive north and southbound lanes with parking areas.

4.80 Cross the other leg of Hartshorne Drive, turn right and continue north closer to Sandy Hook Bay. The trail continues to parallel the road.

5.20 Begin to pass Officer's Row on the right, a line of historic homes

5.40 Access road on the left leads to another parking lot, then cross the southbound access road to Sandy Hook.

5.45 Cross the north bound access road

5.57 Fort Hancock. You have reached the beginning of a lollipop loop, the end of the bike path. This description will end at this point, by following the route to the right and rejoining the path here.

5.88 Cross another access road as the trail has headed somewhat south

6.10 After several bends, cross another access road. To the right, the trail ends at a beach access in 0.1 mile. Turn left.

6.40 Access to a parking lot on the right of the trail.

6.48 Another access to the lot

6.60 Another trail leaves to the right, to a building and beach access, and comes back to the previously passed parking lot. Soon cross another access road.

6.75 Cross another road in Fort Hancock

6.80 Close in the loop at Fort Hancock

Beach front: 6.37 miles. From the Rt 36 bridge north, there is a long section of some of NJ's finest beaches. The northern tip offers amazing views of New York City, Staten Island, and Long Island. Please note: beyond the northern tip, access is limited. Hikers are not permitted at and beyond the beacon on the northwest end of the hook. Mid way up the hook, at Gunnison Beach, hikers may encounter nude sunbathers, as it is one of the largest clothing optional beaches on the east coast. On the southern end, beaches are periodically closed due to the nesting of a bird known as the Piping Plover.

Other paths and beaches: Many formal and informal trail paths lead through the wide sections of Sandy Hook, and along the bay side to ruins of former piers and batteries. Both Spermacetti Cove and Plum Island offer interesting bay side beach hiking opportunities, and Battery Mills and Kingman are just to the north. There are also many historic structures and side paths through Fort Hancock including the light house and other buildings.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Lake Como and Marucci Park

Managed by Belmar

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

3rd Ave Marucci Park: Lat 40° 9'57.35"N Long 74° 1'42.37"W

South Blvd Marucci Park: Lat 40° 9'53.22"N Long 74° 1'43.34"W

Trails: Like most ocean front lakes, there are no formal trails around Lake Como, but there is a strip of mowed public land perfect for walking. A 1.2 mile loop can be made around Lake Como, and parking across 3rd Ave is available in Marucci Park which has ball fields and courts. The loop is rather open and unshaded.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Lenape Woods Nature Preserve

Managed by Atlantic Highlands

Acreage: 51

Map: None found

Parking:

East Highland Ave near Ocean Blvd, on street parking: Lat 40°24'35.42"N Long 74° 0'57.33"W

On street parking, East Washington Ave, near trail head at Sears Ave intersection: Lat 40°24'22.70"N Long 74° 1'34.61"W

Trails:

Two separate sections of this preserve lead south from East Highland Avenue. More description needed.

Popamora Trail: More data needed

Long Slope Trail: More data needed

Old Oak Trail: More data needed

Woodchuck Hill Trail: More data needed

Mountain Laurel Trail: More data needed

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Leonardo Harbor Beach West

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

Concord Ave: Lat 40°25'25.98"N Long 74° 3'42.12"W

Trails:

There are no formal trails, but a nice section of beach and inland pathways despite it's small size.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

National Guard Militia Museum and Stockton Lake

Managed by (further citation needed)

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

2nd Ave: Lat 40° 7'5.18"N Long  74° 2'2.04"W

Camp Drive: Unlocated

Trails: The perimeter of Stockton Lake is not continuously hiked like most of the lakes to the north, but it is unlike those lakes as well, as it is connected with the Intercoastal Waterway. Prior to the existing Manasquan Inlet, the area between Stockton Lake and the Glimmer Glass to the south was the natural Manasquan River's terminus at the ocean. The terrain was changed to accomodate large vessels over the years. A 0.25 mile paved walkway is on the south side of the lake parallel with Stockton Lake Blvd, and a 0.5 mile one is on the east to north side, connecting a small ball field park with the National Guard Militia Museum. The museum has outdoor displays of tanks and more. More info needed.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Spring Lake and Potter Park

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking: Unlocated on street parking necessary

Trails

Spring Lake Perimeter Path: 1.2 miles, unblazed. This paved trail encircles Spring Lake, and is connected twice in it's middle by two lovely foot bridges across, allowing for shorter loops. From the train station, it is only 0.12 mile across Potter Park to the corner of the perimeter path. The east end of Spring Lake is only one block from the beach, which makes it a very pleasant walking route, although not the most direct.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunset Park

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking: Search for nearby on street parking, unlocated.

Trails: While this park has no formal trails, there is continues open space from Rt 71 near the railroad station all the way to the Asbury Park Convention Hall. Pathways encircle Sunset Lake from the west end near the tracks on both sides of the lake. A long foot bridge crosses over the lake on what was once the Emery Street crossing. A walkway also leads from the west side of Grand Avenue bridge out to an island on the lake.

Lake parks like this one make an excellent greenway on which to walk to the beach. Hikers have no difficult time reaching the beach in the Summer, because unlike most beach patrons, they do not mind walking. One never must go further than a mile west from the beach, and rarely more than a few blocks, to find unlimited on street or other parking.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sylvan Lake

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

Ocean Ave: Lat 40°11'43.16"N Long 74° 0'33.65"W

Trails: There are no formal trails, but the very pleasant hike around the perimeter of it is 1.3 miles, and offers a respite from the busy beach area, as well as easier walking than the sand.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Takanassee Lake Park

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

North Lake Drive: Lat 40°16'40.26"N Long 73°59'15.89"W

Trails: While there are no formal trails in this park, the perimeter of it can be walked easily using roads which often have large mowed areas up to the shore buffering the lake. A splendid little place to walk.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Wesley Lake

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking

All along north shore of Wesley Lake: Lat 40°12'59.89"N Long 74° 0'22.64"W

Trails: Like most beach area lakes, there are no real formal trails, but the perimeter of the lake can be walked, and offer a break from the often crowded beaches and boardwalks of Asbury Park.

Both pathways and roadways with good sidewalks encircle Wesley Lake, which makes of the border between Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. Near it's center, Pilgrim Pathway bridge is a foot bridge leading to the other side of the lake. Another smaller foot bridge crosses the lake to the west.