Coastal Heritage Trail
Inspirational Jersey Shore Destinations
crushed gravel path winding through the woods and bathed
in the intricate patterns of sunlight filtered through tall pines. Isn’t that
what most of us think of when we hear the word trail?
The
Jersey Shore has many trails that fit that description, but the Coastal Heritage
Trail is not a trail at all - it's a concept established in 1988 by a joint
venture of the National Park Service and the State of NJ. The only evidence of
this “trail” are the directional signs posted on existing roadways and two
welcome centers. So, what’s the idea, or a better question might be, what’s the attraction?
The objective in the creation of the "trail," was to bind together the different aspects of coastal life
at the
Jersey Shore. The attraction then, is not the imaginary trail, but the areas of
the shore that represent the different themes identified in the original
concept: maritime history, coastal habitats, wildlife migration, historic
settlements, and inspiration. The references to the inspirational theme have not
been completed as yet, leaving you to draw
your own inspiration as you explore the five regions that encompass the Coastal
Heritage Trail.
andy Hook Region
The lighthouse at the end of the Hook was constructed
in 1764. The US Army moved onto Sandy Hook during the War of 1812 establishing
Fort Hancock, which was in active service for defense of the harbor until 1974.
Today Sandy Hook is a popular spot for numerous outdoor activities. Plan to
arrive early in the day if you visit during the season. Other attractions of
note in this region are the 200-year-old Belford Cooperative fishing operation
and the panoramic views from Mount Mitchell.
arnegat Bay Region
Double Trouble State Park features cedar swamps, peat
and cranberry bogs, and many unusual plants. Canoeing on the Cedar Creek and
bird watching are two of the more popular activities here. Over at Barnegat
Lighthouse State Park you’ll find the 165-foot Barnegat Lighthouse constructed
during the
1850’s.
bsecon Region
The eight-mile long Wildlife
Drive in the 40,000-acre
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge provides many opportunities to
observe the migratory birds that call this area home for part of the year.
ape May Region
Cape May Point State
Park at the southern tip of New Jersey offers a quiet respite from the hustle bustle of many shore areas and is
popular for its museum and lighthouse tower.
elsea Region
Fort Mott State Park houses one of
the welcome centers (the other is located at the southern end of the Garden
State Parkway) and features 10 and 12-inch guns used for coastal defense after
the Civil War. The Delaware Bay Schooner Project owns and operates the official
state ship, The A.J. Meerwald, out of its homeport in Bivalve, NJ. The Meerwald
is a traveling education center offering special programs for students as well
as the public.
In following the links above, you'll see that I've touched on just a few
of the attractions you'll discover during your journey. To really see it all,
you should earmark a day for each region, though it would still make a nice tour
for a three-day weekend. You'll find a wide variety of accommodations
along your route, as well as dining spots to suit every taste. If your tour will take place
during the summer season, please be sure to make reservations well in advance.
