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New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route
The Trail will show you roads less traveled where you can find historic villages, migrating eagles, and boardwalks on miles of sandy beaches. This auto-trail stretches nearly 300 miles along New Jersey’s shore and bays.
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 Make like an explorer and have yourself a little adventure along the 300 mile New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, a driving route that weaves along New Jersey’s coast and takes you to dozens of historic and natural sites.

The Coastal Heritage Trail starts up in the Sandy Hook region, goes through the Barnegat Bay region, winds south to the Absecon and Cape May regions and then heads west to its final point at Fort Mott State Park in the Delsea region. And because there is so much to see and do, the National Park Service, the brains behind the Trail, have come up with five different themes -- Maritime History, Coastal Habitats, Wildlife Migration, Historic Settlements, and Relaxation and Inspiration -- so you can pick the spots that will keep everybody in the mini-van happy.

If you start up in the Sandy Hook region, you’ll find the town of Belford, one of the oldest fishing communities on the East Coast. It is still a working fishing village and you can spot fleets of boats lined up along the waters.

Headed south into Barnegat Bay, stop at the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse and climb the 217 steps for a birds-eye view of the Island Beach State Park. Nearby, you can have double the fun at Double Trouble State Park which combines all the natural attractions of the Pinelands with an historic 1800s cranberry packing plant and company town.

Keep on going because there’s lots more to see. Anybody who ever picked up a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at birds knows that Cape May and Absecon are prime birding territories. Slather on the sunscreen and spend a day on the sandy Jersey beaches, tour historic Victorian villages and check out yet another lighthouse in Cape May.

We all know about the Boston Tea Party but back when the colonists were fighting against the Brits, the folks in South Jersey staged their own little tea incident which is commemorated at the Greenwich Tea Burners Monument in the Delsea region. There is lots of history around here – the town of Salem that played a role on the Underground Railroad, Quaker settlements and the historic 1896 Fort Mott State Park. And yes, there is also oodles of nature here, too with dozens of wildlife preserves, wetlands and acre after acre of parkland for picnics, camping or just a quiet place to get out of the car and stretch your legs.

BRING THE FAMILY

 Welcome Centers are located all along the Coastal Heritage Trail and are stocked with brochures, maps, and other information about the family-friendly sites and attractions along the entire route.

 

Cape May Region Welcome Center

Open: All Year 9:00am - 5:00pm

Phone: (609) 624-0918

Website: www.visitnj.org

Directions:

The Welcome Center is located at the Ocean View Service Area of the Garden State Parkway at milepost 18.3.

 

 

Delsea Region Welcome Center

Open: All Year - Hours vary throughout the year.

Phone: (856) 935-3218

Website: www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/fortmott.html

Directions:

Heading east on state road 49, take county road 630 (Fort Mott Road); heading west on SR49, take CR632 (Lighthouse Road), and follow the Fort Mott State Park signs.

 

 

COME PREPARED

South Jersey is prime territory for ticks and other pests so if you venture onto the trails, wear light-colored clothing so it is easier to spot the little buggers. Long sleeves, long pants and sneakers are good protecrive gear and, of course, insect repellant.  And, of course, put binoculars at the top of your must-bring list so you can get the best views of the amazing wildlife.

WHO KNEW

 In 1848 New Jersey Congressman William A. Newell spearheaded a bill to establish lifesaving stations along the East Coast. This Life-Saving Service later became the U.S. Coast Guard.

VOLUNTEER

Step up and lend a hand. The National Park Service has numerous volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups.  There are internship programs, too. Check out their website  www.nps.gov/gettinginvolved for more details.

SUPPORT

The National Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the preservation of our National Parks.  For information on how individuals and corporations can make a difference through the National Parks Foundation,go to www.nationalparks.org/

TAKE PUBLIC TRANSIT

 NJ Transit - bus and rail service at telephone: Northern NJ - 800.772.2222 Out of state - 800.762.5100 Southern NJ - 800.582.5946 Out of state - 800.569.3752
LEAVE NO TRACE

Historic buildings and artifacts are very sensitive so avoid touching them with your bare hands.  Even the tiniest bits of oils from the skin can contribute to deterioration.  When you explore the trails, whether land or water, hold on to your trash and don't dump it until you get to a trash can.  And if you walking, please stick to established trails-- going your own way could damage rare and delicate plants or wildlife.