Outdoors & Nature
Explore trails, parks, and wildlife across the Jersey Shore region
Beyond the beaches, the Jersey Shore region offers incredible outdoor adventures. From hiking trails through pine forests to world-class birding at Cape May, wildlife refuges teeming with migrating birds, and scenic biking paths along the coast—there is something for every nature lover.
Trails & Activities
State Parks & Recreation Areas
View all 26 parks →Explore 26 state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas with 331 points of interest across the Shore region.
Wildlife & Nature
Featured Parks
View all parks →Explore by County
Planning Your Trail Day
Shore-area trails range from flat boardwalks to challenging pine barrens paths. Here's what you need to know before you go.
What to Pack
Water & Snacks
Bring at least 16oz per hour of hiking. Most shore trails have no water sources. Pack salty snacks for longer hikes—the humidity can drain you faster than you expect.
Sun Protection
Shore trails often lack tree cover. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential year-round. Even on cloudy days, reflection off water and sand intensifies UV exposure.
Bug Spray
From May through October, mosquitoes and greenhead flies are aggressive, especially in marsh areas. DEET-based sprays work best. Avoid perfumes and dark clothing.
Proper Footwear
Boardwalk trails: any closed-toe shoes. Sandy paths: trail runners with good grip. Pine barrens: hiking boots for root-covered terrain. Skip flip-flops everywhere.
Layers
Coastal weather shifts fast. Morning fog can give way to blazing sun. Fall and winter require wind-resistant outer layers—bay breezes cut through cotton.
Trail Map/GPS
Cell service is spotty in wildlife refuges and pine barrens. Download offline maps before you go. AllTrails works well for most shore trails.
Understanding Difficulty Ratings
Flat boardwalks or paved paths. Suitable for strollers, wheelchairs (varies by trail), and all fitness levels.
Examples: Forsythe Wildlife Drive, Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, most beach boardwalks
Typical duration: 30 min - 1 hour typical
Packed dirt or sandy trails with some elevation changes. May include short hills, roots, or uneven terrain.
Examples: Hartshorne Woods Grand Tour, Island Beach southern trails, Cattus Island perimeter
Typical duration: 1-3 hours typical
Longer routes with significant elevation, soft sand, or remote locations. Requires hiking experience and good fitness.
Examples: Pine barrens deep trails, Batona Trail sections, extended coastal routes
Typical duration: 3+ hours, often full day
Best Times to Hit the Trail
Coolest temperatures, active wildlife, best birding, parking available at popular spots. Early risers see deer, foxes, and shorebirds feeding.
Avoid in summer—heat and humidity peak, trails are crowded, and greenhead flies are most aggressive. Better for winter hiking.
Temperatures cool, crowds thin, golden hour light is stunning for photos. Watch for osprey returning to nests and sunset over the bay.
Wildlife Viewing Calendar
The shore region transforms through the seasons. Here's what to look for and when.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Harbor Seals
Sandy Hook, Barnegat Light jetty
Peak: January-February
Harp Seals
Occasional rare sightings at Sandy Hook
Peak: February
Snow Buntings
Island Beach dunes, Sandy Hook beaches
Peak: December-January
Snowy Owls
Island Beach, Forsythe, Sandy Hook (rare)
Peak: December-February
Pro tip: Dress in layers—coastal wind chill is brutal. Seals haul out at low tide on rocks and jetties. Keep 150+ feet distance.
Spring (Mar-May)
Horseshoe Crabs
Delaware Bay beaches (Reeds Beach, Fortescue)
Peak: May full moon
Shorebirds
Forsythe NWR, Heislerville, Cape May
Peak: May
Warblers
Cape May Point, Higbee Beach
Peak: Late April-May
Osprey
Barnegat Bay, Great Egg Harbor
Peak: April nesting begins
Pro tip: May horseshoe crab spawning is world-famous—thousands of migrating shorebirds feed on eggs. Best viewed at high tide under full moon.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Dolphins
Offshore, visible from beaches and boats
Peak: July-August
Whales
Whale watching trips from Cape May, Wildwood
Peak: July-August
Diamondback Terrapins
Marsh areas, back bays
Peak: June nesting
Piping Plovers
Protected beach areas, Island Beach
Peak: June-July
Pro tip: Early morning or late evening for land wildlife—midday heat pushes animals to shelter. Respect fenced nesting areas.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Raptors
Cape May Hawkwatch, Higbee Beach
Peak: September-October
Monarch Butterflies
Cape May Point
Peak: Late September-October
Songbird Migration
Cape May, Belleplain, Higbee
Peak: September-October
Northern Gannets
Offshore, from jetties
Peak: October-November
Pro tip: Fall migration at Cape May is world-class. Northwest winds bring the biggest flights. Hawks peak mid-morning after thermals develop.
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Jersey Shore trails pass through sensitive ecosystems. A few simple practices help protect wildlife and keep trails open for everyone.
Stay on Marked Trails
Dune vegetation is fragile and takes years to recover. Walking off-trail in marshes disturbs nesting birds. Many closed areas protect endangered species.
Reality check: Rangers actively patrol Island Beach and Forsythe. Fines for entering closed areas can exceed $500.
Pack Out Everything
There are no trash cans on most trails. Food waste attracts raccoons and gulls that prey on protected bird nests.
Reality check: Bring a small bag for trash. Orange peels and banana peels take years to decompose in sandy soil.
Dogs on Leash Always
Off-leash dogs flush nesting shorebirds and disturb seal haul-outs. Many wildlife areas ban dogs entirely March-September.
Reality check: Island Beach and Forsythe prohibit dogs on many trails. Check signage. Fines are $100+.
Respect Wildlife Distance
Approaching wildlife causes stress responses. Seals will abandon haul-out sites. Shorebirds burn critical energy reserves fleeing.
Reality check: Use binoculars or telephoto lenses. The rule: if the animal changes behavior because of you, you're too close.
Know the Tides
Several shore trails flood at high tide. Island Beach's southern tip and parts of Forsythe become impassable.
Reality check: Check tide charts before hiking coastal trails. Getting stranded requires rescue or a very wet wade back.
Tick Prevention
Deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are common in shore-area woods and tall grass. Cases spike May-July.
Reality check: Wear long pants tucked into socks in grassy areas. Do a full tick check after every hike. Shower within 2 hours.
Outdoors FAQs
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