Exploring Island Beach State Park in The Fall--9--10 MILES AT 3- MPH PACE

If you are new to my hikes you have to message or email me before you can register. Priority will be given to those who regularly attend or who cancel their reservation at least 24 hours in advance.
Island Beach State Park is the largest Barrier Island in N.J. and one of the largest in the U.S. The Park is divided into two areas.The Island Beach Northern Natural Area covers 659 acres.The Southern Natural Area is much larger at 1,237 acres.The park is an excellent site for bird watching osprey nests and bird blinds.The island is home to the Governor's Ocean Residence.
The island has 8 hiking trails each under one mile.We will hike 4 trails.We begin on Spizzle Creek Trail (Dark Yellow) .8 miles.This is a wide, flat trail with some sandy patches and some mud.The right fork leads to a bird observation blind.The left fork follows a raised path through a salt marsh at the end of trail,Barnegat Bay spreads before you. The second trail is the Johnny Allen's Trail (white) .4 miles, wide, flat,compact sand. This trail offers specular views of the ocean. The Johnny Allen trail leads to a salt marsh with osprey nesting platform rising above it .The third trail is the cranberry trail ( pink) .1 mile The cranberry trail leads from the dunes to the beach.Also at this location we will visit The Former Fishing Judge's Shanty built in 1911 ,purchased by Judge Richard Hartshorne in 1942 and converted to a summer cottage. We will get a glimpse of Jersey Shore when the primary industry was fishing. This is about 1.5 miles walking mostly on the sand to reach the Shanty. After visiting the Shanty we continue on to Parking Lot 12 for lunch break... The fourth trail is the Fisherman's Walkway Trail (orange) .3 miles on the ocean side, the Fisherman's Walkway trail is an elevated boardwalk beginning with a ramp that leads through the dunes to the beach.On the bayside ,the elevated boardwalk leads through forested thicket and ends at platform overlooking Barnegat Bay.
This hike is 9-10 miles at a 3-mph pace .We begin at Parking Lot 20 and end at Parking Lot 7 .and walk back. .We will be walking on boardwalks ,pavement and sand. Bring water,lunch,snacks and something to sit on. We will have lunch in parking lot 12 on route. Question contact Al D email-asilviod888@yahoo.com. (cell day of hike only) 640-208-0872. Restrooms Parking Lot 21, Lot 19, Interpretive Center Parking Lot 16, Lot 13.
Please check the comments section for cancellations before leaving the house. If the hike is cancelled, it will be posted by 6 AM on day of event.
Arrive 15 minutes early for sign-in, restrooms,adjust boots, safety talk, etc.