Outdoor Club of South Jersey - Hiking/Camping/Backpacking

Must have prior approval from the leader to attend.
Must have access to a 4x4 high clearance vehicle that can handle deep sugar sand and water holes and withstand piney scratches.
Must be able to carry, lift, push, pull 50 lbs.
Ro Mason

We did this combined bike and hike in the spring and fall last year. Some people came to just bike or hike, many participated in both.

This will be another "exploratory" adventure as we cycle and hike at the beautiful Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in southern New Jersey.

We will kick off the adventure with a "D" bike ride on the 8-mile Wildlife Drive stopping along the way as we are drawn to explore any of the overlooks, towers, and wildlife. All participants are required to wear helmets. Path is dirt and gravel and some slow-moving/stopping cars may be present. Hybrid bikes suggested.

Afterwards we will head back to the parking lot to put our bikes on our cars and have lunch. If you plan on only coming for lunch and the hike, plan on arriving between 12:00-12:30. After lunch we will set out on a 4-5 mile exploratory hike through the park. The trail we will take will lead us through the woods allowing us to branch off to different loops throughout the piney woods. We will eventually arrive back at the Visitor Information center and headquarters.

Restrooms are located at the headquarters and near the parking lot. A $4 donation for use of the reserve is requested. Bring lunch, snacks, plenty of water, insect repellent, and sun screen. Heavy winds, rain, or other inclement weather cancels.

Please only sign up once, either on the OCSJ Biking or OCSJ Hiking page.

Contact Frances at 732-788-7417 or MaryBeth at 732-678-8826 with any questions.

This will be an easy hike of just under 8 miles at a brisk to moderate pace varied by terrain. We start at the Glenroy Preserve parking lot, where there is a porta-potty, and go across the road to the Lower Octoraro Loop Trail with a stream crossing. There we take the loop along the Octoraro Creek with the only significant climb of the day. The top of the climb has a nice view of the surrounding farm lands. After that it's back down to the parking lot.

Our second exit from the lot has us on the Upper Octoraro Loop Trail also along the creek. This section will be a combination of woods and open fields with a brief out and back to see a pond. Along the way we'll pass through a bamboo forest, around wildflower fields (hopefully they are blooming), and more nice views of the surrounding farmland finishing back at the parking lot.

This is a very open hike so bring sunscreen. No lunch but if we want there is a good bar/grill just across the MD border kind of on the way back to 95. Bring lots of water, a snack if you want, rain gear, and poles if you use them although it is not a particularly challenging trail (just very pretty). If you need to contact me, my cell is 609-471-4119.