Atlantic: Nature Trails, Coastal Wetlands, and History

Atlantic offers nature trails, wetlands, and cultural history as distinct reasons to explore the region. In Estell Manor Park, trails pass through a variety of habitats; Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge highlights salt marshes and coastal habitats. There are also places with their own history, exhibitions, and activities on the water. Which of these interests you most may also play a role in choosing your vacation rental.

Trails and Landscapes at Estell Manor Park

Estell Manor Park has about 27 miles of trails through a variety of habitats. The unpaved trails are suitable for hiking, biking, walking, and jogging; horseback riding is also possible at the North End. This makes it easy to plan a visit in different ways: with a walk, a bike ride, or a horseback outing.

One specific route is the Swamp Trail Boardwalk: this 1.8-mile elevated wooden nature trail is fully accessible. It passes streams, a cedar swamp, and coastal forest, goes by the ruins of the Bethlehem Loading Company, and offers views of the South River. Its stated length and trail type make it easy to distinguish from the park’s other trails.

The North End also has a challenging singletrack mountain biking trail. JORBA (Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association) maintains it regularly; it’s a good idea to check current conditions before riding. When there’s snow, most trails in the park can be used for cross-country skiing. Other possible activities for nature enthusiasts include bird and wildlife watching, plant identification, and studying ecosystems.

Salt Marshes and Wildlife Watching

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of coastal habitat in southern New Jersey. More than 82 percent of the refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh. These figures give the refuge a different focus from the individual trails at Estell Manor Park: here, extensive wetlands and coastal habitats take center stage.

The 8-mile Wildlife Drive is a driving tour through the refuge. It includes two wildlife observation towers, a boardwalk over the salt marsh, and connections to a network of trails. Those who prefer to get around on foot will also find hiking trails in the refuge totaling about 8 miles. Bald eagles can be spotted at Lake Lenape in winter.

History and Exhibitions

The Warren E. Fox Nature Center is the environmental education center and also the information center for the Atlantic County park system. Indoor exhibits, taxidermy displays, and presentations about insects and plants combine nature topics with historical information about the region. The Robert L. Frolow Atlantic County Veterans Museum has a different focus: it displays hundreds of personal and military artifacts donated by local veterans and their families. The museum is located in the historic Daniel Estell House and covers wars and conflicts from the American Revolution to the present day.

Absecon Lighthouse also combines history with a hands-on visitor experience. Visitors can climb its 228 steps, enjoy the view of the Atlantic City skyline, and see the original first-order Fresnel lens, first illuminated in 1857. A family program combines the climb with an outdoor treasure hunt. Visiting arrangements at the lighthouse, as well as program dates and fees, may change; check this information before your visit.

Exhibits at the Atlantic City Aquarium cover topics ranging from Mid-Atlantic fish and a tropical reef to dockside creatures and an estuary. At Weymouth Furnace, visitors can see the remains of the former mill; the site is also a starting point for canoe trips on the Great Egg Harbor River.

Bike Trails and Excursions on the Water

The listed biking routes differ in length and course: the Atlantic County Bike Path is 7.56 miles long and runs from Harbor Square in Egg Harbor Township to the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing, Hamilton Township. A 8.9-mile route with sections of asphalt and boardwalk runs between Longport and Gardner’s Basin. Another bike path connects Somers Point and Pleasantville over 6.5 miles.

There are also several starting points for excursions on the water. In Estell Manor Park, canoes and kayaks can be launched at the landing on Stephen’s Creek and at the South River; a vehicle access permit is required to access tidal waters. A vehicle access permit is required to access tidal waters. Charter boats and sightseeing and fishing trips depart from Gardner’s Basin Marina on North New Hampshire Avenue by the bay; operators and schedules may change, so it’s a good idea to check dates in advance.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

First, consider what experiences you want to shape your trip: trails through different habitats, wetlands and wildlife watching, historical exhibits, or biking and water activities. The stated trail lengths, trail types, and available activities can help you compare these options. Then choose a vacation rental’s specific location based on the places you want to visit, rather than assuming one starting point will work for every outing.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hammonton, Ventnor City, Absecon, Atlantic City, Brigantine, Somers Point, Smithville, McKee City, Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township, Vineland, Port Republic, Hamilton Township, Galloway Township, Pleasantville, Corbin City, Buena Vista Township, Buena, Longport.

For the main travel overview: New Jersey.