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New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route |
Description:
The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route was established in 1988 "to provide for public appreciation, education, understanding, and enjoyment" of significant natural and cultural sites associated with the coastal area of the State of New Jersey. The Coastal Heritage Trail is divided into five regions linked by the common heritage of life on the Jersey Shore and Raritan and Delaware bays. Five themes define different aspects of coastal life: Maritime History, Coastal Habitats, Wildlife Migration, Historic Settlements, and Relaxation and Inspiration. The Maritime History, Coastal Habitats, and Wildlife Migration theme Trails are open to the public. The Historic Settlements and Relaxation & Inspiration themes are still under development.
The trail is intended primarily for vehicular tourism. It is a partnership project by the National Park Service in cooperation with the State of New Jersey and many other public and private organizations working to preserve the state's natural and cultural heritage. The Trail extends along coastal New Jersey, from Perth Amboy to Cape May on the Atlantic coast, and west along the Delaware Bay from Cape May to the Delaware Memorial Bridge at Deepwater, New Jersey.
The Trail's expanded web page - InDepth button - provides a listing of destinations with detailed site descriptions of each region.
Accessibility:
Many trail destinations are at least partially wheelchair accessible. Exact accessibility and accommodations vary from destination to destination. See the additional information web pages for a listing of each destination and contact telephone numbers.
Getting Around:
The Coastal Heritage Trail is designed primarily as a vehicular tourism route in which interpretive themes link destinations throughout the trail area. Availability of public transportation varies to and/or from destination to destination.
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
Most trail destinations do not have admission fees. Some have seasonal parking fees. Visitors should contact individual destinations for more information.
Activites:
Auto_Touring | Biking | Boating | Camping | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Swimming | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | Kayaking | Snorkeling | And more.
Facilities:
Restaurant or Snack Bar | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Directions to New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route
Plane:
Nearest airports serving the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail include: Philadelphia International, Newark International, and the Atlantic City Regional.
Car:
Trail welcome centers are located at Fort Mott State Park (off State Route 49 between Salem and Pennsville in Salem County near the Delaware Memorial Bridge) and at the Ocean View Tourist Information Center (Milepost 18.3 on the Garden State Parkway in Cape May County north of Cape May).
Public Transportation
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
Attractions:
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Phone:609.652.1665
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Maurice National Scenic and Recreational River
Phone:856.447.0103
Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River
Phone:856.447.0103
Pinelands National Reserve
Phone:856.447.0103
Nearby Parks:
Independence National Historical Park (50 miles)
Gateway National Recreation Area (110 miles)
Valley Forge National Historical Park (160 miles)
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New Jersey Road Maps (NJ Maps)
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