Atlantic: Nature Trails, Wetlands, and History

A stay in Atlantic brings together a range of travel interests: trails through forests and wetlands, cycling, nature watching, and regional history.

Nature Trails and Waterscapes

Estell Manor Park has about 27 miles of trails through a variety of habitats. Its unpaved trails are suitable for hiking, cycling, walking, and jogging; horseback riding is possible in the North End. A special section is the 1.8-mile Swamp Trail Boardwalk: this fully accessible, elevated wooden nature trail passes streams, a cedar swamp, and coastal forest. Along the way, visitors pass the ruins of the Bethlehem Loading Company and enjoy views of the South River.

The park also offers opportunities for bird and wildlife watching, plant identification, and studying ecosystems. When there is snow, most trails can be used for cross-country skiing. Mountain bikers will find a challenging singletrack trail in the North End, regularly maintained by JORBA (Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association). Since maintenance conditions may change, check the latest status before your ride.

At the launch on Stephen's Creek and at the South River, visitors can launch canoes and kayaks in Estell Manor Park. A vehicle access permit is required to access tidal waters.

The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of coastal habitats in southern New Jersey. More than 82 percent of the refuge is wetlands; of this, 78 percent is salt marsh. The 8-mile Wildlife Drive is a driving tour and includes two wildlife observation towers, a boardwalk over the salt marsh, and connections to a network of trails. The refuge's hiking trails are about 8 miles long in total. The similar length figures therefore describe different types of outings: one refers to the driving tour, the other to the combined length of the hiking trails.

Beaches are also among Atlantic County's most significant natural resources. In winter, Lake Lenape is a good place to watch bald eagles.

Cycling and Canoeing

The 7.56-mile Atlantic County Bike Path runs from Harbor Square in Egg Harbor Township to the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing, Hamilton Township. An 8.9-mile route with paved and boardwalk sections runs between Longport and Gardner's Basin. Another bike path connects Somers Point and Pleasantville over 6.5 miles. At 8.9 miles, the route between Longport and Gardner's Basin is longer than the other two paths mentioned.

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. Gardner's Basin Marina, on North New Hampshire Avenue along the bay, is a departure point for charter boats as well as sightseeing and fishing trips. Operators and schedules may change. If you are planning a trip, check the latest dates.

History and Exhibits

At Absecon Lighthouse, visitors can climb 228 steps, enjoy views of the Atlantic City skyline, and see the original first-order Fresnel lens, first lit in 1857. Since visitor operations may change, check current visiting options before your visit.

The Robert L. Frolow Atlantic County Veterans Museum is located in the historic Daniel Estell House. It displays hundreds of personal and military artifacts donated by local veterans and their families, and covers wars and conflicts from the American Revolution to the present day.

The Warren E. Fox Nature Center is Atlantic County's center for environmental education and the information center for the county park system. Indoor exhibits include taxidermy specimens as well as displays about insects and plants; historical information about the region is also available. Exhibits at the Atlantic City Aquarium cover Mid-Atlantic fish, a tropical reef, life on the docks, and an estuary.

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.

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