By John Miraglia
The diminutive state of New Jersey boasts many miles of hiking trails managed by town, city, county and state authorities and in Wildlife Management Areas, from Cape May through Sussex counties. Each trail is a treasure.
Mid-state, one of these gems is the Manasquan Reservoir trail in Monmouth County. In July, 14 Sierra Club members and supporters enjoyed hiking a portion of the trail that belts the circumference of the waterbody. We hiked from the visitor center to the environmental center and back, a 4-plus mile trip. I’d classify that hike, along a broad, shaded lane, as easy. It’s perfect for a young family, seniors, dog walkers, and bicyclists. The trail offers a variety of views of the water which seasonally is home to trumpeter swans, several other species of waterfowl, turtles, amphibians, and raptors including a pair of nesting bald eagles.
We scheduled our hike for mid-week because the Manasquan Reservoir is very popular and can get crowded on weekends.
I’ve hiked, biked, and fished at Manasquan Reservoir for decades. There are two constants. First, the people you meet there are invariably friendly. The park is a place where you leave your stress in your car and just enjoy nature and the company of folks with common interests. Second, the lake is bipolar. Sometimes it’s calm enough to appear frozen in midsummer. But, given a stiff wind, the lake boils with white-capped waves that toss boaters around. If you are visiting the park to enjoy a day on the water, check wind conditions in advance.
The sandy soil and pine forest show Manasquan Reservoir is near the northern end of the Pine Barrens. It is easily accessible from Interstate 195, Route 34, or Route 9. There is plenty of parking both at the visitor center (off Windeler Road) and the environmental center (off Georgia Tavern Road).
When I choose a place to visit, I like to have a variety of activities available. At the visitor center you can rent kayaks, rowboats, or boats with electric motors (NJ Boater Safety Certificate required). A boat launch also is available. Guided boat tours of the lake are given on afternoons in the summer through at least Labor Day.
HINT: To avoid disappointment, get your tickets at the visitor center early in the morning for an afternoon tour. There is also a playground for youngsters. Manasquan Reservoir is a trophy bass lake. Largemouth bass, perch, crappie, monster hybrid striped bass, and tiger muskies are abundant. The visitor center has both indoor and outdoor facilities for enjoying a picnic lunch with spectacular views. After our hike, our group enjoyed a relaxing lakeside lunch, sharing experiences and enjoying the view.
The environmental center has several well-laid-out, interactive, aquarium and nature diorama exhibits plus a live video camera’s eye view of the eagle’s nest. Many of the displays are geared for kids, though I always enjoy them even if I don’t always choose the right answer. By appointment, groups can reserve a guided tour of the lake that departs from the environmental center. This should be arranged well in advance of your group’s visit.
If you go:
Website
Visitor center: 732-919-0996
Environmental center: 732-751-9453
Ranger station: 732-938-6760