By Susan Matson • NJ Chapter Trip Leader
On a mid-July Saturday, Sierra Club offered hikers a good walk on an almost undiscovered trail: the Radio Beacon Trail of the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, a well-hidden gem at the southeast corner of the tract, near Allentown.
To find this on Google maps, look for the Assunpink Wildlife Conservation Center: That’s the name of the small education building you’ll see as you turn into the driveway off Eldridge Road, near the management area’s headquarters.
This trail is occasionally used by horseback riders, and because the track is a simple, narrow dirt track winding slowly uphill, past alfalfa fields on one side and native trees on the other, you’re unlikely to encounter strollers or bicyclists—or even other hikers.
The main appeal for this location is wild birds! You’re usually guaranteed the sight of beautiful indigo buntings and bright gold common yellowthroats, calling lustily. These birds arrive in spring and stay till August or even October.
As we enjoyed our feathered friends, we got a few bonuses—finding and learning the names of dragonflies we were unfamiliar with—such as the mysteriously dark widow skimmer dragonfly (pictured) and others.
In spring, rarities like the grasshopper sparrow can be heard with their insect-like calls.
We were also impressed by the tower at the crest of the Radio Beacon Trail, attainable within about 30 minutes of walking. Officially called the VORTAC NAVAID, the odd-looking structure (pictured) is a navigation aid for pilots using instrument guidance, as opposed to visual markers. It’s a handy guide for point-to-point travel for both military and civilian pilots.
While there, we enjoyed seeing a glider swoop close to the crest of the hill, enjoying an updraft. Once past the structure, we made our way downhill, where we heard yellow-billed cuckoos, white-eyed vireos (hard to find in other parts of New Jersey), goldfinches, and other feathered friends.
The entire circuit route was doable in about 90 minutes and made for a serene morning, enjoying midsummer with friends. If you’re looking for a low-key way to enjoy the outdoors, the Radio Beacon Trail could be just what you’re looking for!
