Upcoming Outings

Nov 1 (Fri): Celebrate Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights with a Fall Walk at Colonial Park Gardens (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. A walk to see the last of changing colors, with exposed branches and evergreens. Colonial Park Gardens is one of the treasures in Somerset County. It features an accredited arboretum and shrub collection–and much more. After walking the grounds we’ll cross the canal bridge to the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath (surface is sand and crushed stone). Meet at Colonial Park Gardens’ parking Lot F. There are facilities. Bring water and snacks. Rain cancels. Leashed dogs are welcome. Option:  late lunch at a local restaurant. Preregistration is required. Co-leaders: George and Leona F, pineypaddlers@gmail.com, and John Miraglia, johnworks3@aol.com   Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

Nov 3 (Sun): “Fall Back” Hike at Estell Manor (Atlantic Co.) 10 a.m. easy pace, about 2 miles. Option for an additional 3+ miles. We'll follow the Purple Heart Trail south to the Glassworks and the scenic overlook on Stephens Creek for a break. Meet at the Warren E. Fox Nature Center on 109 Boulevard, Rt. 50, Mays Landing and see the displays before we hike. Facilities are available. Bring water, snacks, and lunch on the hike. Leashed dogs are welcome! Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian,  tfboghosian44@gmail.com, and Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/south-jersey  (SJ)

Nov 6 (Wed): Hike at Monmouth Battlefield State Park (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace on the Green and Red Trails. Monmouth Battlefield State Park is the site of one of the longest battles (June 28, 1778) fought during the Revolutionary War. There are some elevations; hiking shoes and poles are recommended. Meet at the visitors center, 16 Business Rt. 33, Manalapan. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome! Rain cancels. Co-leaders: George & Leona F, pineypaddlers@gmail.com, and John Miraglia, johnworks3@aol.com Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley  (RV)

Nov 9 (Sat): Hartshorne Woods Hike, Highlands (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m. Description: 6 miles in moderately hilly terrain. Features: views of the ocean and woods, WWII battery and guns, Navesink River pier. There are picnic tables. Facilities: heated restroom, flush toilets, sinks with running water. Requirements: hiking boots, non-cotton hiking socks, and a backpack with water and lunch. Directions will be sent via email to those who register. RSVP at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar  Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, the_hikist@mac.com and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

Nov 11 (Mon): Veterans Day Hike at St. Michael’s Preserve (Mercer Co.) 10 a.m. 3–4 miles, easy pace. The highlight of our walk is the J. Seward Johnson II 70-ft wide monumental sculpture “The Awakening.” The sculpture depicts a giant man anchored deeply in the Earth who struggles to free himself. Bring your cameras! The St. Michael’s Preserve is over 400 acres of farm fields and forests on the edge of Hopewell Borough. D&R Greenway was successful in purchasing the land through a public/private partnership. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are permitted. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com,  and Lynn E., lynnebeling@comcast.net  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

Nov 16 (Sat): South Mountain Reservation Hike (Essex Co.) 9 a.m., 6-7 miles, moderate pace. Meeting at the Turtleback Loop Trail parking area off 374 Walker Rd., West Orange. There are facilities. Wear hiking boots and bring hiking poles if needed. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. No dogs, please. Register with leader: Ron Pate, Ronpate31@verizon.net  Preregister at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway  (G)

Nov 20: (Wed): Hike at Smith’s Woods (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m. 3 miles, easy pace. The park features a diverse collection of habitats and terrain and Rancocas Creek vistas. Meeting at Smith's Woods parking lot, 39 East Railroad Ave., Easthampton. There are facilities. Hiking boots are recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Bring water and snacks. Option for late lunch at Vincentown Diner. Leaders: George & Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

Dec 1 (Sun): The Affair at Cedar Bridge 1782 Reenactment, Barnegat (Ocean Co.) Noon-4 p.m. “The Affair at Cedar Bridge” is a reenactment of the last land engagement of the American Revolutionary War that took place at the Cedar Bridge Tavern Historical Site in Barnegat. Skirmishes at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. A family event with NJ Fifes & Drums Sea Dogs (traditional tavern musicians), historic style tents, and the Ocean County Liberty Bell for children to ring. Rangers provide an informative guided tour of the 200-year-old restored tavern. The historic restoration is the result of extensive architectural and archeological research that has resulted in the tavern being placed on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places on Aug. 8, 2013. ADA and wheelchair-accessible first floor. There are restrooms. Option for a walk on the nature trail with interpretive signs. Bring water and snacks. Option: late lunch at Lucille’s Country Cooking, a short drive from the tavern. If you are interested in meeting us at this reenactment, Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com, and Margaret Mary Piccolo,  gogreenp1@yahoo.com  Please register to coordinate a meeting time at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county (O)

Dec 4 (Wed): Hike at Jakes Branch County Park (Ocean Co.)  10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. Jakes Branch has a nature center with hands-on exhibits and an observation deck that offers a 360’ view of the Pinelands. The woods trails have some sandy sections and boardwalks. There are ups and downs. Good footwear and hiking poles recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Meeting at Jakes Branch Park, 1100 Double Trouble Rd., Beechwood. Bring water and snacks. Option: late lunch at Shady Rest Restaurant. Co-leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com, and Margaret Mary Piccolo, gogreenp1@yahoo.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean- county (O)

Dec 7 (Sat): Hike at Eagle Rock Reservation (Essex Co.)  9 a.m., 4-5 miles, moderate pace. Wear hiking boots. Bring water and snacks. No dogs please. Meet the Essex County 9/11 Memorial, main entrance, Prospect Ave. and Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange. There are facilities. Rain cancels. Register with leader: Ron Pate, Ronpate31@verizon.net  Preregister at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway  (G)

Dec 8 (Sun): Winter in the Pines Hike at Batsto Village, Wharton State Forest (Atlantic Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace on the Sand and Water Trail with an option for an additional 4 miles around Batsto Lake. Good footwear and hiking poles are recommended. Rain cancels. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. We will walk along sandy forest paths and on a series of wooden foot bridges to the Batona Trail and back to the village for our lunch break. FYI: From noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy the Holiday Spirit at Batsto Village with mansion tours, meet Santa, listen to carolers, and the post office will be open! Meet at the Batsto Village Visitors Center parking lot, 31 Batsto Rd., Hammonton. There are facilities. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian,  tfboghosian44@gmail.com, and Leona and George F., Leona@pineypaddlers.com Preregistration is required. www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/south-jersey  (SJ)

Dec 14 (Sat): Celebration of the Holidays at Whitesbog Village (Rain Date Dec. 15) (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace on sandy trails. Last year we saw a flock of tundra (whistling) swans from the Arctic Circle that winter in the Pinelands. Join us for the Whitesbog celebration of the holidays. Handmade Arts &Crafts exhibitors will be spread throughout the village, kid crafts in the art gallery, live music, food trucks and even more! Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome. Leaders: George & Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

Dec 14 (Sat): Tourne Park Hike, Boonton (Morris Co.) 10 a.m. Description: 6 miles in moderately hilly terrain. Features: mountain top view of Manhattan, 9/11 Memorial, Birchwood Lake. Facilities: portable toilet in the parking lot. Requirements: hiking boots, non-cotton hiking socks, and a backpack with water and lunch. Directions will be sent via email to those who register. RSVP at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar  Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, the_hikist@mac.com, and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

Dec 19 (Thurs): Hike at Smith’s Woods and Holiday Tour of Smithville Mansion (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. After the hike we’ll tour the Mansion decorated for a Victorian Holiday (small fee) by local garden clubs. Meeting at Smith's Woods parking lot, 39 East Railroad Ave., Easthampton. There are facilities. Hiking boots are recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Bring water and snacks. Option for late lunch at Vincentown Diner. Leaders: George & Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com,  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

Dec 21 (Sat): First Day of Winter Hike on the D&R Canal (Mercer Co.)  10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. We’ll hike over the Lock 1 “swinging bridge” as we walk along the towpath; perhaps see the resident bald eagles. Meeting at the River Line parking lot in Bordentown City. Bring water and snacks. Leashed dogs are welcome. Option: late lunch at HOB Tavern. Inclement weather cancels. Leaders: Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@mail.com, and Joanne P., jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com  Preregistration is required:  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

Dec 26 – Dec 31: Patriots Week in Trenton–History of the American Revolution in NJ (Mercer Co.) Learn about the American Revolution during Patriots Week. Every day of the week offers fun and history for the entire family. See the First and Second Battles of Trenton reenactments and participate in walking tours of the Trenton battlefields. Check website for events www.patriotsweek.com  Contact us to meet for various events. Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com, and Joanne P.,  jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com  (C)

Jan 1 (Wed): “First Day” Monmouth Battlefield State Park Guided Walking Tour of Perrine Hill (Monmouth Co.) The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield will be participating in “America’s State Parks First Day Hikes” programs sponsored by the state’s Division of Parks and Forestry. Meet 11 a.m. at the visitors center. There are facilities. The group will drive in convoy to Perrine Hill on Rt. 522. At Perrine Hill we'll view the main American position and walk to sites associated with Molly Pitcher. Bring water and snacks. Good footwear recommended. Co-leaders: George & Leona F, pineypaddlers@gmail.com, and  johnworks3@aol.com Please register to receive further information if cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather. www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley  (RV)

White Cedar Bog in Batona Trail Section in the Pinelands

Deer on the beach by Spring Lake Boardwalk, 5/18/2024.

Full Moon over Manasquan Beach on 7/21/24

Mallard at Richard W Dekorte Park in Lyndhurst on June 11, 2024