How long is the Trail?

The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail stretches nearly 300 miles along the Atlantic seaboard including Raritan, Barnegat and Delaware Bays.

What kind of Trail is it?

The Trail is a vehicular trail. It isn't one continuous route. The Trail links destinations by routes on local and county roads, divided State and U.S. highways. You can can plan your trip by regions, each with a detailed map.

Does the Trail have camp grounds?

The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail has extensive camping areas. Although the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail does not own land, many of our partners have what you need. You can learn more by linking to our partners' web pages, contacting us, or visiting the Trail's welcome centers.

Where can I canoe?

There are miles of fresh water creeks and tidal marshes for canoeing and kayaking. You can bring your own canoe or rent a canoe, kayak, or raft from a professional outfitter.

Are there lighthouses on the Trail?

There are 8 lighthouses located on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.

Great Beds Light in Raritan Bay near Perth Amboy's Harbor Walk
Sandy Hook Light & Dwelling, the nation's oldest operating light is at Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area
Twin Lights State Historic Site in Highlands, NJ
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on Long Beach Island
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood
Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point
East Point Lighthouse on the Delaware Bay at Maurice River Cove near Heislerville, NJ
Finns Point Rear Range Light near Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on the Delaware River

Is there a good bird watching area on the Trail?

The New Jersey coast provides vital habitat for many species during their spring and fall migrations. The Trail's partners include state and county parks, and state forests. There are over twenty wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and preserves managed by federal and state agencies as well as non-profit organizations. Contact our destinations for the best seasons to view migrating and nesting birds.

Are there bike trails?

Yes, the Delsea, Absecon and Cape May Regions have bicycle routes recommended by the South Jersey Wheelmen. You can see these bike trails in the Trail's regional brochures which include maps. Contact us and we will mail you these brochures.

How do I get a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport?

The two lifetime passes, the Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport, may be purchased and used at all federally operated areas that charge entrance (use) fees. There are two destinations on the Trail where you can get passports - Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area and Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

How do I get cancellation "stamps" for my passport book on the Trail?

You can obtain the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route cancellation at the Trail's Welcome Centers and administration office. 

The Pinelands National Reserve cancellation is available at the Pinelands Commission headquarters, email: info@njpines.state.nj.us and at the Trail's administration office.

The Maurice National Scenic & Recreational River cancellation is available at the Trail's administration office.

The Great Egg Harbor National Scenic & Recreational River cancellation is available at Estell Manor Nature Center at 609-646-5900 in Estell Manor, NJ or at the Trail's administration office. 

The Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreational Area cancellation is available at Sandy Hook's visitor center 732-872-5970.

Where can I learn more about the National Park's Entrance Pass Program and passport books?

Go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm for the NPS Entrance Pass Program. Call toll-free 877-628-7275 to order passport books.