Cape May Bird Observatory 72 Nature & Wildlife Areas 185 reviews. Keep Your Park Clean and Green [4] Architecture The exterior of the building is a series of windowless blocks of formed concrete. This page is not available in other languages. Red trail is .5 mile, Yellow 1.2, Blue 1.5. Quantity: The park is 244 acres, including beach, trails, and the iconic lighthouse. It contains a variety of habitat types and a highly divergent population of plant and animal species. Protect plants and animals and care for your parks by taking your trash with you. Although Cape May Lighthouse is a major attraction for many visitors to the area, the park?s constantly changing shoreline, dunes, freshwater coastal marsh and ponds, forested islands and varied uplands make it a well-known location for viewing the fall bird migration. The State Park offers many opportunities for nature lovers, including the Hawk Watch platform and well-developed and marked nature trails, and guided walks and programs are offered. The Lighthouse actually has two separate walls. Trail surface: wooden boardwalk with edge barriers, gravel, or a natural surface (dirt, sand); From Route 9, take County Route 626, Seashore Road and cross the bridge. Resident and migrating wildlife, including Eastern box turtle, monarch butterfly, indigo bunting, broad-winged hawk, and others, depend on the maritime forests of Cape May Point State Park, An invasive species is a non-native organism which is causing harm to the environment, human health or the economy. Contact the park office for a schedule of programs and to register. The Wetlands Institute will have their marine animal touch tank on the grounds from 10am 12pm. Easy to moderate hike but a bit taxing in the full Sun areas; remember to hydrate! According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Cape May Point State Park is. What hotels are near Cape May Point State Park? 2023 Cape Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. The Lighthouse is located at Cape May Point State Park. Im glad I had my phone light. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. Where is the best place to hike in Cape May Point State Park? Great trail w limited walking paths for pets, beach attached to path is free to dogs and my pup had the best time. Monmouth Battlefield State Park We also like the nature center as well as the lighthouse and the beach. Cape May Point State Park, a New Jersey State Park located near Cape Nice day, no problems with bugs. Gate 8:00 am to 8:00 pm We love hiking the trails at this location. Plenty of birds, dragonflies, butterflies, and even little bitty crabs on the beach. Nearly 100,000 visitors a year now experience a visit to the top of the lighthouse, participating in a century old rite of a visit to the Jersey Shore. Cape May Hawkwatch In geographic terms, Cape May is a peninsula, an extension of the New Jersey coastal plain bordered to the west by Delaware Bay and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. [3] The park offers walking, hiking and nature trails as well as beaches, an exhibit gallery, a ranger office and is the site of the Cape May Light. One has since burned, but the other is still standing, on the other side of the fence, near the entrance to the tower. First half is all boardwalk, I believe one of those boardwalks made of recycled plastic. Press of Atlantic City. Cape May - Lewes Ferry (link is external), Physical Address I sent the answer from yahoo days ago. Very diverse- you will see many different birds as well as trees, plants, turtles. Cape May Bird Observatory (link is external) Great for birding. A 6-inch gun was mounted near the former Coast Guard station in World War I, but the emplacement has been demolished. Please contact the park office at 609-884-2159 for further information regarding disability access needs. Join Naturalist Journeys for this fabulous Cape May fall migration tour. Very relaxing. Besides the lighthouse, there are pleasant hikes and the beach. 715 Reviews Want to find the best trails in Cape May Point State Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? The seeds will be used to develop native plant stock for the restoration project. Cape May Point State Park Maritime Forest Restoration Project. Unfortunately, many areas in the park are now highly degraded due to increased spread of non-native invasive plants, including sweet autumn clematis, porcelain berry, mile-a-minute, English ivy, oriental bittersweet, and privet. There are 199 steps on the spiral staircase. There are many covered picnic tables. Plenty of places for birdwatching. Hopatcong State Park " Great Coffee " 12/21/2022. The Cape May area is home to several championship golf courses within a short drive of your hotel or B&B. Hi does anyone know what the black birds are called that are hanging out at the bird houses in the parking lot? So much to see. Cape May is considered the absolute best birding destination in North America to witness fall migration, especially for raptors. Accidentally paused the trail navigation really early into the walk but did the whole thing and it was so unique and interesting. Remnants of a gun battery, part of the Harbor Defenses of the Delaware, can be seen today. 651 ") 629 L i g h t h o u s e A v e ou 250 Feet CAPE MAY POINT State Park Wetland Forest Open Field or Sand Paved Path Trail Connector Parking Lot Wildlife Viewing Picnic Shelter Interpretive Center Restrooms Lighthouse Park Oce Concession 5/18 Plover Trail (1.5 mi) Monarch Trail (1.2 mi) Duck Pond Trail (0.5 . Theres no swimming on this beach due to underwater hazards, but surf fishing is permitted. October 2012: Press of Atlantic City did a story on invasive plant management in Cape May County. Today the battery is no longer covered and is in full view. Hi, is there street parking or any kind of parking for St. Peters beach and Pearl beach? The Blue Trail is a 2-mile long trail offering hikers a myriad of habitats in which to view flora and fauna. Beautiful. Among the most common inhabitants are ducks, herons, gulls, rabbits, raccoons, red fox and non-venomous snakes. And since its on the migratory pathway for many species, you can expect to see countless varieties of both migrating and native birds. Here are some of the many activities that Cape May Point State Park has to offer: Cape May Point State Park has 3 trails that wind throughout the forested areas, along the shoreline and past the dunes, ponds and marshland. The highest elevation in New Jersey at 1,803 feet, this spot boasts epic views plus plenty of biking and hiking trails. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Cape May Point State Park. Explore this 2.9-km loop trail near Cape May, New Jersey. Lots of open areas without shade after the boardwalk. Ambiance: Cape May Point State Park is located at the very bottom tip of New Jersey. Although the lighthouse is closed due to the coronavirus there is still plenty to due here. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Cape May Point, NJ 08212. 21 Fantastic Things To Do in Cape May, New Jersey - MSN * Cape May Lighthouse * Interpretive Center/Visitors Center * Trails * Fishing: Surf Fishing * Picnicking: tables & shelters * Birding: Guided bird walks (late spring into early fall) * Migrations * Museum * WWII Bunker * Hawk Banding Demonstration * Nature study * Guided nature walks (late spring into fall) * Children's nature clubs/programs (summer) * Children's programs (call for schedule of events). Estimated average grade category: flat (1% or less). The Blue trail, closed for a long time due to hurricane damage in the 1960s, reopened again in the 1990s. Interested in a fishing excursion while youre in Cape May? The park is home to iconic landmarks including the Cape May Lighthouse, Fire Control Tower 23, and Battery 223 (aka the bunker), the remains of a harbor defense battery from World War II. The park offers walking, hiking and nature trails as well as beaches, an exhibit gallery, a ranger office and is the site of the Cape May Light. 13 NJ beaches under water advisory for fecal - Asbury Park Press Here are a few of the more popular campgrounds near Cape May Point State Park: Cape May Point State Park The first known lighthouse at Cape May was built in 1823. There are no pets are allowed on our trails. In the 1980s, the Coast Guard began to lease historic lighthouses to local preservation groups who could preserve and restore these important structures. August 2018: Funding was secured to continue restoration work at Cape May Point State Park. Free Parking, Free Beach, But Swimming not Permitted. Cape May Point State Park - Cape May, NJ | South Jersey Trails It was an easy trail with great views and close to nature. Cape May, N.J.: Salt Air and Cultural Riches - The New York Times A lighthouses flash pattern is called its characteristic; every lighthouse has its own light characteristic and exterior paint scheme (called a daymark) so that ship captains can tell them apart. Hacklebarney State Park Cape May Point State Park (and lighthouse) Cape May Point, Cape May County, NJ. Farny State Park Park Fees What Makes New Jersey a Better Place for People and Wildlife? Even young children would find this "adventurous" as most of the woodlands are grown up on both sides creating a sort of "tunnel." Island Beach State Park The Park not only offers excellent recreational opportunities to its many visitors, it also provides critical stopover habitat to the many migrating songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and butterflies that pass by each spring and fall. Cape May Point State Park's crown jewel is the historic 1859 Cape May lighthouse as you enter, but there are many other things to do also. The inside wall is a cylinder with 8.5-inch thick walls which support the spiral staircase. At that time the system had more than 357,000 acres in 122 areas. There are 1 trails in Cape May Point State Park. Corsons Inlet State Park According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Cape May Point State Park is Cape May Point Trail, which has a 4.5 star rating from 715 reviews. It was open for tours, but we did not go up as we live in the Great Lake states and have toured many lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. As of June 15, a six-bedroom Cape May cottage built in 1920, four blocks from the beach, was listed for $1.65 million, with annual taxes of $8,465. The Cape May Lighthouse generally had one head lighthouse keeper and two assistants. All rights reserved. Every time we come to Cape May we make sure to go hiking on the trails and later enjoy time on the beach. Cape May Point State Park Forest Restoration Timeline. 7 Ways to Enjoy New Jersey's State Parks for the Winter The Cape May Lighthouse is the third beacon at this location. Cruise includes breakfast and lunch buffets. Double Trouble State Park Cuisines: Cafe. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Cape May Point State Park In Cape May, NJ - America's State Parks CAPE MAY POINT STATE PARK. This trail provides hikers access to Lighthouse Pond West and East. Bricks may be purchased online below or in person at the Cape May Lighthouse or at the Hill House Business Office at the Emlen Physick Estate. Cape May Point State Park Hotels Featured Hotels Near Cape May Point State Park See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. The pathway at the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is being repaved and will include a limited number of engraved bricks. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. This area can accommodate up to 60 people and may be reserved for a fee. This offers birdwatchers of all ages the opportunity to see these beautiful birds in flight as they soar across the fields and meadows, on their southward trek across the Delaware Bay. Stop by this crafts & collectibles show on the grounds of the Cape May Lighthouse as we salute the lighthouse on National Lighthouse Day. Bus Point-to-Point | NJ TRANSIT | New Jersey Transit Corporation | New There are 3 trails to choose from and are easy and kid friendly. New Jersey Audubon staff began a partnership with the NJ Division of Parks & Forestry and Cape May Point State Park staff. The user is on notice that neither the State of NJ site nor its operators review any of the services, information and/or content from anything that may be linked to the State of NJ site for any reason. Terrain - Mostly tidal marshlands with small patches of forest Surface - boardwalks and dirt It was peaceful and we took some great photos. Lovely hike! Phone: 609.884.2159. Cape May Lighthouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Since most of the park is inside of the Cape May Point Natural Area youll be sure to see many signs of wildlife. There is a pond with many, many swans. A few years ago we came here and had breakfast at the picnic tables. Cape May Point State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. These were Battery 223 with two 6-inch guns on shielded mounts, with an ammunition and fire control bunker between them, Battery 25 with four towed 155 mm guns on concrete Panama mounts, and Anti-Motor Torpedo Boat battery (AMTB) 7, with four 90 mm guns, two on fixed mounts and two on towed mounts. September 2014: Press event is held at the site to celebrate the overall success of the project. Box 107 Cape May Point, NJ 08212 Historic Site Hours Park Hours Open daily dawn to dusk Office Hours Daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lower Cape May Meadows-Cape May Point - Army May 2013: New Jersey Audubon hosted a volunteer event to pull invasive plants for the restoration site. Since this beach has no lifeguards, it's free and more secluded than the main beach. 513 Washington Street Then explore the historic gun battery left over from when the park was used as a military base and the Harbor Defense Project of 1942. NJDEP | New Jersey State Park Service 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Since Cape May MAC opened it to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top. There were two houses built right next to the Cape May Lighthouse around 1860 for the lighthouse keepers and their families. The park has a beach wheel chair available to the public. AllTrails has 1 great trails for hiking and more. The outside wall is cone-shaped, and is 3 feet 10 inches thick at the bottom, and 1 foot 6 inches thick at the top. Please see our Beach Tag Department page for details on this year's beach tags. Cape May Point State Park High Point State Park A beach restoration project in 2005 covered the remains of the other emplacements.[6][7][8]. Pets The Municipal Boundaries for Cape May Point Beaches are from the State Park (Lighthouse Avenue) up to and including the Alexander Avenue Jetty. Both the yellow and blue trails allow hikers the opportunity to view shore birds as well as other wildlife along the shore. The Cape May, New Jersey Nature Trail is very scenic. Here is a short YouTube video with some drone footage of Cape May Point State Park: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. AllTrails has 1 great trails for hiking and more. Summer 2017: New Jerseys Natural Area Council approved continuation of the forest restoration project. Rancocas State Park Lots of birds, wide path and flat so you could jog easy or power walk. Download a detailed trail guide from the states website. Plus the area inside and around the park is a protected resting and feeding area for migrating birds and monarch butterflies. 31 Perry St. 2.1 miles from Cape May Point State Park. Cape May Point, New Jersey 08212. Bring your binoculars, and keep your eyes open for great cormorants, purple sandpipers and harlequin ducks. Interpretive panels on the grounds, at the base and on the climb tell stories of Lighthouse Keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically and today. At the intersection, bear right onto County Route 606 (Sunset Boulevard), then left onto Lighthouse Avenue. The fully-restored Oil House, near the base of the Lighthouse is home to a Museum Shop, as well as an orientation center for those who choose not to climb. Gate 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Photos (1,081) Directions. Cape May Point State Park is one of the most popular bird-watching sites in North America, in part because it is a part of the path for certain migratory birds. Even the longest is only 1.5 and they are all marked as "easy". (link is external). Parking lot surface: paved. This loop is a combination of the Duck and Plover trails. Read our. 303 County Hwy 629 To rate a beach as one of the best it must have safe access to swimming and the surf. We passed many people outside the lighthouse and taking photos. . Each site may charge an entry fee. Cheesequake State Park The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is a state historic site and the third beacon on this site. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 2. This gun emplacement was once 900 feet inland, surrounded by earth and covered by sod, making it look as if it were a hill when viewed from the sea or air. Beach Services - Cape May Point The park has a beach wheel chair available to the public. Cape May Point State Park is located on the historic Cape May Peninsula at the southern tip of New Jersey, about two miles west of the city of Cape May. Average trail width: 4 feet; We were pleasantly surprised to see that the parking was free and that you did not have to pay to get on the beach. Visit 7 off-shore lighthouses aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher to learn the unique history of each. These protein rich eggs are an important food source for ruddy turnstones and red knots. New Jersey's State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. But easy enough for the grandparents to join in. Weakfish, bluefish, flounder, tautog, and striped bass reward surf fishing enthusiasts. No bugs this time of year. The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey is a two-day event held every year on the third weekend in October to encourage participants to visit participating lighthouses, life-saving stations and museums throughout the state. Cape May is viewed by many as the premier hawk migration route of North America. Located on the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May Point State Park is a key site on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail, with an environmental center that houses a classroom for interpretive programs and a museum about the park. Very quiet spot. Additionally, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) maintains four (4) areas for public fish and wildlife associated recreation . The Monarch Monitoring Project (MMP), established in 1990, is a research and education program focusing on the fall migration of monarch butterflies along the Atlantic coast. (Last Updated On: October 25, 2022) Scenic Cape May Point State Park is located in Cape May at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, only 45 minutes from Atlantic City and 2 hours from Philadelphia. November 2015: NJ Audubon sent cleaned seed to Clemenson Farms Native Nursery to propagate for future plantings at Cape May Point State Park. South Jersey is a haven for golfers! Several swans and birds!! Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek. June 2014: Informational signage was posted along Seagrove Avenue describing non-native plant control.
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