By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Crunch! Fallen leaves crinkle under your boots. Your dog pants beside you, brushing soft fur against your leg. Wind whimpers above you, and the sun peeks through the branches. When you reach the summit, a smile takes over your face.
Hiking and autumn are synonymous. The crisp weather, beautiful sunsets and changing nature make outdoor exploration playful. Not only that, hiking is a low-cost hobby with mind and body benefits.
But I don’t need to convince you. Mother Nature is all too persuasive. It may seem like hiking is reserved for those without beaches, oceans and marshland, but South Jersey locals can have the best of both worlds. We just need to know where to look.
Here are top-five best hikes in the Atlantic County vicinity:
1. Birch Grove Park
Easy, Northfield, NJ
This 271-acre haven offers more than what meets the eye. Enjoy a covered bridge, hilly trails through forests of pine trees, and a great picnic area with a playground. The skeleton of Somers Brick Works from over a century past, invites hikers to imagine a different era. Bring a fishing pole in the springtime because the little lake is packed with trout.
2. Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve
Easy, Egg Harbor Township, NJ
This Atlantic County hidden gem is perfect for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and more. The arboretum is canyon-like, so you can get your steps in by climbing steep cliffs or stairways. Multiple trails lend to a unique nature experience every single visit.
3. Apple Pie Hill, Wharton State Forest
Moderate, Vincentown, NJ
Don’t let the sweet name fool you. Apple Pie Hill is one of the tallest peaks in New Jersey, but especially in South Jersey. Climbing the Fire Tower makes this hike special, and offers incredible views. The 8.6-mile out-and-back route is kid-friendly and dog-welcoming.
4. Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Easy, Cape May Courthouse, NJ
Birdwatchers rave about this trail. The five-mile loop offers inside peaks into seabird habitats, and in the autumn, tens of species take a break from migration here. The pristine beach and wetlands preservation are managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and are open 7 days a week for visitors.
5. Garrett Family Perimeter Trail
Easy, Cape May, NJ
Home to thousands of monarch butterflies, the Garrett Family Preserve makes for one of the best hikes in the tri-state area. The space has lots of interactive, awe-inspiring features, like gigantic butterfly wings (for photo ops), ivy-covered tunnels, and colorful wildflowers. If you book a pedal-train excursion through Revolution Rail, nature guides will provide a brief history of the park and interesting facts.
Don’t let autumn pass you by. Prioritize hiking, and you won’t regret it. The photos at the peak will be worth the extra effort.
Sarah Fertsch was born and raised in Egg Harbor Township, and holds a dual degree in public relations and political science. Prior to joining Shore Local full-time, she worked at a CSPAN affiliate, writing about Pennsylvania legislation. When she isn’t writing, Sarah enjoys painting, horseback riding, and Crossfit.
