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Atlantic County has thousands of acres of protected marsh, Pine Barrens forest and lakefront parkland, and most of it is open all year. These parks and trails are some of the best places in the county for a walk, a bike ride or a morning of birding.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
- Where: 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville (Galloway Township)
- When: Wildlife Drive and trails open daily, sunrise to sunset. Visitor center Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed holidays.
The refuge’s 8 mile Wildlife Drive is a self guided auto tour through saltwater marsh, freshwater habitat and upland forest. The Leeds Eco Trail at headquarters is a short walk with marsh views. Entry is $4 per car or $2 for walkers and cyclists, and late fall and winter bring huge flocks of waterfowl.
Estell Manor Park
- Where: Route 50, about 3.5 miles south of Mays Landing
- When: Open year round. Check the Warren E. Fox Nature Center page for building hours.
This 1,700 acre county park has about 27 miles of dirt and sand trails for hiking, biking and jogging, plus the 1.8 mile Swamp Trail Boardwalk, a fully accessible elevated walk through cedar swamp. You will also find picnic areas, canoe and kayak launch points along the South River, fishing and camping. When it snows, the trails are open to cross country skiing.
Lake Lenape Park
- Where: 6303 Harding Highway, Mays Landing
- When: Call the county reservation office at 609-625-8219 for hours
About 2,000 acres of parkland surround Lake Lenape, with a boathouse, boat ramp, kayak and canoe access, fishing, a playground and a gazebo with a lake view. Winter is the season to look for bald eagles. Trails cover hiking, mountain biking and nature walks.
Atlantic County Bikeway
- Where: Trailheads at Harbor Square in Egg Harbor Township, English Creek Avenue and the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Hamilton Township
- When: Open dawn to dusk
This 7.56 mile path follows the old Pennsylvania Reading Seashore rail line, with signs about Pinelands plants, animals and railroad history along the way. A push button signal at English Creek Avenue makes the crossing easy, and maps at each trailhead show distances.
Birch Grove Park
- Where: 1700 Burton Ave., Northfield
- When: Opens at 9 a.m. and closes at sunset
Ponds created from old brick clay pits are linked by small bridges and about 5 miles of hiking trails. The park also has an exercise trail, picnic spots and trout stocked ponds, where a fishing license is required. Note that pets are not permitted.
Absecon Wildlife Management Area
- Where: Public boat ramp on Faunce Landing Road, Absecon
- When: Open year round
About 3,600 acres of coastal habitat make this a strong spot for shorebird watching and saltwater fishing. It is a quick drive from Route 9 and pairs well with a stop at the Forsythe refuge.
County parks and wildlife areas
Why Winter Is a Great Time to Go
Cooler weather means fewer bugs, open sight lines through bare trees and big seasonal flocks of ducks, geese and shorebirds along the marshes. Trails are quieter too, so a weekday walk at Estell Manor or Birch Grove can feel like having the park to yourself.
Before You Go
- Hunting is permitted in parts of some parks and wildlife areas in season, so wear a bright layer in late fall.
- Bring binoculars for eagles and waterfowl from November through March.
- Check each park page for closures after storms.
More in Atlantic County: Thanksgiving week things to do, Historic Smithville, and things to do in Atlantic City in winter.
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