Category: Hikes

Hikes that Jackson Pathfinders have done or recommend

Metedeconk Island Spur Trail is Open

The seasonal trail (Metedeconk Island Spur) at Silver Stream Trail is now open.  The Pathfinders have done some more clearing and feel it is in good shape for hikers of all ages and abilities to explore.  This trail is located at the North-East corner of the Silver Stream trail (located off Frank Applegate Road at the Metedeconk Preservation).  Much of it meanders along the South Branch of the Metedeconk River and is quite pretty and dry this time of the year.  Enjoy the slideshow!

FREC Full Moon Hike – Feb 10

February 10, 2017
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Join us at the Forest Resource Education Center (FREC) for a full moon walk amongst the trees followed by hot chocolate at the interpretive center.  This walk is sponsored by the FREC and co-sponsored by the Jackson Pathfinders.  Several walking options will be provided; a more vigorous hike for those who would like to walk briskly on the moonlit trails within the forest and a slower paced, guided interpretive tour during which our naturalists will talk about our forest’s beautiful features.  With Valentine’s Day just a few days later, join us to share your love for our healthy forest.   This event is free.  The walks will be approximately an hour or so; please dress for the weather.

Registration is required by calling (732) 928-2360.  Please provide name, phone number and the number of people, so that the FREC can contact you in case of inclement weather and/or cancellation.

For more information, visit the FREC website.

Mega Montage

A mix of both new and old photos…

Volunteer to Help

If you are interested in volunteering or just wish to make a comment or suggestion use one of the following means of communication:

There are many opportunities to assist individually or as a group such as with the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.  Some ideas follow.

Get Involved by Participating

You or your organization can participate in any of our activities.

  • Join any of our trail work days throughout the year
  • Sign up for our “Adopt a Trail” or “Keep It Nice” programs
  • Approach the Pathfinders with a scouting project such as Eagle Scout project or to simply take your den or pack on a hike and bring some bags to do some cleanup.  Or the younger scouts can play “stick in the mud” where they can gather and throw sticks in the mud to help soak up water on some of the wetter trails.
  • Join us in our hiking or other group activities

Become an Active Member

We have a lot of committees (see About the Pathfinders for a complete list) where you can volunteer to be elected as a formal member of Pathfinders. Use your skills and/or learn some new ones.

  • Mapping (using Global Positioning System or GPS)
  • Grants, Land Acquisition
  • Trail Management
  • Bicycling, Hiking, Fishing
  • Membership, Publicity, Event Planning

Contact the Membership Committee for more information.

How Trails Benefit Our Community

  1. They increase our property values.
  2. They increase community pride.
  3. They improve our quality of life.
  4. They provide a cleaner environment.
  5. They reduce traffic by providing paths for alternative transport.
  6. They promote health and fitness.
  7. They help reduce crime.
  8. They provide Eco-tourism.
  9. They conserve linked native ecosystems and landscapes.
  10. They provides low cost opportunities for family activities.
  11. They provide a safer and quieter way to get to community focal points.
  12. They provide opportunities for children to be directly involved in creating or protecting a trail with significant environmental impact.
  13. They provide citizenship training for students by involving them in developing a permanent community project.
  14. Provide opportunities for trail improvement projects of all kind.
  15. Helping to build a trail will instill a sense of ownership.
  16. The pride that students gain from stewardship will be passed down to their children, helping to preserve these Greenways for generations to come.
  17. Greenways provide comprehensive trail and linear park systems that provide bikeways, pedestrian paths, horse trails and recreation for residents, families, and children.

NJ State Parks (in our area)

  • Island Beach State Park

    Ten miles of pure white sand beach attracts swimmers, sunbathers, anglers and surfers. Modern bathhouses, beach access ramps, a mile of beach with lifeguards, historic buildings, trails, naturalist programs, bike paths, wild foxes and facilities for people with disabilities combine to make Island Beach a popular place.

    The state’s largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds, are found here. Island Beach is nationally known as a unique resource with over 300 plants identified, including the largest expanses of beach heather in New Jersey.

  • Allaire State Park

    Allaire State Park consists of 3,035 acres located in Monmouth County. 25 miles of multi-use trails in Monmouth County: 21.5 miles are suitable for day hikes, 17 for mountain biking, 17 for horseback riding and five for canoeing. Info: (732) 938-2371. Within the park, there are facilities for picnicking and camping. The park has a nature center that is staffed by a naturalist in the summer.

    Allaire Village, which is inside the park, is a 19th Century village listed on the NJ and National Registers of Historic Places. It is named after James P. Allaire, who owned Howell Iron Works Company in the 1830s. Located within the village are a museum and gift shop, a carpenter shop and working blacksmith, a general store, a bakery, a carriage house, a church and row houses

  • Monmouth Battlefield State Park

    Located north of Jackson in Manalapan, the Monmouth Battlefield offers year-round activities. There are interpretive and visitor centers, as well as picnic tables, a playground, and food concessions. There are trails for horseback riding and hiking; winter sports include sledding and cross-country skiing.

Information/links on other parks

Forests, Streams & Bogs: exploring Jackson trails!

Saturday, June 6, 2015(10:00AM at the FREC -or- 11:15AM Purple Heart or Silver Stream trails)

Celebrating National Trails Day, the Jackson Pathfinders hosted hikes at multiple locations. Three guided hikes were offered. Started at the Forest Resource Education Center (495 Don Connor) for the Forest Discovery Trail led by a FREC naturalist (10:00 a.m.), then departed by your vehicle to the Purple Heart Trail (805 East Vets, 11:15 a.m.) and the Silver Stream/Steve Kitay Trails (255 Frank Applegate, 11:15 a.m.) led by Jackson Pathfinders. Directions to subsequent hikes were provided at the FREC. Alternative was to go directly to Purple Heart or Silver Stream trail heads at 11:15 a.m.