Cattus Island Hike

Cattus Island County Park
Toms River,
Ocean Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Cattus Island Road: Unblazed
Boardwalk Loop: Unblazed
Island Loop: Blue blaze
Hidden Beach Loop: Orange blaze

Total Time: 1:45
Estimated Distance: 4.3 Miles

Pros: Scenic bay and beaches
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back with loops
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JhUkvLD7D2xDAvDD9

I was in Toms River for the weekend, and this was a very warm winter day. I had the opportunity to visit this scenic area along Barnegat Bay, which was close to where I was staying. I parked in the main parking area at Cattus Island, and took the short accessible Boardwalk Trail at the beginning of the hike and then explored the nature center. I then took Cattus Island Road to the Island Loop Trail, taking the western spur along the bay, with several points that had a nice waterfront view and beach area. I then reached Cattus Island Road again and continued north Hidden Beach Loop, the northernmost area of Cattus Island. I took the loop and then headed back down Cattus Island Road. I then took the eastern spur of Island Loop which I took back to Cattus Island Road and then back to my car.

Map of the Route

Boardwalk Trail

Salt Marsh from the Boardwalk Trail

Cattus Island Nature Center

Beach on Cattus Island on the Boardwalk Loop

Boardwalk Loop Trail

Cattus Island Road

Hidden Beach Loop Boardwalk

Lake Skanatati Winter Hike

Harriman State Park
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze

Total Time: 1:10
Estimated Distance: 1.9 Miles

Pros: Scenic lake and path
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZoHJGPXGwxprxw4U9

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

This was the coldest day of the season. It was 12 degrees when we started, although it was sunny with no wind. We figured this hike would be really quick and we'd turn around as soon as we got too cold, but we made it about a mile in before we turned around. We parked at the trailhead at Lake Skanatati and took the Long Path and then turned around back along the same route.

Map of the Route

Lake Skanatati from the Parking Area

Lake Skanatati from the Long Path

Pine Swamp Brook Crossing

Long Path

Lake Skanatati Western Side