The hikes will depart promptly and will meander along sand roads and trails at a moderate pace near the NJ Forest Fire Service’s Coyle Field. Portions of the hikes will be through sugar sand. Each hike will follow the same route.
The hikes will be almost entirely through parts of the forest that was burned in the March 2019 Spring Hill wildfire. You will be able to see first-hand the regeneration of the forest that has occurred since the fire as well as the devastation that the fire wrought.
Several sections of the hikes will be through places where the mature trees are scarcely taller than the hikers themselves and in some places are not. The hikes will traverse several ridges that will provide fantastic views of the surrounding area which is a rarity for this part of the state. This is especially true now since the fire removed almost all of the vegetation which previously blocked the views.
Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Service animals only are permitted. Wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Wear clothes you do not mind getting ash and soot on. Bring plenty of water, snacks and bug spray. These hikes are not ADA accessible. There are no restrooms or drinking water available. The hikes will be cancelled if there are thunderstorms in the area, if heavy rain/snow is falling or if the forest is covered with deep snow. Light rain/snow will not cancel the hike.
The hikes are free and open to the public. Registration is required and is capped at 30 participants for each hike. To register or for more information, contact the Bass River State Forest office at 609-296-1114.
MEETING LOCATION: N 39 48.804 W 74 24.845 which is located along NJ 72 between mile markers 11 and 11.5 at the eastern boundary road of Coyle Field. The location is approximately 11.3 miles east of the intersection of NJ 72 and NJ 70 and approximately 2.4 miles west of the intersection of NJ 72 and Ocean County Road 539. Parking is along NJ 72.
There is no street address for this location.