Winding along nearly 300 miles of New Jersey’s shoreline, the Coastal Heritage Trail passes through five distinct regions, each shaped by salt air, shifting tides, and centuries of coastal life. From barrier beaches and marshland paths to lighthouse overlooks and working waterfronts, the trail invites visitors to explore a living landscape where natural beauty, history, and recreation come together.
1. Sandy Hook Region
🌊 Covers the northernmost stretch, including Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area
🏰 Features Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Twin Lights and Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook
2. Barnegat Bay Region
🌲Encompasses Island Beach State Park, Barnegat Lighthouse, Cattus Island, and Toms River Seaport Museum
⚓ Known for its maritime heritage, decoy carving traditions, and barrier island ecosystems
3. Absecon Region
🌿 Includes Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Tuckerton Seaport, and Corson’s Inlet State Park
🪸 Highlights salt marshes, birding hotspots, and coastal communities like Atlantic City
4. Cape May Region
🗼 Famous for Cape May Lighthouse, Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, and Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
🦆 A prime location for bird migration, historic architecture, and pristine beaches
5. Delsea Region
🗼 Stretches along the Delaware Bay, featuring East Point Lighthouse, Fort Mott State Park, and Belleplain State Forest
🌳Rich in wetlands, pine barrens, and Revolutionary War history
