Somers
Point to Tuckerton
This tour follows a circuitous route
from John F. Kennedy Park in the bay
village of Somers Point to Stanley
"Tip" Seaman County Park near the quaint
maritime village of Tuckerton. These
communities bracket what is known as
New Jersey's 'Greater Atlantic City'
region. Sights and sounds along this
45-mile route are steeped in fishing
heritage, military history and transportation
firsts.
While shore towns are known for their
boardwalks, multi-use bike paths and
small walking trails are commonplace
in these mainland communities. The
paths along this route range from the
smooth paved path traversing the heart
of the mainland communities of Somers
Point, Linwood, Northfield and Pleasantville,
to the rustic Atlantic County Bikeway
that runs through Egg Harbor Township.
The terrain is mostly flat, especially along the 4-mile long segment of the Linwood Bikeway that has been constructed along the historic rail corridor. Moreover, free parking and indoor bathrooms are available at the start and end points of this ride.
Museums, historical sites and cultural
events make exploring the inland just
as exciting as spending a day at the
beach. A few of the many attractions
are highlighted below.
John F.
Kennedy Park, Somers Point
John F. Kennedy Park overlooks Great
Egg Harbor Bay and is within close range
of amenities and services in Somers Point.
The embankment overlooking the bay allows
spectacular views and the park is a pleasant
spot for picnicking. There is a large
playground area for children and a small
beach area is accessible at low tide.
Somers
Mansion/Atlantic County Historical
Society, Somers Point
Overlooking the Great Egg Harbor Bay
in Somers Point stands the Somers Mansion,
a three story home constructed of brick
in the Flemish Bond Pattern. Atlantic
County's oldest house, the Mansion contains
18th century furnishings as well as locally
fashioned quilts, coverlets and samplers.
Admission is free. Before visiting, call
609.927.2212 for hours.
Linwood
Bikeway, Somers Point to Pleasantville
This 6.5-mile path originates in Somers
Point and continues its linear footprint
north through the cities of Linwood,
Northfield and Pleasantville. Within
these communities, this intimate path
connects neighborhoods, schools, parks
and playing fields. Though each section
of the path has adopted the name of
the city that it runs through, the
path still carries the name of its
original endpoint in Linwood.
Birch Grove
Park and Family Campground, Northfield
Within minutes of Somers Point, Linwood
and Northfield, lies a local historical
treasure name Birch
Grove Park. This
271-acre heavily wooded park features
a natural landscape full of tree lined
ponds. The park's full amenities include
nature, exercise and jogging trails,
recreational playing fields, a full-service
campground, picnic areas and a nature
center. The park is also home to the
Northfield Museum and historic Casto
house.
Atlantic
County Bikeway, Egg Harbor to Hamilton
Township
This bikeway offers
a pleasant off-road experience where
you'll be captivated by the expansive
and tranquil nature of the Atlantic County
Pine Barrens. This 7.5-mile bike and
pedestrian path, built along the abandoned
rail corridor of the Pennsylvania-Reading
Seashore Line in Atlantic County, begins
its eastern trailhead at the Shore Mall
in Egg Harbor and extends to the Atlantic
County Institute of Technology in Hamilton
Township.
Lake Lenape
Park, Mays Landing
Situated at the head of the Great Egg
Harbor River, Lake Lenape Park's acres
of lakeside habitat is a draw for eager
nature enthusiasts. During the warmer
months, the lake hosts scores of fish,
turtles and migrant, breeding songbirds.
In the winter, migrating raptors are
often seen drifting down the lake and
bald eagles often use the area for hunting
and roosting. The park has pavilions,
campsites, a playground and a beachfront
that offers splendid views of the lake.
Reportedly, there have been as many as
thirty bald eagles counted here at one
time. For more information, call 609.625.8219.
Egg Harbor City/Egg
Harbor Historical Society Roundhouse
Museum
The Roundhouse
Museum displays memorabilia
and items that are historically significant
to Egg Harbor City. Permanent displays
include Liberty Glass, C.P. Leek and
Sons boats, clothing and wine industries
and Dr. Smith's Health Spa. For further
information, call 609.965.4677.
Stanley
H. "Tip" Seaman County Park,
Tuckerton
Located on the western shore of Tuckerton's
Late Pohatcong, Stanley
"Tip" Seaman County Park is a jewel in the Ocean County
Parks System. This 22-acre park's facilities
provide an opportunity for the whole
family to have fun including fishing,
open play area, picnic area, shuffleboard,
small boat launch and walking paths.
The park is best known as home to the
Annual Ocean County Decoy and Gunning
Show. This two-day event in September
draws exhibitors and visitors from the
entire eastern coastline and beyond and
has been named as one of the top 100
events in North America.
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