1

 

IMG_1200

Jetty Walk – Barnegat Lighthouse State Park – Barnegat Light, Ocean County, NJ
Type: Out and back
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset (Parking lot closes early and they will lock your car in. You can park just outside the entrance).
Distance: About a mile out and back walk on the jetty (just under two miles total).
Difficulty: 5 of 10 – rock hopping, occasional slippery spots.
Total score: 8 of 10.
Updated: March 5, 2017

Terrain – Ocean and bay views all around.
Trailhead – starts at base of lighthouse-  39°45’51.83″N,  74° 6’22.08″W

Markings – None, stay on the concrete, then on the rocks.

Description:   The Lighthouse is fun to climb, but don’t miss out on walking down the concrete pathway toward the ocean.  At the end of the path, if you are the adventurous sort, climb through the rails and walk/hop the jetty all the way out to the very end where the foghorn is. It’s a good mile walk/hop from the tower to the end of the jetty, leave plenty of time for hopping, admiring seagulls, looking for shells, admire the lighthouse, etc.

 

IMG_1199

IMG_8551
IMG_8549

A rare site- a seagull eating seagull food.

A rare site- a seagull eating seagull food.

IMG_8553
img_4677

IMG_8555
IMG_8554

IMG_1150

img_4682img_4684
img_4679

Also leave time to watch the boats come in and out, or to take in the sunrise or sunset.  As the sun goes down (or after), get ice cream next door and watch the again shining lighthouse beams sweep over the ocean.

IMG_1184

IMG_1192

IMG_1194

IMG_1204

And while park hours are over at 4 PM or so, many, many years ago, some friends and I watched a meteor shower from the jetty, the meteors falling behind the lighthouse while dolphins played beside us in the water.  It was amazing.

In the area – Climb the lighthouse ($3 per person last I checked) and walk the Maritime Trail or A. Jerome Walnut Nature Trail in the park.

The Good

Great views of the beach, views of Barnegat Lighthouse, and views of ships coming in and out of the inlet.

The Could Be Better

Rock hopping. Watch out for wet feet at high tide.

Ratings
Mike's Review
Your Reviews
Rate Here
Rating
8.0
10
Bottom Line

It’s such a nice spot, at least walk down to the end of the concrete, even if you aren’t up for heading onto the jetty.

8.0
Mike's Review
10
Your Reviews
1 rating
You have rated this
About The Author
southjerseytrails
Just a man, his five small children, and the need to hike every single trail in South Jersey, maybe.

Leave a Response

Rating