Hiking the Tindey, Swamp, and Interpretive Trails at Jakes Branch.
We had an errand to run in Toms River so afterwards we popped over to Jakes Branch for a hike so as to not waste a drive down.
This park is just a few minutes off the Parkway so it’s a convenient stop.
Miles: 4.9 Overall: Great park for an easy pine barrens hike with a cool view from the top of the visitor center.
For complete hike info visit our main Jakes Branch page.
The trail map had been updated since we first hiked it. The Swamp Trail (WHITE) is now shown on the map as well as an Interpretive Trail (GREEN).
By doing those along with the Tindey (BLUE) trail, we were able to get in an easy 4.9 miles. A YELLOW bike trail bisecting the park had also been added.
Our first stop is always to head to the top of the visitor center for a great view over the pine barrens.
At the trailhead, we took BLUE (Tindey) to the right and followed the well blazed trail through pine and easy sand trails, with little elevation change.
This time, we turned right for an out-and-back on the Swamp Trail (WHITE), which ends at a stream. There were logs to cross over a narrow area, but the trail petered out right after the crossing. [This trail is 0.4 miles total]
Later, we turned left to check out the Interpretive Trail (GREEN), a short loop that appeared to be very newly created. There were several benches and some boardwalks over wet areas but not much else. [This trail is 0.7 miles total]
There was a bench to sit by this…. so I suppose this qualifies as a pond?
Bonus: Vending machine by the visitor center had Mountain Dew…