Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

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Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Protected area
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Ocean County, New Jersey
City	Barnegat Light, New Jersey
Coordinates	39°47′30″N 74°5′55″W / 39.79167, -74.09861
IUCN category	III - Natural Monument

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. The area where the lighthouse stands was regarded as one of the most important navigational points for ships bound to and from New York Harbor. The ships were dependent upon the Barnegat Lighthouse to avoid the shoals extending from the shoreline. The swift currents, shifting sandbars, and offshore shoals challenged the skills of even the most experienced sailors. The park is included as a maritime site on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. The park is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.

Contents 1 Barnegat Lighthouse 2 Fishing 3 Picnicking 4 Birdwatching 5 Trails 6 Historical Sites 7 References

[edit] Barnegat Lighthouse

With a panoramic view of the Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island, the lighthouse is a popular tourist site. The lighthouse is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day (weather permitting).

[edit] Fishing

Saltwater fish can be caught along the bulkhead next to the picnic area. These fish include striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, summer flounder, tautog, winter flounder, and black sea bass. Access for the handicapped is available.

[edit] Picnicking

Picnicking areas are available. Handicapped access is available. Picnic tables are located along Barnegat Inlet. Two picnic shelters with tables are also provided. Fires, propane stoves, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the sites.

[edit] Birdwatching

The birds that can be spotted at the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park include but are not limited to shorebirds and wading birds, including black-crowned night herons, snowy egrets, and brown pelicans.

[edit] Trails

• The Maritime Forest Trail is a 1/5-mile long, self-guided loop trail through one of the last remnants of maritime forest on Long Beach Island. The trail is classified as easy to moderate.

• All trail classifications and descriptions are made by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees the State Park System.

[edit] Historical Sites

The Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center is open to those wishing to learn the history and environment surrounding the Barnegat Lighthouse.

[edit] References

• website for the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
• National Park Service's website for The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route

v • d • e Protected Areas of New Jersey National Park Service Statue of Liberty National Monument • Morristown National Historical Park • Edison National Historic Site • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area • Gateway National Recreation Area • Great Egg Harbor Scenic and Recreational River • Middle Delaware National Scenic River • New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve • New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route State Parks Allaire • Allamuchy Mountain • Barnegat Lighthouse • Cape May Point • Cheesequake • Corson's Inlet • Delaware and Raritan Canal • Double Trouble • Farny • Fort Mott • Hacklebarney • High Point • Hopatcong • Island Beach • Kittatinny Valley • Liberty • Long Pond Ironworks • Monmouth Battlefield • Parvin • Pigeon Swamp • Princeton Battlefield • Rancocas • Ringwood • Stephens • Swartswood • Voorhees • Washington Crossing • Washington Rock • Wawayanda State Forests Abram S. Hewitt • Bass River • Belleplain • Brendan T. Byrne • Jenny Jump • Norvin Green • Penn • Ramapo Mountain • Stokes • Wharton • Worthington State Marinas Senator Frank S. Farley • Forked River • Fortescue • Leonardo • Liberty Landing Recreation Areas Atsion • Bull's Island • Round Valley • Spruce Run Other Spring Meadow Golf Course New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry