Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
| Barnegat Lighthouse State Park | |
| Protected area | |
.JPG) | |
| 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°N 74.09861°WCoordinates: 39°47′30″N 74°5′55″W / 39.79167°N 74.09861°W |
| IUCN category | III - Natural Monument |
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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.
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).
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.
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.
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. Each winter, BLSP is a reliable place to see Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Common Eider and all 3 scoter species as well as Purple Sandpiper and "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrow.
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.
Historical sites
The Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center is open to those wishing to learn the history and environment surrounding the Barnegat Lighthouse.
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
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