New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route

The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route extends for nearly 300 miles from Perth Amboy to Cape May and westward along the Delaware Bay to the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

The trail highlights and promotes the maritime history and environmental value of the coastal region and offers 60 unique destinations, each with a variety of programs and outdoor activities.

Designated in 1988, the trail is divided into five regions linked by the common heritage of life on the Jersey Shore and Raritan and Delaware bays.

Designated trails explore maritime history, coastal habitats, wildlife migration, historic settlements and recreation.

The maritime history, coastal habitats and wildlife migration theme trails are open to the public. Other trails are under development.

The trail is intended primarily for vehicular tourism. It is a partnership project by the National Park Service in cooperation with the State of New Jersey and many other public and private organizations working to preserve the state's natural and cultural heritage.

All of the trail destinations and welcome centers are operated by other organizations that maintain a variety of public hours. Specific information is available by contacting the trail headquarters, welcome centers, and individual destinations.

Trail welcome centers are located at Fort Mott State Park (off State Route 49, between Salem and Pennsville in Salem County near the Delaware Memorial Bridge) and at the Ocean View Tourist Information Center (Milepost 18.3 on the Garden State Parkway in Cape May County north of Cape May).