Showing posts with label NJ Hawk Rise Sanctuary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NJ Hawk Rise Sanctuary. Show all posts

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Hawk Rise Sanctuary, NJ


ABOUT THE PARK:
Hawk Rise Sanctuary - New York New Jersey Trail Conference
Hawk Rise Sanctuary to Open in Linden - Suburban News
Hawk Rise Sanctuary - New Jersey Audubon

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 40.603003, -74.251767

View Larger Map
Parking on the left just before the animal control facility and animal shelter at the end of Range Road.

TRAIL MAP:
Yellow is the existing trail (unblazed).

HIKE DISTANCE:  1.25 miles
This is not actually a hike but I felt it was worth mentioning since this is a new trail in an area where there are very few trails.  It is almost across the street from Merck Pharmaceuticals in Rahway - a great lunch hour place for employees - or a quick leg stretcher if you happen to be in the area.  Lots and lots of birds here!

THE HIKE:
From the kiosk the trail starts as a gravel path which leads to a boardwalk.
Boardwalk through wetlands with viewing area and interpretive signs.
First bird sighting from the viewing area - a female red-winged blackbird (Thanks, Dan Balogh for the ID!).
There is a stark difference between the boardwalk meandering through the woods and the unattractive industrial area just out of view.
The trail alternates between boardwalk and gravel paths.
Approaching the landfill where birds abound.
Observation deck adjacent to landfill overlooking wetlands.
Path between wetlands and landfill.
At the kiosk it states no pets are allowed yet there is a poop bag dispenser? 

HIKE SUMMARY:
[  0.00]  From the kiosk veer left on the gravel path towards the boardwalk
[  0.15]  Keep left at end of boardwalk
[  0.40]  At the end of the boardwalk, veer right on gravel path when dirt road goes left
[  0.50]  Keep left at fork to interpretive sign; retrace
[  0.55]  Left on gravel road coming off trail to interpretive sign
[  0.65]  Turn left on boardwalk towards landfill
[  0.70]  At end of boardwalk turn right along split rail fence (no sign but left on dirt road is not allowed)
[  0.80]  Observation deck at end; circle around and retrace
[  0.95]  At end of split rail fence, turn left on boardwalk when off limits dirt road goes straight
[  1.00]  At T-intersection turn left on boardwalk
[  1.10]  At intersection turn left on boardwalk
[  1.15]  At intersection turn left on gravel path when right goes to parking lot
[  1.25]  Back at parking lot