Saturday, August 3, 2024

Hartshorne Woods Park, NJ with Claypit Creek

ABOUT THE PARK: 
Hartshorne Woods Park - Monmouth County Park System

DIRECTIONS: 
GPS Coordinates 40.40160, -74.01255
Buttermilk Valley Parking Lot - I had intended to park at Claypit Creek (40.39666, -74.02160) but at 6:05 AM the entrance was gated.  When I hiked by at 6:40 AM the gate was open.  I got the second to last spot in the Buttermilk Valley lot at 6:10 AM and it was full with more cars coming in by the time I got my shoes on.

TRAIL MAP: 
Hartshorne Woods Park Brochure - Monmouth County Park System


HIKE DISTANCE:  10.1 miles

THE HIKE: 
With another weekend of oppressive heat and humidity, I went a little southeast where there was a breeze versus no breeze inland.  Turns out the breeze was wonderful and it did not feel that bad at all until the last couple of miles.  I did not bring Brodie along for this hike.  He got to stay home in the air conditioning.
Starting to the right to take the Laurel Ridge Trail.
Right on the Claypit Run Trail.
Crossing over Hartshorne Road.
Steps leading down to ...
... a pedestrian walkway on the Locust Avenue bridge for a view of ...
Claypit Creek
Heading back to continue around on the Claypit Run Trail.
Heading towards ...
... another view of Claypit Creek.
Belted Kingfisher
Continuing around.
Lots of wildlife around early in the morning.
Back at the Laurel Ridge Trail, continuing to the right.
Turning right on a side trail towards the overlook.
I was knocking down spiderwebs along the way and soon realized why.
This would be the overlook.  Maybe in the winter but this is it in the summer.
Continuing on the Laurel Ridge Trail.
Right on Grand Tour.
Crossing over on the Rocky Point Trail.
A side trail to the Navesink Overlook which would be this in the summer.
Continuing on the Rocky Point Trail.
Coming out at the Black Fish Cove overlook.
The Rocky Point Trail continues to the left but I headed down to a picnic table in the shade for a break first.
Break view.
Continuing on the Rocky Point Trail.
Along the Rocky Point Trail I was able to zoom in for a couple of ocean shots.
That is one big ship in the distance.
Passing by the Rocky Point parking lot which was packed.
Two miles left to go and it was really getting hot so I chose the easier Cuesta Ridge Trail.
Back at the parking lot.