Shawn Michaels

In our latest installment of "Hiking New Jersey" I've visited Cattus Island County Park in Toms River. Cattus has gone through a lot of reconstruction since Hurricane Sandy and is looking good! We really enjoyed our day trip to the park. Cattus Island has a "nature center" with restrooms and even a "butterfly park" to enjoy. There is also a playground and picnic area. Cattus has plenty of parking and numerous trails to enjoy for hiking and sight-seeing.

The trails for the most part are flat and well marked and areas that go through "wetlands" are on raised boardwalks to make it dry and easy to navigate. There are several trails and they are short, but togther can make up a good 5 mile hike. We ran into several herd of deer while out and that was exciting as we watched them run along with us as we hiked. Also checkout out some great egrets, blue heron and osprey as well. There are several osprey nets set up in the park and some are real close to the trail so you get a good peek at the seahawks!

Shawn Michaels

Cattus Island County Park is a great part of Ocean County and perfect place to get out and enjoy with your family!