Description:
Opened in 2014, this hidden gem covers over 177 acres of forests and wetlands. The park is located along the westbound side of Barnegat Boulevard in Barnegat Township. The entrance road winds among pines and blueberries into a quiet and pristine setting.
Amenities include a comfort station with restrooms, ample parking, and a 1.75 mile marked nature trail. The trail highlights the park’s diversity as it meanders through rolling hills that are relic sand dunes from a time when the area was a prehistoric beach. The trail also crosses Lochiel Creek, the park’s namesake, which harbors populations of federally threatened wildflowers and strange carnivorous plants. Along with native orchids and wetland shrubs, there are plenty of wildflowers to see throughout the growing season.