Black Fish Cove Is An Otherworldly Destination On The New Jersey Coast
By Kim Magaraci|Published June 02, 2022
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Kim Magaraci
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Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Hartshorne Woods is a county park in Highlands, New Jersey – way at the northern tip of Monmouth County. There are three main sections of the park: Buttermilk Valley, Rocky Point, and Monmouth Hills. There are more than a dozen miles of trails that wind their way through these 700+ acres, but one of the most spectacular coastal destinations in New Jersey is hidden at Black Fish Cove in the Rocky Point section. Hop out of the car and start your hike to be taken to the most unique spot in the region.
On your way to the cove, you'll pass by Battery Lewis, a remnant from when this area was used as World War II coastal artillery site.
The trail to get to Black Fish Cove is steep and partially paved. Eventually, you'll find yourself at a fishing pier and beach... and you'll be about to enter an otherworldly place.
To get to the Black Fish Cove beach, you'll have to make your way through varied terrain and may even have to bushwhack, depending on when the trail was last maintained. Be sure to wear bug spray so the mosquitos, ticks, and flies don't have a feast!
Not only does this beach have bright orange sand, but the cliffs lining the coast are staggering. Trees are uprooted in some places, looking almost reminiscent of an art installation...
In one spot, a man-made rope swing was crafted with natural materials, and it's a great spot to sit and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping the shore.
The trail to get here is steep and challenging, but it's worth the effort to have this view! Black Fish Cove is by far the most unique stretch of sand in all of New Jersey.
Be sure to bring extra water for your pooch, be aware of their physical limitations and conditioning, and keep them off the asphalt on sunny, warm days.
Monmouth County Parks has published a map of trails at Hartshorne Woods Park online. Service here can be spotty, and the trails are challenging, so be sure to download the map to your phone before heading out on a hike.
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