Ocean City, located on the iconic Jersey Shore, is the ideal vacation destination due to various entertainment options that appeal to adults and children alike. If you’re part of the one-third of Americans who take two to three annual vacations, why not make one of them to OCNJ? When you want a destination that offers a bit of everything, Ocean City should be on your list.
While its restaurants, Boardwalk and amusement parks are enough to keep you busy for days, this charming city also offers a lot in terms of nature. If you tire of the beaches but still want to experience more time outside, consider spending your days hiking near Ocean City.
Many people want to enjoy their vacations while maintaining a healthy activity level, and hiking is the perfect way to do both. It allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, get some fresh air and see new sights.
Some of the main benefits of hiking include improved balance, better heart health and stronger muscles. If you’re looking for hiking trails in Ocean City, New Jersey, to enjoy these benefits, the following three paths are excellent places to start.
Corson’s Inlet State Park offers fun outdoor activities like fishing, boating and hiking. This park is any nature lover’s dream, and it’s free to access all year round. Whether you’re a beginner hiker looking to complete one trail or a seasoned pro eager to take on them all, you’ll find something to love at Corson’s Inlet State Park.
Expect to see gorgeous ocean views accompanied by diverse birdlife, wildlife and plants. Once you’ve completed your hiking trail of choice, you can explore the remaining 341 acres of undeveloped land to experience all that Corson’s Inlet has to offer.
The Great Egg Harbor Bay — also known as GREG — is the perfect place to spend a day in nature and explore New Jersey’s great outdoors. Like Corson’s Inlet State Park, GREG offers more than one hiking trail, giving you plenty of options and the chance to try a new hike every time you visit.
The fun doesn’t end there, though. Once you’ve completed your hike, here are some other things you can do at the Great Egg Harbor Bay:
A welcome center might not be the first place you think of when you want to hike, but the Ocean City Visitor’s Center isn’t your average tourist destination. It offers multiple paths leading to various fun locations.
Instead of driving to your desired spot, stop at the Visitor’s Center and walk there. You’d be surprised at how many steps you get in, and the journey gives you time to appreciate the beauty of this resort town. Grab something to eat on your way, walk over the bridge or stop by the bird rookery to see the natural aviary life.
These trails are perfect for a relaxed meander rather than a strenuous activity. If you’re looking for a more structured route, consider taking a guided beach walk with your family.
Because Ocean City is a beach town, many would agree that the best time of year to visit is during the warmer months, from June to September. If this is when you plan on taking a trip, you can include hiking in your itinerary. Just be aware that temperatures can get relatively high, so if you hike during this period, early morning is an excellent time to do it.
The winter months — December, January and February — come with relatively low temperatures. The cold might not make hiking appealing, but if you bundle up in warm clothes, the winter scenery may make braving the cold weather worth it. If you aren’t a fan of extreme temperatures either way, hiking in the spring or fall gives you a better chance of experiencing moderate temperatures that don’t veer too hot or cold.
Ocean City experiences rain year-round, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. Overall, you can go hiking in Ocean City whenever you want, as long as you know what the weather brings and dress accordingly.
Does your love of nature extend beyond hiking? Check out some other outdoor activities you can try in Ocean City:
If you’re excited to explore the hiking trails and other outdoor activities this wonderful resort town has to offer, you should certainly plan a trip to Ocean City the next time you want to take a vacation. OCNJ offers diverse accommodation options and many things to do, ensuring that everyone on the trip has an amazing time.
If you have any questions, you can contact us to learn more.
