Exploring Wells Mills County Park

Wells Mills County Park in Waretown, New Jersey, is a great spot for outdoor exploration for the whole family. The park is the largest in the Ocean County park system, set on more than 900 acres of forest in the Pine Barrens. The park boasts numerous hiking trails for all skill levels, a nature center, picnic area, playground and lake with seasonal boat access.

Parking is conveniently located right off the park’s main entrance. The nature center, picnic area, playground and restrooms are adjacent to the parking lot. Wells Mills Lake, with a scenic bridge and seasonal boat access, is a short walk from the parking lot. All of the hiking trails start near this area as well.

There are 10 different trails, designed to optimize the terrain: Cold Brook trail (0.5 mile), Multi-use trail (6.2 miles), Macri trail (8.5 miles), Estlow trail (3.5 miles), Conrad trail (0.9 mile), ADA Accessible trail (0.2 mile), Nature Observation Blind (0.3 mile), Tree ID trail (0.3 mile), Ridge Road trail (0.9 mile) and Wildlife Ecology trail (2.6 miles). Many of the trails intersect and combine, giving hikers the option to try new routes on subsequent visits. Each trail is marked with a different colored blaze on trees and posts, ensuring you know the correct way to go. In addition to hiking opportunities, the yellow Multi-use trail offers access to bikers and horseback riders. The blue Conrad trail is a self-guided nature trail.

Wells Mills County Park is open year-round, with certain activities offered seasonally. The park closes at 5 p.m. daily.