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Estell Manor Park is located 4 miles south of Mays Landing on Route 50. It is bordered by the Great Egg Harbor River / South River to the east and by Route 50 to the west.
Estelle Manor Park Overview Bring along your mountain bike when visiting the Jersey Southern Shore Region. After basking in the sun on New Jersey Shore beaches or trying your luck at the Atlantic City casinos, head over to Estell Manor Park to bike on any of the 13 miles of fire road and trails. 1,700 acre Estell Manor Park is the county’s most popular park and the headquarters of the Division of Parks and Recreation. It is bordered by the Great Egg Harbor River / South River to the east and by Route 50 to the west. At one time this land was owned by the Estell family and was the site of a glassworks in the 1800's. Later it became the site of a munitions plant during World War I. After 70 years, the forest has finally reclaimed the land, and is now home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals. The many different habitats at Estelle Manor Park allow for a diversity of plant and wildlife. Some sightings may include bald eagles, otters, red foxes, beavers, yellow-bellied sapsucker, swamp pink and spatulate leaf sundew. There are a couple of observation areas, and you can borrow camouflage netting for three of the observation booths. Also, visit the Warren E. Fox Nature Center for an environmental learning experience. There are environmental and live animal displays. You can also find maps, brochures, restroom facilities, bicycle rentals, and other park information.
Trail Description There are 13 miles of fire road and trails available for mountain biking at Estelle Manor Park, but be careful with your tire tracks and be careful on the bridges. The Park will lend you a bike for free, if you leave a copy of your license at the Nature Center. The trails are not too sandy, are on flat terrain, and are sometimes pretty wet due to wetland and beaver habitat. The New Jersey coastal lowlands can get hot and buggy during the summer months so bring water and insect repellent. Dirt bikes and ATV's are not allowed in the park.
The Duck Farm Trail: (5+ miles designated mountain bike trail) The Atlantic County Trail Volunteers (ACTV) have built 5+ miles of designated mountain bike trail, known as the Duck Farm Trail, at the northern end of Estelle Manor Park. Although mostly flat, hardpacked singletrack, it does provide enough obstacles to challenge the novice rider and make it a fun ride for others. There are tight twisty turns among the pines, a few log jumps, dips and short hills. Stop at the Nature Center for a map and instructions for reaching the trailhead. This is the only legal singletrack in Atlantic County!
Other Outdoor Recreation: Canoe / Kayak: Set off from the floating dock on Stephen's Creek or at the South River. You can also launch your boat into the South River from the North End of the park.
Historical Note: 10,000 acres of swampland below Mays Landing were selected for a munitions plant to meet the war time demands in 1917. The railroad was brought in, a town was built to house the thousands of employees and on July 1, 1918 the first shells were loaded and delivered. The park area contained most of the plant and administration buildings, the ruins of which still remain as silent reminders of that World War 1 effort.
For more information: Estelle Manor Park Phone: (609) 645-5960 or 625-1897
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