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East Creek Pond Trails and Group Cabin Area


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Route 347, Eldora, NJ
Phone: (609) 861-2404
www.njparksandforests.org

OWNER:  NJ Department of Environmental Protection

DIRECTIONS:  Turn Left out of the Pickle Factory Pond onto CR 550/Paper Mill Road. Follow CR 550 for approximately one mile and continue straight onto Route 47 South. Continue on Route 47 for 2.5 miles until you reach a traffic light and turn Left onto Route 347 North. Follow Route 347 North for 1.8 miles past East Creek Group Cabin and turn Right into a small parking area just after you pass the pond on your Right.   Map
 
ACCESS AND PARKING:  Open daily from dawn to dusk. Parts of the trail may be impassible after heavy rains. It is best to check with the Belleplain State Forest office regarding the condition of the trail prior to proceeding.

SITE DESCRIPTION:  The East Creek Group Cabin and Trail is a part of Belleplain State Forest and is within the Pinelands National Reserve. East Creek Trail is a 7.16 mile trail through the forest habitats, leading to the Lake Nummy Recreational Area and Belleplain’s Nature Center. The trail offers beautiful lake-side views and leads you through oak/hickory forests. While traversing these trails, keep your eye out for a variety of wildlife. The East Creek Pond is wonderful for canoeing or kayaking, and the nearby cabin can be rented out to groups up to 30 people by calling the Belleplain State Forest office listed above.

DON'T MISS:  the wonderful views of the trees reflecting on the pond, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

THROUGH THE SEASONS:  
Winter:  East Creek Trail is quiet in winter, although the view of the coniferous trees dotting the pond’s edge might be mistaken for the Canadian wilderness. Bald Eagle frequently fly overhead, and waterfowl can be found swimming in the pond.
Spring:  Migrating warblers rest in this area and breeding songbirds spend much of their time singing to establish their territories and find mates. Walking along the East Creek Trail is literally music to your ears – especially early in the day.
Summer:  This is a perfect time of year to go kayaking or canoeing on East Creek Pond. The trails are very green and lush, offering habitat for fence lizards, frogs and turtles. Be sure to take precautions for biting insects, ticks and chiggers.
Fall:  Migrating birds are passing through again and various raptors are common fall migrants. High bush blueberry and oak trees turn reddish and scarlet in color in mid to late autumn, complimenting the greens of American holly, pines and cedars.


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