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Trail Guides
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48th Street Dune Walk
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4
 
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48th Street and Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ
Phone: (609) 967-8500
www.avalonboro.org
Borough of Avalon
Turn Left out of the Armacost Park parking lot onto 74th St. Turn Left onto Dune Dr. at the next intersection. Follow Dune Dr. to
48th St. Park on side of road. Map
The dune path is open to the public. However, once you reach the beach area, beach tags are required from approximately June 1st to September 5th. No parking lot on site; limited parking available along Dune Drive.
It is likely to be very cold and windy, especially as you get closer and closer to the ocean. Scan the beach for Sanderling, the jetties for Purple Sandpiper and the dune grass for Snow Bunting and longspurs.
Beach-nesting birds begin to gather in spring, and nesting activity increases throughout this time. A careful scan of the maritime forest closest to Dune Drive could yield a perched Black-crowned Night-Heron or the smaller
Green Heron.
This path will be well-traveled by beach-goers, and some insect repellent is recommended. Nesting season will be at its peak. Look out for the persistent “air show” being offered by the terns, Herring Gulls and Laughing Gulls.
As nesting season winds down, many bird species prepare for their migrations. Overhead, one may well witness the raptor migration as Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, and American Kestrel move through the region.
| | This short walk from Dune Drive to the Avalon beach provides a classic
barrier island experience. Beginning in the high dune, the dense vegetation of the maritime forest creates a protective tunnel that quickly immerses its guests in its unique ecosystem. Cedar, holly and wild cherry trees are joined by bayberry and sumac, along with virginia creeper, trumpet vine, native honeysuckle and grape vines. Beware of poison ivy vines as well. Moving along the path, the wooded area gives way to open, rolling dunes, dotted with low, wind and salt tolerant shrubs and grasses. The dunes closest to the beach offer protection to certain nesting birds, such as terns, Piping Plover and Black Skimmer.
If you take your time enjoying the flora and fauna along the path, don't miss the breathtaking view of the ocean and coastline as you crest the final dune before the beach.
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