The Park
At the turn of the 20th century, John V.A. Cattus, a New York importer, purchased the property to use as a hunting and boating retreat. In 1914, he became the charter Commodore of the Barnegat Bay Racing Association.Private owners bought Cattus Island in 1961 but before it could be developed the New Jersey Wetlands Act of 1970 saved it for open space. The county began construction of the trail system in 1977.
The Walks
A paved and unpaved road runs for one mile down the spine of the 500-acre Cattus Island peninsula. Two main trails loop across the road and a smaller loop radiates off it near the end for a total of five miles of walking paths. Come here for relaxed canine hiking on level paths through the maritime forests and salt marshes. The Island Loop snakes around for a little more than two miles under a wooded canopy. Stop along the way at a bird blind to check on activity at one of several osprey poles in the marshes. At the parking lot is the 1.7-mile Maritime Forest Loop that is a landlocked exploration for your dog. The Hidden Beach Loop at the end of Cattus Island uses a boardwalk to cross onto a small island of forest. The Boy Scouts have sculpted a paw-friendly trail of wood shavings and soft dirt that makes an ideal destination for a canine hike.
Where The Paw Meets The Earth: Soft natural trails and roads
Workout For Your Dog - Flat and easy throughout the park
Swimming - The swimming for your dog in Barnegat Bayand Silver Bay is as good as it gets
Restrictions On Dogs - None
Something Extra
The Cattus Island Butterfly Garden was created in 2005 with plants selected to attract a wide range of native butterflies not commonly seen in New Jersey backyards. While most plants lure butterflies with the promise of sweet nectar, others play host to butterfly larvae. The best time to catch butterfly activity is on a bright summer’s day.
Phone - (877) 921-0074
Website
Admission Fee - None
Directions - Toms River, Ocean County; from the Garden State Parkway use Exit 82 - Route 37 East/Seaside Heights. Take the jughandle to Fischer Boulevard and head north. Turn right at the fourth light onto Cattus Island Boulevard. The parking lot is on the left.
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