Corson’s Inlet State Park

places where you won't be able to wipe the wag off your dog's tail - Ocean City NJ

The Park

Corson’s Inlet was established in 1969 before every last inch of Jersey shorefront became developed. With its undisturbed sand dune systems and marine estuaries this is one of your last opportunities to experience the Atlantic oceanfront in New Jersey as it was before people discovered the shore.

The Walks

There aren’t many places where the hiking public is invited to walk across protected ocean dunes but Corson’s Inlet is one. Even rarer still is to find a dune system that permits dogs and again Corson’s Inlet is the place - from September 16 through March 31. The main trail (Yellow) leading away from the small parking lot beside the Rush Chattin Bridge between Ocean City and Strathmere and its two spur paths (Orange, then Red) all lead to the beach that can be used to create loop hikes on the hook-shaped peninsula. All canine hiking is on deep sugar sand and the trails are just long enough to be enjoyable without becoming laborious. If you come to Corson’s Inlet in late September or October on a hot day make sure to bring plenty of fresh water for your dog. Even though the trails aren’t long there is little shade among the dunes.

Where The Paw Meets The Earth: Sand

Workout For Your Dog - Yes, with ocean swimming and running in sand

Swimming - If the excitement of the Atlantic surf is too intimidating try the expansive crescent beach along the inlet with its calm, inviting waters

Restrictions On Dogs - No dogs between April 1 and September 15

Something Extra

America’s second-worst fire took place on a steamship called the General Slocum on New York’s East River in 1904 - more than 1,000 people perished. The steamer was salvaged and put back into service as a barge called the Maryland that sank off Corson’s Inlet on December 11, 1911. Buried beneath several feet of shifting sand searchers believe they have located the infamous General Slocum but there has been no definitive recovery.

Phone - (609) 861-2404

Website 

Admission Fee - None

Directions - Ocean City, Cape May County; from the Garden State Parkway use Exit 82 - Route 37 East/Seaside Heights. Take the jughandle to Fischer Boulevard and head north. Go right at the fourth light onto Cattus Island Boulevard; parking lot is on the left.

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James Farm Ecological Park

places where you won't be able to wipe the wag off your dog's tail - Ocean View, DE

The Park

James Farm was created as an ecological preserve through a gift of 150 acres to Sussex County in 1992 from Mary Lighthipe in memory of her son Harold. Beginning in 1998, the Center for the Inland Bays has managed the property for the benefit of the public.

The Walks

A patchwork of color-coded trails explores this thumb of land that pokes into the Indian River Bay. You move your dog through an old horse pasture that has been reforested with a planting of 4000 young trees and then push into a maritime forest on the way to a small sandy beach on Pasture Point Cove. Dogs will love the silky soft sands and gentle waters of the bay. For an open field trot, don’t forget the Purple Trail across Cedar Neck Road. There is no better place to take your dog for a walk at the beach than James Farm.

Where The Paw Meets The Earth: Wide, paw-friendly trails

Workout For Your Dog - Level throughout

Swimming - No place better than Indian River Bay where the water is knee-deep for a quarter-mile out

Restrictions On Dogs - None

Something Extra

Beginning in 2003, James Farm has been one of 14 locations in Delaware’s inland bays used for oyster gardening. More than one million oysters have been deployed to build reefs that will stabilize the bay floor and filter the waters for a more energized aquatic environment. It is estimated that a single oyster can filter 50 gallons of water and more than 100,000 oysters were introduced to the reef at Pasture Point Cove. The oysters attach themselves to a solid substrate - often another oyster - and begin building a reef habitat. Natural oysters have been gone from Delaware’s inland bays for over 30 years but someday the efforts of this oyster gardening may yield harvests once again.

Phone - (302) 645.7325

Website 

Admission Fee - None

Directions - Ocean View, Sussex County; traveling south on Delaware 1, make your first right after crossing Indian River Inlet onto Road 360. Continue to the end and make a right on Cedar Neck Road. The parking lot is on the left, just past the tennis club. Approaching on Route 26, make a left on Cedar Neck.

hikewithyourdog.com

The Hiking With Dogs group on Facebook is the place to post photos and info on your favorite canine hikes. Also get questions answered and find advice from members: join now