Easy Ride at Manasquan Reservoir

It was a beautiful day for a trail, non-technical ride around the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell Township, Monmouth County. My sons and I did the Perimeter Trail which is a multi use (hiking, horseback riding, biking) five miles loop around the reservoir. The trail is generally very wide except for the wooden bridges and a few spots in the woods. The terrain is flat with packed gravel. There are a few inclines and twist and turns to make the trail fun to ride.

It took us about half an hour to complete the loop at a steady pace with a few stops for pictures. But plan on one to two hours if you will be riding with young children or if you plan to stop along the way to enjoy some the views.

Besides hiking, horseback riding and biking, there are also canoe, kayak and rowboat rentals, boat tours, fishing, picnic tables and barbeque pits, and children's playground. There is also an Environmental Center with exhibits and observation posts of nesting ospreys.

The Manasquan Reservoir is a great place for an easy trail ride or hike with kids and young

children.

Summary:

Easy hike and bike ride around a five mile loop around the Reservoir. Easy enough for young children and should provide a very enjoyable day out for the whole family. Besides the trail, there is also fishing. Boating, and picnicking at the Reservoir. There is also an Environmental Center.

Trail Description:

An easy, five mile, wide loop trail around Manasquan Reservoir that winds through woods and open areas around the Reservoir. Generally flat, hard packed gravel.

Directions:

· Garden State Parkway to Exit 98, Interstate 195 west. Proceed on I-195 west to Exit 28B, Rt. 9 north-Freehold. Stay in right lane when entering Rt. 9 north. At first traffic light, turn right onto Georgia Tavern Road. Follow Georgia Tavern Road for 0.3 mile. Turn right onto Windeler Rd. Continue 1.5 miles to the Reservoir Area on left.
· State Hwy. 9 south from Freehold to Georgia Tavern Rd. Use Jug handle to turn left onto Georgia Tavern Rd. Proceed on Georgia Tavern Rd. for 0.3 mile. Turn right onto Windeler Rd. Continue 1.5 miles to the Reservoir Area on left.