The Jackson Pathfinders

06/11/2026

We've received questions about the partial closure of the Sports Perimeter Trail at the Jackson Justice Complex off W. Veterans Hwy. in Jackson, NJ.

Things to know:
The partial closure is due to an environmental study, and is expected to continue for the next few months.
The trail access points near the skating rink and skate park (on the western end of the Justice Complex property) are closed during the study, but most of the trail is still open with several open access points behind the ball fields and behind the library.
Closed access points are clearly marked.
Just wander over there, or have a look at the trail map. The closed part is called West Segment on the map.

This beautiful forest trail was created many years ago, although its origin remains a mystery. Recently rediscovered by the Jackson Pathfinders, it was named the Sports Perimeter Trail because the …

02/27/2026

THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS
are a friendly group of men, women, teens and scouts who love to be out on a trail in the beautiful natural lands of our town. All we seek are your interest and enthusiasm, and we charge no dues or fees.

YOU ARE INVITED
to a Pathfinders group hike on Sunday, March 15, at 10:00 AM behind Patriots Park (485 Bowman Road, Jackson Township, NJ).
We will hike the Hidden Ponds Loop Trail (blue, about 2 miles around) and the shorter connector (orange, about 1/3rd mi each direction). See Hidden Ponds Loop Trail Map if you want a preview.

These trails were recently re-blazed by Ocean County Parks, and we are grateful that it is now easier to follow them. This is a modest difficulty hike. Most of the terrain is flat, and it is (almost) Spring, so there may be some "dampness", but overall it's fairly straightforward.

The hike will be led by Jon Chappell of the Pathfinders (732) 272-6452. Please reply to this email to indicate that you plan to participate or if you have questions. There is no fee and you do not have to be a Jackson Pathfinders member to participate.

We will gather in the main parking lot (the one near the rest rooms and the newly rebuilt playground), starting at 9:45 and at 10:00, off we go! The hike pace will be leisurely, so this should take perhaps 1-1/2 hours.

RUMORS
Join us in spreading rumors that winter will, in fact, be over by then, including no snow cover. Think grass thoughts!

THE LOOP TRAIL
The loop trail has some beautiful vistas, e.g. here is a photo of one, taken in September

20250912_183541 Loop Trail Vista.jpg

TRAIL TIPS
1. Whenever you plan to go out on any trail, charge your cell phone, wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring drinking water. Never go alone; have a friend with you in case you trip and fall, for there may be no one else around to help.
2. Bring along a trash bag in case you find something discarded on the ground. You can do a good deed by disposing of it properly on your way home.
3. When out on any trail at this time of year, be on the lookout for hunters and wear a bright orange hat or vest if possible. If you hike with a dog, consider having your dog wear an orange vest as well.

MORE ABOUT THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS
Our volunteers trim briars and branches, clear fallen trees, install trail markers and signs, maintain boardwalks and bridges, and much more. We love nature and do all we can to pass that along to others. Founded in 1999, the Pathfinders are supported by Jackson's Town Council, Public Works Department, Recreation Department and Environmental Commission. We serve as the local advocacy group for New Jersey's Forest Resource Education Center, and we gladly partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on their own special projects.

The beauty of Jackson's natural lands calls to us. Out on the trail we experience the refreshing scent of the forest, the clean and awesome streams and the freedom from crowds and traffic. The Jackson Pathfinders look forward to sharing with you our love for nature and for the trails which lead us there!

JACKSON PATHFINDERS MEETINGS
We meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Our next meeting is Thursday April 16, 7:30 PM at the Jackson Municipal Building, 95 W Vets Hwy. Join us. See Monthly Meeting Info for details.

Jon Chappell,
Corresponding Secretary of the
JACKSON PATHFINDERS

Website: https://jacksonpathfinders.org/
page: https://www.facebook.com/TheJacksonPathfinders

"Do not go where the path may lead;
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
--Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882

The Jackson Pathfinders are men, women, teens and scouts who mark, map and maintain beautiful trails on Jackson's natural lands. Our trails are open every day for nature appreciation, hiking and mountain biking.

01/20/2026

THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS
are a friendly group of men, women, teens and scouts who love to be out on a trail in the beautiful natural lands of our town. All we seek are your interest and enthusiasm, and we charge no dues or fees.

YOU ARE INVITED
to a Pathfinders group hike on Sunday, February 8, at 10:00 AM behind Patriots Park (485 Bowman Road, Jackson Township, NJ).
We will hike the Hidden Ponds Loop Trail (blue, about 2 miles around) and the shorter connector (orange, about 1/3rd mi each direction). See Hidden Ponds Loop Trail Map if you want a preview.
These trails were recently re-blazed by Ocean County Parks, and we are grateful that it is now easier to follow them. This is a modest difficulty hike. Most of the terrain is flat, and there may be some wet spots here and there, but overall it's fairly straightforward. Of course, it is winter, so you never know. That's part of the fun of it.

The hike will be led by Jon Chappell of the Pathfinders (732) 272-6452. Please reply to this email to indicate that you plan to participate or if you have questions. There is no fee and you do not have to be a Jackson Pathfinders member to participate.

We will gather in the main parking lot (the one near the rest rooms and the newly rebuilt playground), starting at 9:45 and at 10:00, off we go! The hike pace will be leisurely, so this should take perhaps 1-1/2 hours.

The loop trail has some beautiful vistas, e.g. here is a photo of one, taken in September

20250912_183541 Loop Trail Vista.jpg

TRAIL TIPS:
1. Whenever you plan to go out on any trail, charge your cell phone, wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring drinking water. Never go alone; have a friend with you in case you trip and fall, for there may be no one else around to help.
2. Bring along a trash bag in case you find something discarded on the ground. You can do a good deed by disposing of it properly on your way home.
3. When out on any trail at this time of year, be on the lookout for hunters and wear a bright orange hat or vest if possible. If you hike with a dog, consider having your dog wear an orange vest as well.

MORE ABOUT THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS:
Our volunteers trim briars and branches, clear fallen trees, install trail markers and signs, maintain boardwalks and bridges, and much more. We love nature and do all we can to pass that along to others. Founded in 1999, the Pathfinders are supported by Jackson's Town Council, Public Works Department, Recreation Department and Environmental Commission. We serve as the local advocacy group for New Jersey's Forest Resource Education Center, and we gladly partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on their own special projects.

The beauty of Jackson's natural lands calls to us. Out on the trail we experience the refreshing scent of the forest, the clean and awesome streams and the freedom from crowds and traffic. The Jackson Pathfinders look forward to sharing with you our love for nature and for the trails which lead us there!

Jon Chappell,
Corresponding Secretary of the
JACKSON PATHFINDERS

Website: https://jacksonpathfinders.org/
page: https://www.facebook.com/TheJacksonPathfinders

"Do not go where the path may lead;
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
--Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882

The Jackson Pathfinders are men, women, teens and scouts who mark, map and maintain beautiful trails on Jackson's natural lands. Our trails are open every day for nature appreciation, hiking and mountain biking.

01/14/2026

THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS
are a friendly group of men, women, teens and scouts who love to be out on a trail in the beautiful natural lands of our town. All we seek are your interest and enthusiasm, and we charge no dues or fees.

YOU ARE INVITED
to the monthly planning meeting of the Jackson Pathfinders, which will take place on Thursday, Jan 15, at 7:30 PM. Please come and share your ideas to make our trails even better! We meet at the Jackson Township municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway (Route 528). Look for us in the main auditorium; otherwise you will find us in a small meeting room adjacent to the restrooms. No reservation is needed.

NEWS OF OUR TRAILS:

We recently completed preparation of the new Sports Perimeter Trail (https://www.jacksonpathfinders.org/wp/trails/sports-perimeter-trail), which can be accessed from the Jackson Justice Complex in Jackson NJ. Over the past several months, bringing this trail to life has been a great team effort by so many of the Pathfinders! We have been planning, mapping, clearing, marking, posting signs and generally getting it ready for public use. On January 2nd and 4th, the final signs were hung!
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/12/02/F2CCB266-5661-447D-9056-ED713F6358C0/unknown.jpg file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/14/04/39663637-6A86-4904-8604-717AC99AD95A/unknown.jpg file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/3b/11/F39AEDBA-1FFE-4559-B6CF-EBE2D0AE806D/unknown.jpeg

Shout Out to Dan Green:

Many thanks to Dan Green for his long and valued service as Corresponding Secretary of the Pathfinders. Dan has decided to step down from the corresponding secretary position, but is continuing as a very active member of the Pathfinders. Those who know Dan know that his contributions are valued and that he is committed to the Pathfinders mission. We thank him for his service. Jon Chappell has assumed the Corresponding Secretary position.

PATHFINDERS:

Pathfinders volunteers maintain five woodland trails in Jackson. Open to the public every day, they are wonderful for nature appreciation, hiking and mountain biking:
• PURPLE HEART TRAIL (https://www.jacksonpathfinders.org/wp/trails/purple-heart-trail), within the Bunker Hill Bogs Recreation Area of Jackson Township. The entrance is across from 820 East Veterans Highway (Routes 527/528).
• SILVER STREAM TRAIL (https://www.jacksonpathfinders.org/wp/trails/silver-stream-trail), within the Metedeconk Preserve of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The entrance is across from 254 Frank Applegate Road. The Pathfinders are honored to be designated by NJCF as official guardians of the Silver Stream Trail.
• STEVE KITAY LIVING TRAIL (https://www.jacksonpathfinders.org/wp/trails/steve-kitay-living-trail), on Jackson Township land, accessed via the Silver Stream Trail.
• SPORTS PERIMETER TRAIL (https://www.jacksonpathfinders.org/wp/trails/sports-perimeter-trail), within the Jackson Justice Complex on West Veterans Highway (Route 528). The main entrance of the trail is at the west end of Robert Ventura Drive.
• JACKSON JUNGLE CHILDREN'S TRAIL (https://www.jacksonpathfinders.org/wp/trails/jackson-jungle-childrens-trail), also within the Jackson Justice Complex. It is adjacent to the Jackson Jungle Play Park on Jackson Drive.
Our website offers maps and descriptions of these Pathfinders trails, as well as those at the Forest Resource Education Center and elsewhere in Jackson. To best view these maps use a desktop or laptop computer and visit http://jacksonpathfinders.org/. Click once on Jackson Map, then scroll down to the keymap, Woodland Trails of Jackson, on which each of the trails is identified by a star and trail name. Red stars show trails maintained by the Pathfinders, while green stars show other trails. Click once on any of the stars, then again on the link which appears. There you will find a zoomable Google map of that trail. If you would also like to read the story about that trail, click on the box in the upper left corner of the map title bar, then on the text.

TRAIL TIPS:
1. Whenever you plan to go out on any trail, charge your cell phone, wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring drinking water. Never go alone; have a friend with you in case you trip and fall, for there may be no one else around to help.
2. Bring along a trash bag in case you find something discarded on the ground. You can do a good deed by disposing of it properly on your way home.
3. When out on any trail at this time of year, be on the lookout for hunters and wear a bright orange hat or vest if possible.

MORE ABOUT THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS:
Our volunteers trim briars and branches, clear fallen trees, install trail markers and signs, maintain boardwalks and bridges, and much more. We love nature and do all we can to pass that along to others. Founded in 1999, the Pathfinders are supported by Jackson's Town Council, Public Works Department, Recreation Department and Environmental Commission. We serve as the local advocacy group for New Jersey's Forest Resource Education Center, and we gladly partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on their own special projects.

The beauty of Jackson's natural lands calls to us. Out on the trail we experience the refreshing scent of the forest, the clean and awesome streams and the freedom from crowds and traffic. The Jackson Pathfinders look forward to sharing with you our love for nature and for the trails which lead us there!

Jon Chappell,
Corresponding Secretary of the
JACKSON PATHFINDERS

Website: http://jacksonpathfinders.org/
page: https://www.facebook.com/TheJacksonPathfinders

"Do not go where the path may lead;
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
--Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882

The Jackson Pathfinders are men, women, teens and scouts who mark, map and maintain beautiful trails on Jackson's natural lands. Our trails are open every day for nature appreciation, hiking and mountain biking.

12/13/2025

THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS
are a friendly group of men, women, teens and scouts who love to be out on a trail in the beautiful natural lands of our town. All we seek are your interest and enthusiasm, and we charge no dues or fees.

YOU ARE INVITED
to the annual holiday meeting of the Jackson Pathfinders, which will take place on Thursday, December 18 at 7:30 PM. Please come and share your ideas to make our trails even better! We meet at the Jackson Township municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway (Route 528). Looking back upon our many accomplishments this year, it is sure to be a warm and joyous gathering. Consider bringing a treat to share with everyone. We will be in the lunchroom adjacent to the restrooms.

SEE PERSONAL NOTE AT BOTTOM

Pathfinders volunteers maintain five woodland trails in Jackson. Open to the public every day, they are wonderful for nature appreciation, hiking and mountain biking:
• PURPLE HEART TRAIL, within the Bunker Hill Bogs Recreation Area of Jackson Township. The entrance is across from 820 East Veterans Highway (Routes 527/528.
• SILVER STREAM TRAIL, within the Metedeconk Preserve of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The entrance is across from 254 Frank Applegate Road. The Pathfinders are honored to be designated by NJCF as official guardians of the Silver Stream Trail.
• STEVE KITAY LIVING TRAIL, on Jackson Township land, accessed via the Silver Stream Trail.
• SPORTS PERIMETER TRAIL, within the Jackson Justice Complex on West Veterans Highway (Route 528). The main entrance of the trail is at the west end of Robert Ventura Drive.
• JACKSON JUNGLE CHILDREN'S TRAIL, also within the Jackson Justice Complex. It is adjacent to the Jackson Jungle Play Park on Jackson Drive.
Our website offers maps and descriptions of these Pathfinders trails, as well as those at the Forest Resource Education Center and elsewhere in Jackson. To best view these maps use a desktop or laptop computer and visit http://jacksonpathfinders.org/. Click once on Jackson Map, then scroll down to the keymap, Woodland Trails of Jackson, on which each of the trails is identified by a star and trail name. Red stars show trails maintained by the Pathfinders, while green stars show other trails. Click once on any of the stars, then again on the link which appears. There you will find a zoomable Google map of that trail. If you would also like to read the story about that trail, click on the box in the upper left corner of the map title bar, then on the text.

TRAIL TIPS:
1. Whenever you plan to go out on any trail, charge your cell phone, wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring drinking water. Never go alone; have a friend with you in case you trip and fall, for there may be no one else around to help.
2. Bring along a trash bag in case you find something discarded on the ground. You can do a good deed by disposing of it properly on your way home.
3. When out on any trail at this time of year, be on the lookout for hunters and wear a bright orange hat or vest if possible.

MORE ABOUT THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS:
Our volunteers trim briars and branches, clear fallen trees, install trail markers and signs, maintain boardwalks and bridges, and much more. We love nature and do all we can to pass that along to others. Founded in 1999, the Pathfinders are supported by Jackson's Town Council, Public Works Department, Recreation Department and Environmental Commission. We serve as the local advocacy group for New Jersey's Forest Resource Education Center, and we gladly partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on their own special projects.

The beauty of Jackson's natural lands calls to us. Out on the trail we experience the refreshing scent of the forest, the clean and awesome streams and the freedom from crowds and traffic. The Jackson Pathfinders look forward to sharing with you our love for nature and for the trails which lead us there!

DAN GREEN
Corresponding Secretary of the
JACKSON PATHFINDERS

Website: http://jacksonpathfinders.org/
page: https://www.facebook.com/TheJacksonPathfinders

"Do not go where the path may lead;
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
--Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882

A PERSONAL NOTE
After many years as Corresponding Secretary of the Jackson Pathfinders, I must now relinquish that responsibility and honor, and it is my hope that one of you will accept that role for 2026 and beyond. I do intend to remain active with the group, for the trails will always need our help, and our appreciation of their beauty will never end.

Warm wishes to all,
DAN GREEN
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/21/01/5AAC5A26-7B13-4822-AE34-86CD6DEB3068/unknown.jpg

The Jackson Pathfinders are men, women, teens and scouts who mark, map and maintain beautiful trails on Jackson's natural lands. Our trails are open every day for nature appreciation, hiking and mountain biking.

11/20/2025

Trail map signs are up and the new Sports Perimeter Trail is blazed. https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/jackson/jackson-pathfinders-provide-trail-signs/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOLM7pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3YnVlSTlqRldncUtva1d5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlk-DB9BuShIvtRGB4nG4Dsd5tRknvGpMJD8z67GYuAJELxCbJ2RL-h59oxY_aem_surNjkbZusrQXUF3RSzwJQ

  JACKSON – The Jackson Pathfinders put the finishing touches on their newest trail recently. The Sports Perimeter Trail launch proved a great day for the group who are devoted to preserving and bringing awareness of the community’s trails.   Jackson Pathfinders Chairman Matthew McCall told Th...

11/18/2025

THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS
are a friendly group of men, women, teens and scouts who love to be out on a trail in the beautiful natural lands of our town. All we seek are your interest and enthusiasm, and we charge no dues or fees.

YOU ARE INVITED
to the monthly planning meeting of the Jackson Pathfinders, which will take place on Thursday, November 20 at 7:30 PM. Please come and share your ideas to make our trails even better! We meet at the Jackson Township municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway (Route 528). Look for us in the main auditorium; otherwise you will find us in a small meeting room adjacent to the restrooms. No reservation is needed.

Pathfinders volunteers maintain five woodland trails in Jackson. Open to the public every day, they are wonderful for nature appreciation, hiking and mountain biking:
• PURPLE HEART TRAIL, within the Bunker Hill Bogs Recreation Area of Jackson Township. The entrance is across from 820 East Veterans Highway (Routes 527/528.
• SILVER STREAM TRAIL, within the Metedeconk Preserve of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The entrance is across from 254 Frank Applegate Road. The Pathfinders are honored to be designated by NJCF as official guardians of the Silver Stream Trail.
• STEVE KITAY LIVING TRAIL, on Jackson Township land, accessed via the Silver Stream Trail.
• SPORTS PERIMETER TRAIL, within the Jackson Justice Complex on West Veterans Highway (Route 528). The main entrance of the trail is at the west end of Robert Ventura Drive.
• JACKSON JUNGLE CHILDREN'S TRAIL, also within the Jackson Justice Complex. It is adjacent to the Jackson Jungle Play Park on Jackson Drive.
Our website offers maps and descriptions of these Pathfinders trails, as well as those at the Forest Resource Education Center and elsewhere in Jackson. To best view these maps use a desktop or laptop computer and visit http://jacksonpathfinders.org/. Click once on Jackson Map, then scroll down to the keymap, Woodland Trails of Jackson, on which each of the trails is identified by a green star and trail name. Click once on one of the green stars, then again on the link which appears. There you will find a zoomable Google map of that trail. If you would also like to read the story about that trail, click on the box in the upper left corner of the map title bar, then on the text.

NEWS OF OUR TRAILS:
Our recent focus has been to complete our new Sports Perimeter Trail, and we are just about there. Nearly all of our trail map signs have been installed upon wooden posts set in concrete. Yellow blazes have been painted upon trees along the entire trail, while orange blazes have been painted along the access paths. Several fallen trees as well as overgrowth of shrubs obstructing the trail have been cleared. We still need to install private property signs at two locations. Everyone is now invited to come and explore and enjoy this beautiful trail. The Jackson Times finds this big news that is worth a front page article, and has just published it. Please pick up your free copy or visit https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/thejacksontimes/. Also see our attached photo of the main entrance to the trail.

TRAIL TIPS:
1. Whenever you plan to go out on any trail, charge your cell phone, wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring drinking water. Never go alone; bring a friend along in case you trip and fall, for there may be no one else around to help.
2. Bring along a trash bag in case you find something discarded on the ground. You can do a good deed by disposing of it properly on your way home.
3. When out on any trail at this time of year, be on the lookout for hunters and wear a bright orange hat or vest if possible.

MORE ABOUT THE JACKSON PATHFINDERS:
Our volunteers trim briars and branches, clear fallen trees, install trail markers and signs, maintain boardwalks and bridges, and much more. We love nature and do all we can to pass that along to others. Founded in 1999, the Pathfinders are supported by Jackson's Town Council, Public Works Department, Recreation Department and Environmental Commission. We serve as the local advocacy group for New Jersey's Forest Resource Education Center, and we gladly partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on their own special projects.

The beauty of Jackson's natural lands calls to us. Out on the trail we experience the refreshing scent of the forest, the clean and awesome streams and the freedom from crowds and traffic. The Jackson Pathfinders look forward to sharing with you our love for nature and for the trails which lead us there!

DAN GREEN
Corresponding Secretary of the
JACKSON PATHFINDERS

Website: http://jacksonpathfinders.org/
page: https://www.facebook.com/TheJacksonPathfinders

"Do not go where the path may lead;
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
--Attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882