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.