Department of Parks and Recreation

400 acres
1100 Double Trouble Road
Beachwood, NJ
(732) 281-2750

Park Opens 7am CLOSING TIMES: January 1 - 5pm, January 26 - 5:30pm, February 9 - 6:00pm, February 23 - 6:30pm, March 10 - 7:00pm, March 29 - 7:30pm, April 12 - 8:00pm, August 23 - 7:30pm, September 6 - 7:00pm , September 20 - 6:30pm, October 4 - 6:00pm , October 21 - 5:30pm , November 3 - 5:00pm
Nature Center Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:00pm Saturday & Sunday 10-4pm except major holidays.

"The Gateway to the Pines", Jakes Branch County Park offers both active and passive recreation opportunities. The Jakes Branch Nature Center highlights the beauty, history and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens through informational exhibits, live animals and environmental programs. Breathtaking views of the surrounding Pine Barrens forest can be taken in from the observation deck perched 5-stories atop the nature center. Jakes Branch County Park also offers families the opportunity to picnic, play sports, visit the playground, walk the discovery playtrail or hike and bike our 8+ miles of nature trails.

The nature center staff offers recreation and environmental education programs, both free-of-charge and for a nominal fee, through our quarterly Parks and Recreation Program Guide/Newsletter. Group programs are offered free-of-charge to groups including: schools, scouts, clubs, churches, and civic organizations located within Ocean County. Arrangements can be made in advance by contacting the nature center.

 Jakes Branch Brochure

Facilities:
Accessible nature center and restrooms, hiking and walking trails, interpretive nature trails, bike trail, discovery play trail, cross-country skiing, open play field, softball fields, baseball fields, multi-use fields, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, playgrounds

Our picnic area can accomodate up to 75 people and is available for a nominal fee. Reservations must be made a minimum of three weeks prior to your requested date.
Click the link below for the Pavilion Reservation & Rules Form or call 732-506-9090
 NEW Picnic and Pavilion Rental Form 2020.

Park Information:
Photo Gallery for Jakes Branch County Park.
Click HERE for our trail rules.

Ocean County Parks’ online maps are updated often. If you using your phone to follow a trail map, be sure to clear your cookies and refresh your browser, as older maps may appear on your screen due to your background storage. The best option is to pick up a printed map at the park kiosk. Stay Safe.

DON'T HIKE ALONE, TAKE YOUR PHONE
Know where you are at all times on the trails of Ocean County
Use the link below to pinpoint your location:
Ocean County Trail Tracker
Click map below to enlarge: