Hike of the Week 5/15/2003

Description:

Before embarking on the hike, you may wish to visit the Meadowlands Environment Center (open Monday-Friday 9-5; Saturday and Sunday 10-3), where you view informative exhibits and obtain a booklet that provides a commentary on what you will see along the trails.

The hike begins at a sign for the Marsh Discovery Trail, on the east side of the access road, near the security booth at the entrance to the parking lot. It continues along a boardwalk constructed of modular plastic panels which links a series of dredge-spoil islands - formed by dumping sediment from dredging operations - along Kingsland Creek. The park is situated along the Atlantic Flyway, and many species of birds and waterfowl can be observed along the trail. Benches and wildlife observation blinds provide opportunities to linger for a while and observe the natural surroundings. Marsh reeds line the trail, and you can see the New York City skyline in the distance.

In about half a mile, the Marsh Discovery Trail ends at a junction with the Transco Trail. Turn right and follow the Transco Trail along a dike constructed in the 1950s for a buried gas pipeline. The dike separates the waters of the Kingsland Tidal Impoundment - to your right - from the Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area - to your left. Many native species have been planted along the trail, and several former truck turnarounds to the right of the trail have been converted to scenic overlooks.

Just past a gate at the end of the trail, you will reach a four-way junction. Turn right and continue on a brick-paved path in front of the Administration Building of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. In 400 feet - near the end of the building - you will see a marked crosswalk. Turn left, cross the paved road, and continue on a dirt path up a low hill.

You are now on the Kingsland Overlook Trail, which climbs an artificial mound, created by a landfill for household waste. This former eyesore has been capped by a waterproof plastic substance, covered with topsoil, and planted with attractive shrubs and trees. Walking along this beautiful trail, it is hard to imagine that it was once the site of a garbage dump! The trail provides views of the Kingsland Tidal Impoundment below, and the New York City skyline may be seen in the distance. The Kingsland Overlook Trail ends opposite the start of the Marsh Discovery Trail, where the hike began.

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