3.1
(5)
81
hikers
00:52
3.46km
10m
Hiking
The Cox Hall Creek Outer Loop offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and repurposed history, winding through pine forests, open fields, and past serene ponds. You'll experience a mix of paved paths, remnants of its past as a golf course, and natural dirt trails, all while keeping an eye out for ducks and other wetland wildlife. This easy 2.2-mile (3.5 km) hike with just 16 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature without a strenuous effort, taking about 52 minutes to complete.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the trailhead offers ample parking, and the route is accessible year-round. It's a particularly good choice for families, as the flat terrain is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, and leashed dogs are welcome. Consider an early morning visit for the best chance to spot migratory birds, especially during spring and fall.
This trail is part of the Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area, a significant conservation success story built on the former Ponderlodge Golf Course. It's now a crucial stopover habitat for migratory birds, earning Cape May Peninsula the nickname "Raptor Capitol of the World." Educational signs along the path provide insights into the local ecosystem, making it an engaging experience for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
1.19 km
Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area
Nature Reserve
3.46 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.43 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.38 km
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Friday 9 October
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This route was planned by komoot.
Yes, this trail is considered easy with a difficulty rating of 2 out of 10. Its flat terrain and mostly paved sections make it suitable for all fitness levels, including families with young children and strollers.
The trail largely follows former golf cart paths, so you'll find a mix of mostly paved surfaces and some dirt trails through wooded sections. Expect fields, woods, wetlands, scrub-shrub areas, and gentle hills.
You'll experience diverse scenery including forests, wetlands, and wildflower meadows. The area features numerous ponds, and you might spot educational signs detailing wildlife management and the local ecosystem. The unique aspect of it being a former golf course also adds interesting twists to the path.
Yes, the trails within the Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area are dog-friendly. Please ensure your pets are leashed and supervised at all times.
Parking is available at the Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area in Villas, Cape May County, New Jersey. Look for designated parking areas within the management area.
The Cape May Peninsula is internationally recognized for spectacular concentrations of migratory birds. Therefore, spring and fall are excellent times to visit for birdwatching. The trail is accessible year-round, but these seasons offer a unique wildlife experience.
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area or its trails.
Yes, due to its predominantly paved paths and gentle terrain, many sections of the trail are very accessible for users with strollers or in wheelchairs.
The area is a crucial stopover for migratory birds, making it an 'Above Par' birding spot. You might see woodpeckers, warblers, raptors, and waterfowl. The ponds also host ducks, frogs, and turtles.
Its unique charm comes from being built upon a former golf course, with old cart paths now serving as easy-to-navigate routes. It's also a renowned birdwatching haven, especially during spring and fall migrations, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
While there aren't specific named viewpoints, the trail offers scenic views of forests, wetlands, and numerous ponds. Flynn's Pond, one of the larger ponds, is notably stocked with trout in the spring. Educational signs provide insights into the local ecosystem.
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