HOWELL – Sprawling over more than 1,200 acres, the Manasquan Reservoir and its surrounding environs forms a lush forest ecosystem located just off the commercial corridor of U.S. Highway 9.
Dominated by the massive 770-acre reservoir that forms the center of the site, the park will soon be moving to a spring schedule where visitors may enjoy the grounds starting at 6 a.m. beginning on April 1. The reservoir serves as an important source of water for neighboring municipalities, and is enjoyed by the public for aquatic activities such as boating and recreational fishing. The site is the most-visited location of all Monmouth County parks, playing host to over one million visitors per year.
Opened in 1990, the reservoir took a month to fill once a dam was constructed to trap the nearby source waters of the Manasquan River. The reservoir holds some four billion gallons of water that extends to a depth of 40 feet. The size and depth of the reservoir creates favorable conditions that provides a home for striped bass, tiger muskies, catfish and both small- and large-mouth bass. As with other freshwater areas in New Jersey, a State fishing license is a requirement, however.
Boats may be launched from the nearby Visitor Center, which has restrooms and vending machines, as well as a picturesque view of the area. For those who wish to partake in such activities and do not own a boat or kayak, rentals are available on-site for around $15 per hour. While the season for both ends on October 31, boat rentals begin on April 1, with kayak rentals starting on May 1.
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the Environmental Center, where the public may learn about wetlands ecosystems and preserving flora and fauna native to the region. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the live exhibits that feature turtles, tree frogs, fish, and snakes.
An observation deck nearby provides bird watchers with an excellent perch from which to search for waterfowl such as ducks, geese, egrets, herons and even the occasional osprey. There is even a pair of nesting bald eagles in the area which may be viewed on a monitor at the Environmental Center thanks to a camera aimed strategically at the nest. For those feeling more active, the 1.1-mile-long nearby Cove Trail offers a chance for budding naturalists to explore the marshlands right along the water’s edge.
Visitors who want to get out onto the water may take a guided tour of the reservoir, which is available between May 7 and September 5. For a nominal fee, park naturalists will take patrons on a 45-minute boat ride and explain areas of interest, answer questions about the history of the reservoir and point out native animals at the site.
Other trails are offered at the site for those wishing to explore the surrounding deciduous forest, but no hiking is permitted in the areas of the park that are designated as wildlife sanctuaries.
While horseback riding and cycling are permitted in the park, the site is best known for its massive five-mile trail that runs the entire perimeter of the reservoir. Lined with fine gravel, the path is primarily flat, and makes an excellent option for joggers and hikers to get in 11,000 steps on their Fitbit for the day. Portable toilets are positioned around the area for use by the public, and dogs on leash are also welcomed at the park.
Playgrounds and picnic tables may also be found in the park, making it an ideal weekend outing for families on a budget. With the clocks having moved forward on March 12 and warmer weather on the horizon, the Manasquan Reservoir may now be enjoyed even later in the day and may be the perfect way to enjoy nature, reduce stress and walk off those pandemic pounds.
