Manchester Wildlife Management Area
Directions
Take NJ 70 to the junction with either Beckerville Road or County 539 near Manchester and turn north. Sand roads lead off the paved roads into the interior.
Park Overview
Typical of the Pine Barrens are these 3,800 acres of pitch-pine, scrub oak and cedar swamps.
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Trail Overview
Even though the area is rimmed with private homes, once away on the sand roads [which lead off the paved roads into the interior], there is only a hint or two of human intrusion. Private properties line the edges of the paved roads, so hikers should take care not to trespass.
Topographical maps can be found at: Table of Wildlife Management Areas. Hikers can also purchase the Cassville, Keswick Grove, and Whiting USGS topographic quadrangle maps; free scanned copies are available at the USGS web site.
Park Description
The uplands of the Manchester WMA include pitch pine and scrub oak providing habitat for deer, turkey, rabbit and quail. In spring and summer, the beauty of bog flowers, and the fragrance of sun-warmed pines and cedars are apparent. Autumn brings a colorful pallet, while winter offers a stark and sometimes snow-streaked landscape.