hiking

The good news is that progress on a 150-foot long prefabricated weathered steel trestle inside the Barnegat Branch Trail continues to move forward, the bad news is that a portion of the trail remains closed because it's an active construction area and county officials want to keep everyone safe.

Do you love to hike? Do you love to take your dogs with you? Then here is a list of some of the best hiking parks in the Garden State for you and your furry friends to enjoy.

Hiking New Jersey: Weltz Park [VIDEO]

We found it to be a good hike. Not many inclines just a few and there are some muddy areas closer to the creek, but overall it was a nice quiet hike as we did not encounter a lot of hikers.

Ocean County Freeholders and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority are asking you to join them at an upcoming meeting to help identify potential walking and biking linkages for the next phase of the Barnegat Branch Trail project.

In this edition of "Hiking New Jersey" we go lil beyond. Hershey, Pennsylvania is our latest hike. We have done a lot with Hershey this Summer, so if you find yourself at the Sweetest Place on Earth....maybe walk off a little of that chocolate with a nice hike.

There is an information center, museum and restrooms at the park. Free admission to park, with a small fee to climb the lighthouse. It's about an hour down the Garden State Parkway from Southern Ocean County.

The degree of difficulty is rather minimal, as most of the trails are packed fairly well and flat. There are a few occasions when there is slight elevation and density, but nothing too difficult. It is summer so be sure to wear insect repellent and sunblock.

This time around we find ourselves in Cumberland County, at Maurice River Bluffs. A scenic hike in Millville, New Jersey. Some points .... well marked trails, various lengths, fairly easy trails, some elevation. Things to see include a floating dock, overlook views of the Maurice River, a bird blind for bird watchers and a historic stone house ruin.

Smoking bans on New Jersey beaches has been in the news a lot this Spring. Four beaches imposing a smoking ban, in a recent nj.com article, this Summer include Wildwood, North Wildwood, Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park.