Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

About Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

This former estate is preserved as four distinct natural communities located between the Atlantic Ocean and inland waters. The park is home to a variety of bird species and a number of wildlife habitats, and is the only state park in the state of New Jersey with a bird sanctuary.

Nature lovers can hike and get to know the local plants and animals, while cyclists and skaters glide along the asphalt park paths. Visitors can rent canoes and paddle the mile - a long freshwater lagoon, as well as kayak, paddle board and raft in the lake.

The Terramar Visitor Centre shows the natural and cultural history of the region, and a picnic area overlooks the canal. Visitors can access the beach via a pedestrian tunnel from the A1A and pavilions with water and electricity can be rented. Organized groups can use the park's youth campsites and a group campsite for young people.

The Terramar Visitor Center is home to Hugh Taylor Birch and is located on the west side of the park, south of Terramsar Road and the beach. Built in the 1940s, it is a mix of Mediterranean and Art Deco style and houses the visitor centre, museum and picnic area.

The visitor centre is open from 9 am to 5 pm and admission is free, without paying parking or admission. The Fort Lauderdale Elk Club established an Elk Youth Camp in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It includes a campsite, picnic area, picnic tables and a playground for children from 5 years.

The Primitive Youth Group campsite is a non-profit youth group and can accommodate up to 40 campers. It was renovated in 2005 and offers central air conditioning and individual toilets in 6 cabins. The lodge features an indoor / outdoor pool, picnic area and picnic tables, as well as a playground for children from 5 years. The accommodation in the "Primitive Area" has toilets with cold water and cold showers, as well as an outdoor shower with hot water.

Access to the beach is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and from 10 am to 4 pm, with access from the parking and garage on the west side of the park.

The three picnic pavilions are equipped with electricity and water and can accommodate about 75 people each. The gazebos can be rented for $63 to $60 per day, including taxes, and three shaded picnic areas with picnic tables and chairs are located near the parking lots in the park.

The park is popular with cyclists and roller skaters alike and is 1.9 miles long, and the Coastal Hammock Trail offers hikers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and Cape Cod Bay.

The Exotic Trail features wind through the park, which contains many of the plants Mr. Birch brought here, as well as some of his favorite wild flowers and herbs.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is located on East Sunrise Blvd. and offers ranger-led hikes Fridays at 10 a.m. Guided walks for organized groups can be arranged via the park's website or by calling (855) 762-5555.