Mantua's "Secret Park" LbNA #64734 (ARCHIVED)
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Add Location| Owner: | Reim Family  |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | May 11, 2013 |
| Location: | Ceres Park |
| City: | Mantua Township |
| County: | Gloucester |
| State: | New Jersey |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Found by: | Arf! |
|---|---|
| Last found: | Oct 9, 2013 |
| Status: | FFm |
| Last edited: | Sep 24, 2015 |
MANTUA'S "SECRET" PARK
It's not really a secret, but CERES PARK in Mantua Township is certainly a hidden
gem that many have never heard of or visited. Located off of Main Street / Alt. Rt. 553,
between Barnsboro and Pitman, Ceres Park is a nature preserve that features hiking /
mountain-biking trails through dense woods and around lakes, ponds and the "Chestnut
Branch" of Mantua Creek. There is a very small gravel parking area, but no facilities of
any kind. DOGS are welcome in the park, on-leash.
More information about the park can be found at www.njwildlifetrails.org (click "Trail
Guides" / "Pine Barren Trails" / "List of Sites," then "Ceres Park Nature Preserve").
To find the letterbox, you will need to walk about 1/2 mile on a dirt path through the woods.
It is an easy walk in comfortable shoes, although there may be some muddy areas shortly
after a rain. After you find the box, you may return the way you came OR continue along the
path, which becomes a more strenuous hike (more on this later).
CLUES:
Begin in the parking area just off of Main Street / Alt. Rt. 553 (traveling from Barnsboro
toward Pitman, the park is on your RIGHT, and there is a wooden "Ceres Park" SIGN).
You will see a metal gate and a sign with park rules -- it's all on foot from here.
Walk around the gate and start following the main path. There are several narrower,
less-worn trails that appear along the way, but to find the letterbox, you'll need to stay on
the wider path.
Keep a lookout for small, white wooden signs with black numbers, placed along the ground
beside the trail. Number "1" will be on your right shortly after you pass the first "intersection"
with another trail. Be sure to stay on the main trail as it CURVES to the left. There does not
appear to be a Number "2" marker (either it is missing or totally overgrown), but Number "3"
comes up on your RIGHT shortly after the curve.
When you come to a fork where the main path seems to split evenly in two directions, keep
to the LEFT. You will know you're still on track when you pass by a large fallen tree which
parallels the trail on the left. Your next landmark will be a small LAKE, also on your left. Say
hello to the many turtles that can often be found swimming or catching some rays on a log.
As the main trail begins to pass by the lake, keep an eye on the TREES to the LEFT - you're
looking for one in particular that has a NUMBER on it in BLUE SPRAYPAINT. (Note: we
did NOT paint this number! It was here already.)
When you reach marker Number "5" on the left, begin to COUNT your STEPS until you
reach the number painted on the tree. This should bring you to a fallen tree that LEANS
across the path from left to right. TURN directly to your RIGHT and notice two different
types of trees that meet at the base, a few yards off the trail.
The letterbox is on the ground between and behind the two trees. Please be sure to seal
all baggies and cover the box carefully when you're finished. We'd love to hear about your
search -- please contact us at the letterboxing website!
As mentioned, you may return the way you got here for a nice easy walk, OR you can
continue to follow the trail as it curves all the way around the lake. If you choose to go
forward, please be aware that there are a few somewhat steep hills and valleys along the
trail, with some rough terrain (thick roots, etc.) and high, narrow areas. We recommend
this way if you're able, and if the trail is not very muddy from a recent rain. This path will
eventually bring you back to the main trail, very near the entrance from the parking area.
We hope you enjoy Mantua's "Secret Park!"
It's not really a secret, but CERES PARK in Mantua Township is certainly a hidden
gem that many have never heard of or visited. Located off of Main Street / Alt. Rt. 553,
between Barnsboro and Pitman, Ceres Park is a nature preserve that features hiking /
mountain-biking trails through dense woods and around lakes, ponds and the "Chestnut
Branch" of Mantua Creek. There is a very small gravel parking area, but no facilities of
any kind. DOGS are welcome in the park, on-leash.
More information about the park can be found at www.njwildlifetrails.org (click "Trail
Guides" / "Pine Barren Trails" / "List of Sites," then "Ceres Park Nature Preserve").
To find the letterbox, you will need to walk about 1/2 mile on a dirt path through the woods.
It is an easy walk in comfortable shoes, although there may be some muddy areas shortly
after a rain. After you find the box, you may return the way you came OR continue along the
path, which becomes a more strenuous hike (more on this later).
CLUES:
Begin in the parking area just off of Main Street / Alt. Rt. 553 (traveling from Barnsboro
toward Pitman, the park is on your RIGHT, and there is a wooden "Ceres Park" SIGN).
You will see a metal gate and a sign with park rules -- it's all on foot from here.
Walk around the gate and start following the main path. There are several narrower,
less-worn trails that appear along the way, but to find the letterbox, you'll need to stay on
the wider path.
Keep a lookout for small, white wooden signs with black numbers, placed along the ground
beside the trail. Number "1" will be on your right shortly after you pass the first "intersection"
with another trail. Be sure to stay on the main trail as it CURVES to the left. There does not
appear to be a Number "2" marker (either it is missing or totally overgrown), but Number "3"
comes up on your RIGHT shortly after the curve.
When you come to a fork where the main path seems to split evenly in two directions, keep
to the LEFT. You will know you're still on track when you pass by a large fallen tree which
parallels the trail on the left. Your next landmark will be a small LAKE, also on your left. Say
hello to the many turtles that can often be found swimming or catching some rays on a log.
As the main trail begins to pass by the lake, keep an eye on the TREES to the LEFT - you're
looking for one in particular that has a NUMBER on it in BLUE SPRAYPAINT. (Note: we
did NOT paint this number! It was here already.)
When you reach marker Number "5" on the left, begin to COUNT your STEPS until you
reach the number painted on the tree. This should bring you to a fallen tree that LEANS
across the path from left to right. TURN directly to your RIGHT and notice two different
types of trees that meet at the base, a few yards off the trail.
The letterbox is on the ground between and behind the two trees. Please be sure to seal
all baggies and cover the box carefully when you're finished. We'd love to hear about your
search -- please contact us at the letterboxing website!
As mentioned, you may return the way you got here for a nice easy walk, OR you can
continue to follow the trail as it curves all the way around the lake. If you choose to go
forward, please be aware that there are a few somewhat steep hills and valleys along the
trail, with some rough terrain (thick roots, etc.) and high, narrow areas. We recommend
this way if you're able, and if the trail is not very muddy from a recent rain. This path will
eventually bring you back to the main trail, very near the entrance from the parking area.
We hope you enjoy Mantua's "Secret Park!"