The hiking trail at Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center in Lanoka Harbor, NJ, is a short, peaceful, and flat nature walk. Nestled in the Pine Barrens, it runs directly behind the campgrounds and connects to the neighboring 200-acre Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge.
Trail Overview
- Distance: Short (ideal for a casual walk, meditation, or nature observation)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Flat, wooded, and sandy (typical of the NJ Pine Barrens)
Key Highlights & Activities
- Wildlife Refuge: The trail transitions directly into the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, a massive 47,000+ acre coastal habitat that is famous for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife.
- 39-Foot Labyrinth: Located on the main campus right near the retreat center, visitors can also walk a recently renovated 11-circuit labyrinth specifically designed for meditation, prayer, and quiet reflection.
- Tranquil Setting: Because it is attached to a Unitarian Universalist retreat center, the trail and grounds are maintained as a quiet, reflective space to disconnect from the busy world.
