Winding River Park

Winding River Park At A Glance...

• Extensive paved multi-use path ideal for walking, biking, and rollerblading, connecting different park areas.
• Numerous unpaved nature trails for hiking and mountain biking through wooded sections.
• Multiple playgrounds for children.
• Winding River Skating Center, an indoor ice rink located within the park complex.
• Several picnic areas equipped with tables, and some with pavilions available for reservation.
• A touching Children's Memorial.
• Todays Sunrise: 6:58 am,   Sunset: 4:33 pm  
• New Jersey Shore Region Ocean County

• Activities:

  • Equestrian / Horseback
    i would assume you could ride here. Double check before going.
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
    More like walking
  • Jogging / Running
  • Mountain Bike
  • Playing in the playground
  • Picnicking
  • Walking

  Amenities:

  • Sports / Athletic Fields
  • Bathrooms
  • Parking Lot(s)
  • Picnic / Sitting Area
  • Benches
  • Picnic tables
  • Playground

  Trails:

  • Flat / Easy
  • Dirt
  • Paved
  • Walking Paths

  Park Type:

  • Municipal / City Park
  • Park (General)
  • Playground

  Rules/Regulations:

  • Alcohol *NOT Permitted*

Contact / Location

Programs / Education

The Winding River Skating Center, located within the park, offers various classes and programs related to ice skating. The Toms River Recreation Department provides a range of community programs, some of which may seasonally take place at Winding River Park. Check their website for current offerings.

Trail & Path Info

Winding River Park boasts a significant paved path network that stretches across almost the entire park, connecting the northern and southern sections. This path is suitable for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading. One reported biking trip from south to north and back covered approximately 4.4 miles. In addition to the paved system, there are many unpaved nature trails winding through the wooded areas of the park, which are suitable for hiking and potentially mountain biking. Trails are generally flat with small elevation changes.

Things to See & Do

Visitors can enjoy a wide array of activities at Winding River Park. The paved trails are perfect for a leisurely walk, a family bike ride, or rollerblading. Hikers can explore the various dirt trails through the pine forests. Families will appreciate the multiple playgrounds. The park includes the Winding River Skating Center for year-round ice skating fun. Fishing is possible with river access available. Picnic areas, some with reservable pavilions, offer pleasant spots for an outdoor meal. Sports enthusiasts can utilize the athletic fields.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Winding River Park is a year-round destination. Spring offers pleasant temperatures for walking and enjoying blooming nature. Summer is ideal for picnics and utilizing the full expanse of the park, though it can be popular. Autumn provides beautiful foliage along the trails. Winter allows for brisk walks and activities at the indoor ice skating rink.

Trip Ideas

• Spend a morning biking the paved trails from one end of the park to the other, stopping for a break at a playground.
• Combine an afternoon of hiking the nature trails with a session at the Winding River Skating Center.
• Plan a family picnic using the park's facilities, followed by playtime at one of the playgrounds.
• Organize a group outing by reserving a picnic pavilion.

Tips and Tricks

• When approaching the southern entrance off Route 37 West, be aware that the entrance comes up quickly.
• If planning a group picnic or event, it is advisable to contact the Toms River Recreation Department about reserving a pavilion in advance.
• The park has two main sections with separate entrances (North off Whitesville Rd, South off Rt 37 West), so plan according to the facilities you wish to access first.

Picnics / Lunches / Eating

Winding River Park has several nice picnic areas, including tables and some covered pavilions. Some picnic spots are conveniently located near playgrounds. While bringing your own food and drink is common, pavilions for group outings may need to be reserved through the Toms River Recreation Department.

Admission & Guidelines

No fee for normal use of the park. But special usage, like wedding photography or group activities, may require a permit.

Hours / Season of Operation

Dusk to dawn, unless using a lighted ball field.

Facilities

• Restrooms
• Multiple Parking Lots
• Picnic Areas (with tables and some pavilions)
• Benches
• Playgrounds
• Sports / Athletic Fields (e.g., baseball)
• Winding River Skating Center (indoor ice rink)
• Paved Multi-Use Trails
• Unpaved Nature Trails
• River Access (for fishing, potential paddling)
• Children's Memorial

Parking

Ample parking is available. There are parking lots on both the north and south ends of the park. No fees for general park parking were mentioned in the search results.

Directions

South: The main entrance to the southern section of the park can be found off Rt 37 West, just past the parkway. The entrance comes up quick so keep your eyes open.

North: There is an entrance to the northern side of the park off Whitesville Rd, near the intersection with Oak Ridge Parkway/527.

Our 4 favorite places nearby (within 20 minutes or so) would be Cattus Island, Jake's Branch, Popcorn Park Zoo, andRobert J. Novins Planetarium. But there are also a lot of great things to explore nearby!

Here are 10 places near Winding River Park