In 1962, the Monmouth County park system acquired the 347-acre property which forms the north section of Holmdel Park. It includes the living-history Longstreet Farm (which is open daily and also worth a visit), an arboretum, two trout-stocked ponds, and several picnic areas. The trails in the north section of the park, which are for foot traffic only, are not blazed and are marked only by posts, mainly at junctions. You should obtain a trail map at the kiosk before beginning the hike (although some lesser trails are not shown on the map).
From the western end of the Forest Edge parking area, head uphill towards the woods on a broad path, with a playground to the left and a brick restroom building on the right. You'll pass a kiosk, where trail maps are available. At a signpost for the Beech Glen Trail, turn left and begin to descend. Bear right at the next intersection to continue on the Beech Glen Trail, which passes through an interesting beech grove and parallels an attractive stream (unfortunately, some of the beech trees have been scarred by grafitti).
After bearing right and leaving the stream, the Beech Glen Trail ends at the gravel Cross Country Trail. Turn left and follow this trail, which runs parallel to the main park road, to the Hill Top Parking Area. Along the way, you will pass several "fitness stations," where walkers are encouraged to do various fitness exercises. The trail turns left to skirt the parking area, briefly parallels the park service road (this portion of the road is closed to traffic), then heads west towards Holmdel Road. It bears right, away from the paved road, and soon reaches the park service road.
Cross the service road and turn left, now following a path that runs between a grassy field on the left and woods on the right. The path makes a sharp bend to the right and descends. At the base of the descent, turn right and cross a wooden bridge over a stream, then turn left onto the High Point Trail, which parallels the stream. [Note: As of May 2011, this bridge over the stream has been closed by the Park. See below for additional information.]
After turning sharply right and climbing a little, the trail goes down to reach a junction with the Marsh Trail. Turn left and follow the Marsh Trail. At the next intersection, turn right and proceed across a wetland on a boardwalk. Two side trails go off to the left, but you should proceed ahead on the main trail.
Soon after the main boardwalk ends, you'll cross a stream on a wooden bridge. Just beyond, turn right onto a narrower footpath that heads uphill, climbing part of the way on wooden steps. At the top of the hill, continue ahead, crossing an intersecting footpath.
After passing a small picnic area, turn sharply right and descend. At the base of the descent, you'll reach a four-way intersection. Continue ahead and cross a stream on a wooden bridge, following black arrows. Then, at the next junction (a short distance uphill), bear left, following the most obvious path, and pass through an evergreen grove.
Soon, you'll reach a junction with the wide Ridge Walk Trail. Turn left and follow this trail to its end, where it emerges onto a grassy field. Continue across the field, following a narrow footpath. As the footpath disappears, you'll come to a picnic area on the right, with the main park road visible just beyond. Turn right, cross the park road, and continue across a grassy area to the Forest Edge parking area, where the hike began.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 02/01/2008
This hike circles the north section of this county park, crossing a wetland on a boardwalk and paralleling several streams.
In 1962, the Monmouth County park system acquired the 347-acre property which forms the north section of Holmdel Park. It includes the living-history Longstreet Farm (which is open daily and also worth a visit), an arboretum, two trout-stocked ponds, and several picnic areas. The trails in the north section of the park, which are for foot traffic only, are not blazed and are marked...
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Take the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 114. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Red Hill Road. In 0.4 mile, just before a traffic light, turn right onto Crawfords Corner Road (there is a sign for Holmdel Park here). Continue for 1.2 miles and turn left onto Roberts Road. Then, in 0.7 mile, turn right onto Longstreet Road. Almost immediately, turn left into Holmdel Park and proceed to the Forest Edge parking area.
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December 31, 1969
19:00 pm