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Reported by Lauren Bowers, Joanna Buffum, Jill P. Capuzzo, Deborah P. Carter, Kevin Coyne, Nick DiUlio, Pat Fiaschetti, Mary Ann
Castronovo Fusco, Tammy La Gorce, Breanne McCarthy, Maryrose Mullen, Lauren Payne, Molly Petrilla, Larell Scardelli, Ken Schlager,
Robert Strauss and Pat Tanner
races are Saturday nights from late spring to
early fall. It’s not quite Daytona, but the noise
level and speed are exhilarating.—RS
856-467-4407; bpspeedway.com
Lakota Wolf Preserve
➻ 89 Mount Pleasant Road,
Columbia ( Warren County)
This 10-acre home
to nearly 20
wolves plus a
tangle of bobcats and foxes
is tucked deep
in the Kittatinny
Mountains.
Wildlife lovers and
nature photographers
can take a wolf-watch tour any day
of the week except Monday (no petting!).
While British Columbian, timber and Arctic
wolves howl and prowl, tourists get an edu-
cation in the social structure of wolf packs,
the animals’ eating habits and more.—TLG
877-733-9653; lakotawolf.com.
Maurice River Bridge Trail
➻ County Road 670 and Maurice River Causeway Road,
Mauricetown (Cumberland County)
Bald eagles were almost extinct in southern
New Jersey in the 20th century, but they
started nesting along the Maurice River
about a decade ago. As many as 20 eagles
reside here, mostly in winter and spring, and
birders can see them along the 5.2-mile hik-
ing trail at the Maurice River Bluffs. Early in
the year, kayakers and canoers depart from
the boat slip to catch sight of eagles. Ospreys
and purple martins are an attraction in sum-
mer and early fall.—RS
732-539-1693; njwildlifetrails.org/DelawareBayshore Trails/
Trails.aspx
Merrill Creek Reservoir
➻ 34 Merrill Creek Road,
Harmony Township ( Warren County)
The 2,600-acre nature preserve is a migra-
tory stop for 200-plus bird species annually.
Abundant wildflowers, 11 miles of hiking
trails, fishing and kayaking—including guided
moonlight trips —beckon in warmer months.
Along with the visitors’ center displays, a pair
of bald eagles that have been nesting here for
18 years thrill all ages.—PF
973-334-3130; merrillcreek.com
Pyramid Mountain/
Tripod Rock
➻ Mars Court & Boonton Avenue, Montville
(Morris County)
Tank-sized Tripod Rock, precariously
perched atop three smaller boulders, appears
to defy gravity. Part of Pyramid Mountain’s
blue trail, this natural wonder was formed
by a receding glacier 18,000 years ago. The
three-mile round-trip hike includes one
slightly difficult rocky ascent/descent, several
streams, lookout points and a mountain-
laurel glade.—PF
973-334-3130; morrisparks.net
Howling Woods Farm
➻ 1371 W. Veteran’s Highway, Jackson (Ocean County)
This 12-acre wolf dog rescue farm lets you
inside the pens to pet the resident animals—
dogs with pure wolf in their recent genetic
past. Rescued from kill shelters or given up by
owners, the animals are trained on the farm
to interact with the public and even pose for
pictures. Some are available for adoption.
Tour guides offer insight into the habits and
value of the much-maligned wolf.—JPC
732-551-4556; howling woods.org
NO TRAFFIC
Runners cross
the Ben Franklin
Bridge from
Camden to
Philadelphia.
