Links Pond

Links Pond

Length: 3.0 miles

Surface: paved trails

Exposure: shade and sun

Surroundings: woods, homes, golf course, pond

The first half of this route is heavily wooded with many connecting trails. There are many turns and few landmarks. It is essential that the you keep track of each point on the trail or examine the photographs closely so that the proper turns are made. This route stays on wide asphalt trails and no turns should be made onto narrow asphalt trails.

1. The trail starts at South Lakes Drive Park, which is just east of Colts Neck Rd. on South Lakes Drive. Take the trail from the parking lot directly away from South Lakes Drive. A baseball field will be on your right.
2. The trail enters a wooded area. Take the first trail to the right. The red bench serves as a landmark.
3. Take the next trail to the left. A green bench serves as a landmark. The trail goes down the hill.
4. Arrive at a 5-way trail intersection. Take the second trail to the left.
5. The correct trail is shown and has a creek bed and apartment area to the right.
6. At the next trail intersection turn right across the bridge and then left to continue on the asphalt path.
7. Another trail intersects from the left just prior to a bridge. Take the trail to the left.
8. The trail crosses a bridge over the creek bed you have been following. It will shortly turn to the right to pass behind the back of houses. Houses should always appear on your left until you reach point 15.
9. A trail intersects on the right. Do not turn here.
10. At the next trail intersection turn right. The trail will go around the back of another group of houses.
11. Another trail intersects from the right. Do not turn here.
12. The trail exits the woods into a grassy area. Turn right to follow the wide trail that re-enters the woods. The trail will follow the backs of houses for some distance. Do not take the narrow trail to the left between the houses.
13. After a long distance the trail turns to the right and intersects with a trail from the left. Continue straight at this point remaining in the wooded area.
14. Another trail intersects from a street on the left. Continue straight on the current trail.
15. A trail intersects from a street on the left. Another trail goes left into the woods just after this point. Stay to the right on the current trail.
16. The correct trail will cross a bridge over a stream.
17. Turn left at the next trail intersection. Houses will now be on your right as you walk.
18. A trail leading to steps intersects on the right. Stay straight on the current trail.
19. A trail intersects on the left. Turn left here away from the houses.
20. The trail enters a tunnel under Soapstone Drive after a short distance.
21. After exiting the tunnel turn left and follow Soapstone Drive towards the shopping area.
22. The trail turns behind the store and goes down a short steep hill.
23. A trail intersects from the left at the trash container. Go straight on the present trail.
24. Turn left at the next trail intersection to follow the houses on the left.
25. Another trail intersects from the right. Continue on the present trail through the tunnel under South Lakes Drive.
26. After exiting the tunnel go straight. Do not turn onto the intersecting trail from the right.
27. At the next trail intersection turn left up the hill.
28. A trail intersects from the left. Continue straight with the wall shown on your left.
29. A trail intersects at the tunnel under Soapstone Drive. Turn left to enter the tunnel.
30. A trail intersects at the other end of the tunnel. Go straight on the current trail with buildings on your left.
31. A trail intersects from the left. Take a slight right turn to follow the current trail with the buildings on your left.
32. The trail exits the woods and follows between the golf course and the buildings.
33. There are several narrow trails to the left. Stay on the wide asphalt trail adjoining the golf course.
34. The trail exits the golf course and crosses Double Eagle Court just prior to South Lakes Drive. Turn right to follow Double Eagle Court on the asphalt trail after the street crossing.
35. The trail turns left between the homes and South Lakes Drive.
36. The fronts of houses appear on the right. The trail turns right after this first group of houses.
37. A trail intersects from the right. Continue straight and to the left through the woods.
38. The trail enters a grassy area adjoining Links Pond. Do not take any narrow trails to the left.
39. The trail leaves Links Pond and turns to the left behind a group of houses. Do not take the narrow trail to the right.
40. The trail crosses Greenkeepers Court and turns right to follow South Lakes Drive.
41. The trail again crosses Greenkeepers Court and continues along South Lakes Drive.
42. The golf course appears to the right of the trail.
43. The trail enters the woods and a trail intersects from the left. Turn left here to enter a tunnel under South Lakes Drive.
44. After exiting the tunnel take the trail to the left to return to your starting point in South Lakes Drive Park.