Rail-served industrial landscape

Estell Manor Park & Bethlehem Loading Company Ruins

About 13 driving miles

A 1,700-acre county park near the excursion corridor preserves concrete ruins and former rail beds from a World War I munitions plant that once used 24 miles of track.

The place

About Estell Manor Park & Bethlehem Loading Company Ruins

The Bethlehem Loading Company built its plant and an associated town in 1918. Atlantic County says the modern complex used 24 miles of railroad track to move construction materials and munitions, leaving foundations and rail beds after reusable steel was removed.

Today forest and wetlands surround the industrial remains. The 1.8-mile Swamp Trail is a fully accessible elevated boardwalk that passes streams, cedar swamp, coastal forest and loading-company ruins; the park also has about 27 miles of mostly dirt or sand trails that can become wet.

Start at the Warren E. Fox Nature Center for maps, environmental displays, historic information and restrooms. It is currently listed open daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; the larger park remains open later, but use the current county notice and daylight.

What stands out

Twenty-four miles of wartime track

Rail beds and concrete ruins reveal the scale of a rapidly built World War I industrial complex.

Accessible history-and-nature route

The Swamp Trail boardwalk reaches wetland scenery and industrial ruins.

Useful orientation center

County staff, maps, restrooms and local history help visitors choose a realistic route.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Cape May Seashore Lines trip

This is the strongest off-train rail-history stop near Tuckahoe because the surviving industrial rail beds explain another way southern New Jersey depended on rail transportation.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Nature centerThe current county page lists daily hours of 8 a.m.–4 p.m., including weekends and holidays.
  • Accessible routeThe 1.8-mile Swamp Trail is described as a fully accessible elevated boardwalk.
  • Other trailsMost of the roughly 27 miles of trails are compacted dirt or sand and can become wet or muddy.
  • Historic remainsRuins and former rail beds are protected park resources; do not remove artifacts.
  • FacilitiesMaps, brochures, environmental exhibits and public restrooms are available at the nature center.
  • Time neededAllow about 60–90 minutes for the nature center and accessible boardwalk; longer trail routes require a separate plan.

Return to the excursion

Add Tuckahoe Railroad Station

Board among the restored station, tower and water tank on the active Seashore Lines corridor.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Why is Estell Manor relevant to a train trip?

The World War I plant depended on 24 miles of railroad track, and former rail beds and ruins remain in the park.

Is there an accessible trail?

Yes. The county describes the 1.8-mile Swamp Trail boardwalk as fully accessible.

When is the nature center open?

Currently daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; check county notices for temporary changes.

Are all trails paved?

No. Most are dirt or sand and can become wet or muddy.

Can I remove an artifact?

No. Leave ruins and artifacts where they are.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-12. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.