this particular artesian well can be found at the
atlantic county park in estell manor, nj. i don't know much about the history of this well or how long it's been here, but it seems to have been abandoned many years ago. you can find it by parking at the nature center and following the boardwalk trail you will find directly behind the center. don't worry, if you follow the signs for the trail, you will easily find it. but, be prepared...it's a four mile round trip walk to get there...all through the woods and swamps (but you are on a boardwalk, so it's actually a really easy trail) and part of it runs along the river. at the end of the trail you will find the artesian well complete with running water (it comes up naturally because of pressure). but don't drink the water. there is a sign there stating that it isn't safe to drink. but just between you and me, i took a swallow and i didn't die, although i am a zombie so that might have something to do with it? anyway, it tasted fine. there's also a boat dock here along with a gated cemetery (which i admit, freaked me out a little to find a cemetery in the middle of the woods) and an area for a picnic (right next to the cemetery, how quaint!) after hiking the trail and back, i discovered there is actually an easier and much shorter route to find the well. umm...off of route 50 just down the road from the park entrance, is artesian well road. yes, it's actually called artesian well road. totally missed that when i drove by. it's a dirt road on county property but it is open to the public. you can actually drive almost all the way there and park in the small parking lot on the left. it was more fun to do the hike, though. and a much better view! if you have any info or questions, feel free to drop me a line. make sure you stop by my facebook and instagram pages for more photos! on to my next adventure...
