A Unique Outdoor Activities Experience Awaits at Jersey Shore Alpacas in Cape May, New Jersey

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Jersey Shore Alpacas in Cape May, New Jersey, offers a refreshing outdoor experience that blends gentle hiking with intimate interaction with alpacas. Perfect for casual adventurers and families, this accessible trail around the farm showcases calm natural beauty alongside practical learning about these unique animals.

Adventure Tips

Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain includes packed earth and grass, with occasional slick spots after rain or morning dew—comfortable shoes with grip prevent slips.

Bring Water

Limited shade on parts of the trail means dehydration is a risk during warmer months; carry water to stay hydrated throughout your visit.

Choose Early or Late Hours

Morning and late afternoon offer the coolest temperatures and increased alpaca activity, improving both comfort and experience quality.

Respect the Animals’ Space

While alpacas are curious and friendly, avoid sudden movements or loud noises to keep encounters calm and safe for both you and the animals.

A Unique Outdoor Activities Experience Awaits at Jersey Shore Alpacas in Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May’s Jersey Shore Alpacas offers more than the typical farm visit — it delivers an engaging outdoor adventure with an uncommon twist. Set on gently rolling terrain just a short drive from the Atlantic coast, this experience allows visitors to interact directly with the alpacas while traversing walking paths that cut through fields and lightly wooded areas. The trails themselves cover about 1.5 miles, with minimal elevation gain, creating an accessible outing for almost any level of outdoor enthusiast.

The paths invite visitors to set a steady pace, with the soft rustle of grass and the occasional gentle snort from the alpacas keeping company. These animals are more than passive residents; their curious eyes and steady, deliberate movement forge a dynamic relationship with guests. Along the route, open spaces give way to shaded stretches where oaks and maples lean over the trail, providing welcome relief from sun and heat.

This outdoor activity is practical as well as enjoyable. The ground is mostly flat, composed of packed earth and grass, but footwear with good grip is advised — there can be slick spots in early morning dew or after rain. Bringing water is a must, especially in warmer months, as the open fields offer little shade. Mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to visit, when temperatures are cooler and alpacas are generally more active.

For those who come ready to engage, Jersey Shore Alpacas presents not only photo opportunities but moments of genuine connection. Feeding sessions allow for hands-on interaction, and the nearby small barn offers insights into alpaca care and fiber processing for those interested in the practical side of farm life.

Cap off your visit with a stroll around the farm’s perimeter, where views of the nearby salt marshes and distant dunes come into view. Here, nature takes on a voice of its own: the wind seems to push through the grasses with purpose, while birds dart and call in an ongoing dialogue. This setting does not challenge like a mountain trail or river rapids, but it demands respect for the steady rhythm of farm life and the gentle, inquisitive nature of its hosts.

Prepare with layers that can adjust to shifts in coastal weather and a camera ready to catch both close encounters with animals and the sweeping vistas beyond the farm. Beyond just seeing alpacas, the experience at Jersey Shore Alpacas grounds the visitor in a practical, memorable outdoor journey — one that invites curiosity and rewards it with calm, subtle beauty.

Nearby Trips

Adventures near Cape May

Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make Cape May special.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed the alpacas during my visit?

Yes, feeding sessions are offered at scheduled times to allow safe, supervised interaction where you can hand-feed the alpacas specialized food provided by the farm.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Dogs are not permitted on the trails to ensure the alpacas remain calm and stress-free, preserving a safe environment for all visitors and animals.

Is the trail stroller-friendly?

While the trail is relatively flat, uneven grass and some packed dirt areas may pose challenges for stroller navigation; a rugged all-terrain stroller is recommended.

What wildlife might I see besides alpacas?

Visitors might spot eastern box turtles, various songbirds including red-winged blackbirds near nearby marshes, and seasonal butterflies flitting through flower patches.

What is the best way to reach Jersey Shore Alpacas from Cape May city center?

By car, it's a straightforward 10-minute drive northwest of downtown Cape May along route 9, with ample parking available on site for visitors.

Are there guided tours available?

The farm offers informal guided tours during feeding times, where staff explain alpaca care, fiber harvesting, and farm operations, enriching the outdoor experience.

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Supports stable footing on varied terrain with grass and earth.

Water Bottle

Essential

Maintains hydration when parts of the trail offer little shade.

Layered Clothing

Essential

Allows adjustment to changing weather conditions typical of coastal New Jersey.

Camera or Smartphone

Captures close-up encounters with alpacas and expansive farm and marsh views.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • "A quiet gazebo overlooking a small pond on the farm's northeast corner offers a peaceful spot away from the main paths."
  • "Behind the barn, a small native plant garden attracts local pollinators and shows native species adapted to Cape May’s coastal environment."

Wildlife

  • "Eastern box turtles crossing paths early in the spring mornings."
  • "Seasonal flocks of migratory birds making brief stops in the adjoining marshlands."
  • "Deer occasionally spotted at dawn near the farm's tree line."

History

"This farm reflects Cape May’s agricultural roots and the recent rise in alpaca farming, which brings new life and economic diversity to the traditional Jersey Shore countryside."