Big Brook Nature Preserve - Nature preserve in Colts Neck - 95 Hillsdale Rd, USA

I've taken my sons here a few times. Each time we have found at least one thing interesting. We have found a squid pen and vertabrea. It's a good activity to do on a hot day, since the stream is shaded and the water is refreshing to walk in.

My husband and I spent our Sunday morning fossil hunting, and we were able to find a handful of shark teeth! We brought our kitchen strainer and a spoon. Getting into the brook can be a little tricky, so I recommend being cautious and wearing clothes you don't mind getting muddy.

I feel like I shouldn't say anything... it's a pretty unique place. Found some shark tooth fossils and everything.... beautiful spot.

Great place to find some Fossils and have fun with kids. We had the most like going to wherever there was gravel washouts my three-year-old absolutely love finding the old fossils. We weren’t there long and found several fossilized seashells.

Great time trudging through the brook with my 11 and 9 year old. We spent 4 hours here and found some goblin shark teeth and other fossils. I highly recommend studying what types of fossils are in the area before sifting. This way you don't discard any fossils!

Good tips to know for your first time there (which it was for us today): * Big Brook Preserve = creek and fossils, no bathroom * Big Brook park = bathroom and nice walking trails, no creek - I mistakenly assumed the creek was in this park * Parking at the Preserve, at least for us today, is a lucky shot. Don’t park on the street, as we saw a cop hanging around all afternoon giving tickets * Be prepared for muddy/steep conditions getting into the creek at most entry points

This place is amazing! But shame on colts neck township for ripping people off via parking tickets. Parking is super limited here, they know it, township won't post no parking signs along the road for the purpose of cash flow into the township. During zoom court for said parking ticket I addressed the parking issue only for the judge nicole to tell me it's not the townships responsibility. When in fact it clearly states on the sign colts neck township.

Easy going trail, came by 2 days after rain. Some small muddy spots but nothing heart wrenching. It is tick season, and i flicked off 4 of them while on my 1 hour walk. And i didn't reach the end. Looking forward to coming back here again !