For detailed hike directions, maps, and photos, visit our Wells Mills page.

We hike on New Years Day every year – it’s a great way to kick off the new year. Weather was cloudy when we started out but not windy. The sun came out around noon and it got up in the mid-40s and was very comfortable.

Located in Ocean County, super easy access – right off the Parkway at exit 69, left onto 532 W, entrance is about 2.5 miles down, on the left. This is a no-hunting park. Get the trail map here.

This was our first time here and we wished we’d check out this park sooner, it’s just really nice with well maintained facilities and trails. It’s also a great intro to the terrain of the Pine Barrens. Right at the start of the hike you walk through an Atlantic white cedar swamp which was just really neat – and pretty.

The terrain switches to just pine barren with areas of cedar swamp sprinkled throughout. There are many narrow boardwalks over wet areas or streams which can get slippery when wet or icy…
Read more…

NJ Hiking Pine Barrens Moderate, No-Hunting, South NJ

For detailed hike directions, maps, photos and GPS coordinates, visit our Apple Pie Hill page.

8.4 miles. Easy, level trail surface through the Pine Barrens in Wharton State Forest. Follow the Batona Trail (PINK blazes) from the Carranza Memorial to Apple Pie Hill and back.

Was warm and sunny, upper 80′s. This hike has strong sun exposure since the pine trees don’t offer as much shade – plan accordingly (sunblock, hat, plenty of water) or go when it’s cooler. Wild blueberries are all along this hike so that is your reward for dealing with the sun if you hike this during blueberry season (late July- mid Aug)…

Read more…

NJ Hiking Pine Barrens Batona Trail, Blueberries, Fire Tower, South NJ

Turnpike south to Exit 7, 206 South to Rt 70 circle, follow 72E 1 mile to well marked park entrance on left. Follow park road, office and parking on right. Trail maps outside, and the office is well stocked with all kinds of brochures, plus a clean bathroom. Took 1 hour travel. Bathrooms also at Pakim Pond parking lot, plus a composting porta (clean, no TP) at intersection of red trail and road (Cooper?).

Followed the trail description found in “50 Hikes in New Jersey”. About halfway thru the hike, follow the directions CLOSELY as you are no longer on marked trails. Missed a turn somewhere, we think, used the GPS to head towards the lot on sand roads. Ended up doing a 10 mile hike. Marked trails are well marked, however a little tough to match up where you are on trail map.

Trail is very easy, flat, barely any elevation change, no rocks, just pine needles and soft dirt, some deep sand. Took BLUE short connector across from lot to meet BATONA (PINK), 3 miles to Pakim Pond, through pine forest. Took sand roads the rest of the way. The reservoir/bog areas were interesting, with cranberries floating at the water surface and a ton of geese/swans.

PLUS: Easy flat trail, good to put a long trip together. MINUS: Minor road noise from parking to pond as trail parallels the road. Further into the park: background noise from Fort Dix of explosions. Sand roads can be boring, and the repetition hard on the joints and feet.

NOTE: a good winter trail but in the summer the sun would beat on you relentlessly on the roads, and the bugs are supposed to be bad. RED trail is ADA accessible and quite nice, suitable for wheelchairs and a decent length. There is also a 11 mile bike loop trail.

**Formerly Lebanon State Forest

NJ Hiking Pine Barrens Batona Trail