Southern New Jersey is like a different world all together. The demarcation between north and south is stark and the Pine Barrens are shrouded in mystery. Its like stepping into a black and white horror film. And Batsto Village lies at the heart of it all.
One of my favorite ways to experience the area is to visit the historic site of Batsto village and then taking off to hike the Pine Barrens in Wharton State Forest.
History of Batsto Village
Located in Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village has survived hundreds of years to become the nationally recognized historic site it is today. In the 1770’s Batsto Iron Works was used to produce regular household items like pots and tea kettles. The area was mined for iron ore, the woods harvested for charcoal for fuel and the water used to power manufacturing.
Batsto village itself is made up of the manufacturing buildings, main mansion and village houses for the workers. The village and Iron Works company switched hands many times and in the mid-1800s the site turned from iron production to window glass making as iron production declined. This too didn’t last.
In 1876, the site was purchased by Joseph Wharton, from Philadelphia, who made some improvements on the buildings. He owned the property until in death in 1909.
In the mid-1950s the site was purchased by the State of New Jersey. There were still people living in some of the village houses at this time and they were allowed to remain for as long as they liked. It is still owned by the state today.
Controlled burns
Every year the NJ State Forest Fire Service plan and execute prescribed burns in various areas in the Pinelands. This program helps reduce the risks of devastating forest fires by burning undergrowth, fallen trees and branches that have been building up.
It also has other impacts, like all prescribed burns done across the country. They can be used to reduce insect populations and destroy invasive species and they can also be rejuvenating. A fire can help bring nutrients back to the soil and also create new space in the forest for sunlight to filter in helping young trees grow.
These prescribed burns involve extensive planning and rigorous monitoring. During these planning stages, staff ensure no impacts to the public and schedule the burns to be at a time when the risk of forest fires are lower. No one wants to see a “controlled burn” become something, well, uncontrollable.
So, if you are planning a hiking trip in this area, make sure to check out the NJ State Forest Service to ensure there are no prescribed burns scheduled for when you are there.
Hiking around Batsto Village
Now that you have an idea when the prescribed burns are going to occur, its time for the fun stuff. Hiking. There are lots of options for hiking in this area and through the Pine barrens in general.
Some of the easier hikes, near the Batsto village area include the extremely popular Batsto Lake Trail. There are really 3 Lake Trails, depending on what you are looking for in terms of length. The shortest is a 1-mile (Red blaze), wheelchair accessible trail and the longest a 4-mile (White blaze) trail.
You can spend all day in this area, exploring the village and hiking the shorter, family friendly trails.
If you are looking for something a bit longer or maybe a multi-day trek, you will want to consider the Mullica River Trail or the Batona Trail. The Mullica River Trail starts at Atsion Lake and ends at Batsto Village (or vice versa, depending on which way you want to go). This is a 9.5 miles trail, one-way. It’s pretty flat, as with most trails in this area, and there is a camping site partway along the trail. You could plan an overnight hike here.
Or, if you are really looking to experience the Pine Barrens consider the 50-mile Batona Trail. This trial takes you through the best of the Pine Barrens, covering multiple state forests. It also has the benefit of crossing several major roads, so if you aren’t ready for the full 50-miles you can section hike it instead.
Hiking in this area is like hiking on another planet. The trees are short and twisted, the ground is glistening white sand, and the rivers are a port wine color. Its eerily beautiful and one of the most interesting and unexpected places to hike in the state.
Camping around Wharton State Forest
If you are planning a multi-day trek or just want to camp, there are options. Wharton State Forest is the largest state forest in the state and encompasses 122,880 acres. So, lots to explore.
For the RV campers, cabin lovers and tent sites, Atsion Lake is a good spot. They have 9 fully furnished cabins and 50 tent sites. At Godfrey Bridge there are 49 tent and trailer sites.
For the more primitive style camping, there are two primitive campsites that can only be accessed by hiking, horseback or canoe.
I mean there are literally more campsites than you ever thought possible and something for everyone. And all of them are 5-star. If you are looking for something in particular check out hipcamp for all the details.
Camping at Wharton State Forest is allowed year-round but you have to check in at the Batsto Office. For information on required permits check NJ Department of Environmental Protections NJ Outdoors site for all the details.
Other ways to enjoy the trails
If you are looking to get lost in the woods, just you and nature, you need to consider the other activities that are allowed in some areas around the Pine Barrens. The big 3 being kayaking and canoeing, horseback riding and biking.
Kayaking and Canoeing
To check out the Pine Barrens from a different perspective consider taking to the water. There are also plenty of options here, depending on the amount of paddling you want to do. You can hike for 1 hour or 8, do some overnights, or just paddle around the lake.
For all levels check consider the 4-hour paddle from Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake. This trip will wind through the Pine Barrens with small areas to pull off and have some lunch.
For the more experienced paddler you should definitely consider paddling Mullica River. This trip will take you through narrow passages and twists and turns where you will see tall stands of cedar trees and wildflowers, depending on the time of the year.
If you are looking for a guided tour or just some ideas Pinelands Adventures has a little something for every ability.
Horseback riding
There are several trails near Batsto that are Horseback accessible and lots of people use it. You can join a trail riding company for a day trip or bring your own horse and ride the horseback accessible trails in the area.
Biking
With all this accessible land, a mountain biking network has been created in Wharton State Forest, or Batsto area. For beginners make sure to check out the Batsto Fire Trail. There are 9 easy trails, 2 moderate trails and no “black diamond” trails in this area. This is all attributed to the fact that southern NJ is very flat.
But that shouldn’t deter you, there are 53 miles of bike trails to follow. It’s just another great way to see and access this unique area.
Concluding thoughts
Batsto and the accompanying Wharton State Forest are a nature enthusiasts dream in its shear size and unique ecosystem. Its eerie, feeling like you stepped into a horror film, while holding some of the most unique flora and fauna in the state. Some of which is found nowhere else. Have you seen the Jersey Devil roaming the Pine Barrens?
One word of caution, pick your time wisely. The summer is the peak horsefly season and they are awful! They are huge and will take chunks out of your skin that will give you second thoughts about ever going back there again. Everywhere in south jersey are signs to mind the “locals” with pictures of a horsefly front and center.
But don’t let that deter you, just pick your dates with that in mind. Otherwise, New Jersey has a surprising number of great hikes. I mean it’s not called the garden state for nothing.
