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Brendan T. Byrne State Forest (formerly known as Lebanon State Forest) is located in Burlington and Ocean Counties. It's the state's second largest, with over 34,000 acres. It has over 25 miles of trails, including part of the well-known Batona Trail. It also has over 50 miles of unmarked gravel and sand roads and use is permitted by registered vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles, but ATV's and other unlicensed vehicles are prohibited. Mountain bikes are permitted on the Mount Misery trail, and the Cranberry Trail allows wheelchair access. Brendan T. Byrne State
Forest is also home of the Pinelands Institute for Natural and Environmental
Studies (P.I.N.E.S.), one of the first established schools of conservation
education in the world. It is located at Whitesbog, where Elizabeth
White worked with others to create today's cultivated blueberry, and
is also the site of a large cranberry farm.
Former Governor McGreevy
changed the name of this state forest from "Lebanon" to
"Brendan T. Byrne", because the former Governor Byrne was
a vital part of Pinelands preservation.
“Governor Byrne has long been one of the major forces behind the protection of the New Jersey Pinelands,” McGreevey said. “He signed the Pinelands Preservation Act in 1979, creating the Nation’s first National Reserve, and has consistently been a strong advocate of protecting this natural resource.” The
below photos were taken on a perfect late summer day in the Pines
.
Campground
facilities are available here, with picnic tables, fire rings and
ground space for tents. Facilities include restrooms with hot showers,
a laundry room and drinking water. Parking at most sites can accommodate
small travel and camp trailers. There's also a group campsite for
seven or more people.
Three rustic cabins on the shore of Pakim Pond are also available for up to two weeks, April through October. The cabins have a furnished living room with fireplace and bunks for four. There is a half-bath, and the kitchen has a sink and electric stove, but dishes, etc. are not supplied. Reservations
are required for most sites. For more information, call 609-726-1191.
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