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Parks and Forests
in the NJ Pinelands


Wells Mills County Park
Route 532, Waretown NJ
609-971-3085

The first stop for anyone interested in learning about the ecology of the Pine Barrens should be Wells Mills County Park in Waretown.  Here you will find 900 acres of pristine pinelands, a cedar-spring fed lake with canoe rentals, and a three-story nature center.  There are loads of programs at the park, as well as van tours of the region, canoe trips, and much more.  Or, just take a walk through the miles of hiking trails.  But be careful...you never know when the Jersey Devil will show up!

(east)



Eno's Pond County Park
East Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ

Eno's Pond County Park in Forked River has history dating back to the colonial days.  Originally a luxury resort geared towards fishing for the rich and famous, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders bought this land and developed it into a recreational area which focuses on the famed "Eno's Pond".  Once used for making ice for guests, the pond and surrounding woodlands are now a haven for many unusual species of flora and fauna.  These 28 acres are rich in ecolocigal resources.  Eno's Pond County Park now has scenic trails, and two panoramic overlooks of the pond.  Picnic tables are scattered throughout, and a playground and open playing field complete the picture.  It's located on East Lacey Road, a few hundred yards east of The Captain's Inn.

(east)


The bay beach at Berkeley Island County Park

Berkeley Island County Park in Berkeley Township offers a free swimming beach on the Barnegat Bay, with  Ol' Barney standing tall on the east shore.  The park also offers picnic facilities, a playground and a large fishing and crabbing pier. Call 1-877-OC PARKS for details


(east)




Wharton State Forest
4110 Nesco Road Hammonton, NJ 08037
Batsto Office: (609) 561-0024
Atsion Office: (609) 268-0444

Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System, with 122,463 acres. It is also the site of Batsto Village, Atsion Historical area, and many "lost towns" of the Pines. Swimming facilities are available in season at Atsion Recreation Area. There are many access points to the 50-mile Batona Trail throughout Wharton. Campsites, canoeing, available.

(central)



The mansion at Batsto State Park

Batsto Village
31 Batsto Road Hammonton, NJ 08037
Batsto Office: (609) 561-0024

Founded in 1766, Historic Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County is a recreationof a bog iron refining town. Bought by the State of New Jersey in the 1950's, it has been restored and now features a visitors' center, barns, shops, the original mansion, and more. It is now considered a "living history museum" because of the many exhibits and demonstrations which take place there. Mansion tours are available Fridays and Saturdays. Call 1-609-561-3262 for hours, fees, and program information.


(South)


The old school house at Double Trouble State Park

Double Trouble State Park
Route 530, Berkeley Township, NJ
(732) 341-4098
GPS Coordinates DMS 39° 53’ 52.36” N 74° 13' 16.65" W

Double Trouble is the site of a working cranberry farm, with many partially restored buildings of the old village. Almost 8,000 acres, it also contains a wonderful nature trail through cedar forests, across Cedar Creek and around the cranberry bogs. Purchased by the state of New Jersey in 1964, it is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

(east)



Ocean County Park, once home of John D. Rockefeller

Ocean County Park
Route 88, Lakewood, NJ 08701
732-506-9090

Northern Ocean County is home to Ocean County Park, in Lakewood Township.  This 300+ acre park was once the home of Billionaire John D. Rockefeller. It features a fresh-water swimming lake, tennis courts, ball fields, plenty of picnic facilities and more. Call 1-877-OCPARKS for more info.

(north)

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Route 72, P.O. Box 215 New Lisbon, NJ 08064
(609) 726-1191
GPS Coordinates DMS 39° 53’ 27.66 ” N 74° 34' 46.63" W

More details and photos

Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors to BTB State Forest are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s. The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate. Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures, or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town. Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar.

(north/west)



The BATONA Trail

Bass River State Forest
762 Stage Rd Tuckerton, NJ 08087
(609) 296-1114
Burlington and Ocean Counties
GPS Coordinates: DMS 39° 37’ 14.30” N 74° 25'28.83" W

Bass River S.F. is home to Lake Absegami for swimming, boating and canoeing. A trail through the Absegami Natural Area wanders through a pine/oak woods and a small Atlantic white cedar bog. The West Plains Natural Area (Pygmy Pine Forest) and access points to the 50-mile Batona Trail are also within Bass River. Campsites available.

(south/east)



a pair of Canada Geese make their home at Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, along with countless other waterfowl

Edwin G. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
Great Creek Road, Oceanville, NJ

More than 43,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats are actively protected and managed for migratory birds. Several locations along the Jersey coast. The 8-mile loop road and trails at Brigantine are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. (call first)

(south/east)


"Ol Barney guards the Inlet at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
P.O. Box 167 Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
(609) 494-2016
GPS Coordinates DMS 39° 45’ 46.91” N 74° 06' 22.86" W

Located on 32 acres on the Atlantic Ocean at the northern tip of Long Beach Island. Gorgeous views, trails, picnicking, fishing, birdwatching, Interpretive Center.

(east)


Surf fishing is a popular sport at Island Beach State Park, on th Atlantic Ocean

Island Beach State Park
P.O. Box 37 Seaside Park, NJ 08752
(732) 793-0506

GPS Coordinates DMS 39° 54’ 18.98” N 74° 04' 53.15" W


Located on a barrier island, accessible via S.H. 37 E. 3,007 acres. Pristine oceanfront and bayfront, 10 miles of coastal dunes, nature trails, protected areas, sugar sand beaches, excellent surf fishing, MSFV's by permit. Part of the Pinelands National Reserve.

(east)


The homestead at Cloverdale Farm County Park in Barnegat NJ

Cloverdale Farm County Park
Cloverdale Road (off Route 554/W. Bay Ave.)
Barnegat NJ
c/o Wells Mills C.P: 609-971-3085

In Late 2004, the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust purchased the 80 acre tract of land known as Cloverdale Road Farm in Barnegat. This property is tucked away off West Bay Avenue, and is a much needed and appreciated measure to assure conservation. Once a working cranberry farm, this area is a haven for nature lovers. Wildflowers, birds and yes, even cranberries are here, all for great photo opportunities. Nature walks are offered, and plans are underway to start "working" the bogs once again. Call 609-971-3085 for details. Photos

(east)


Allaire State Park & Historic Village
4265 Atlantic Ave. Farmingdale, NJ 07727
(732) 938-2371
GPS Coordinates: DMS 40° 09’ 43.60” N 74° 07' 53.62" W

Although technically outside of the "Pinelands Management Area, Allaire State Park in southern Monmouth County is probably best known for its historic 19th-century ironmaking town, Allaire Village. The antique steam trains on the Pine Creek Railroad are also well-known. The Manasquan River, which winds through the park, attracts canoeists and fishermen. The river’s floodplain provides habitat for over 200 species of wildflowers, trees and plants as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders enjoy the many trails in the park.

(north)


Franklin Parker Preserve
Woodland Township, Burlington County NJ

Formerly a cranberry farm, this 9,700 acre tract was purchased by New Jersey Conservation Foundation in December 2003, after owner, A.R. DeMarco Enterprises, decided the property should be protected forever as a nature preserve. NJCF was able to cover most of the property’s $12 million cost. The area is a biologist and enviornmentalist's dream, as it is home to many threatened and endangered species. See map.

(central)


Warren Grove Recreation Area
Beaver Dam Road
Warren Grove, Ocean and Burlington Counties
c/o Bass River State Park - 609-296-1114

Warren Grove Recreation Area is an undeveloped wilderness perfect for hiking and birding. This 617-acre parcel is just west of the town of Warren Grove and straddles Ocean and Burlington counties. The land was acquired from the National Park Service in 1972 as part of their Federal Lands to Parks Program. Bass River State Forest administers the area. Warren Grove Recreation Area is open for passive recreation including horseback riding, bicycle riding, hiking, birding, hunting and nature/ecology study. A small parking area is being planned along Beaver Dam Road across from the Federal Aviation Administration’s tower site. Access into the recreation area is via several sand roads and old woods roads through the area but no marked trails currently exist. The recreation area also is home to the federally endangered broom crowberry (Corema conradii) and other rare plant species. View the Dwarf Pine Plains habitat, a globally rare forest community, where the pitch pine trees reach an average height of only 4 to 5 feet.

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