Forests in Burlington County

The forests in Burlington County are predominantly part of New Jersey's Pine Barrens ecosystem. Their landscape is characterized by sandy, acidic soil supporting pitch pine and oak forests, Atlantic white cedar swamps, and the headwaters of several rivers. This page aggregates routes within four major state forests in the county.

The most significant forests include Wharton State Forest, the largest in the New Jersey State Park System, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, the second-largest. Also notable is Bass River State Forest, which was New Jersey's first state forest. These areas are all part of the protected Pinelands National Reserve.

The primary activities are hiking, mountain biking, and cycling, with more than 100 routes available across the region's forests. Many trails are also suitable for jogging and running. The rivers and lakes within these forests, such as in Wharton State Forest, also provide opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.

Wharton State Forest offers dozens of routes for hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, and jogging. It contains a significant portion of the 53-mile (85 km) Batona Trail. The forest's sandy roads and trails wind through pine forests and past historic sites like Batsto Village.

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest has over 25 miles (40 km) of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. The Batona Trail also passes through this forest, connecting it with Wharton State Forest. The terrain consists of flat, sandy trails through dense pine forests and cedar swamps.

Yes, there are numerous hiking trails across the forests of Burlington County. Wharton State Forest offers over 20 distinct hiking routes, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest provides more than a dozen. The long-distance Batona Trail runs through both of these forests.

The terrain in Burlington County's forests is generally flat with sandy soil, typical of the Pine Barrens. Trails are a mix of marked footpaths and unpaved sand or gravel roads. The landscape includes pine and oak forests, Atlantic white cedar swamps, and occasional cranberry bogs.

The Batona Trail is a 53-mile (85 km) hiking trail, and a significant portion of it runs through Burlington County. It connects several state forests, including Wharton State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. This trail is a key feature for long-distance hiking in the region.

Yes, the generally flat and sandy terrain of the Pine Barrens makes many trails suitable for beginners and families. For example, Rancocas State Park offers over 17 miles (27 km) of official trails for various skill levels. Bass River State Forest also has an easy, self-guided Absegami Trail through a cedar swamp.

Dogs are generally permitted in New Jersey State Parks and Forests, including Wharton, Brendan T. Byrne, and Bass River State Forests. They must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and be under the owner's control at all times. It is always advisable to check the specific park's regulations before visiting.

The forests can be visited year-round for activities like hiking and mountain biking. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and fewer insects. Summer is popular, especially in areas with lakes for swimming like the Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton State Forest, but biting insects can be prevalent.