View Full Version : Batona Trail, New Jersey
FritztheCat
06-10-2009, 16:27
I'll be hiking the Batona Trail in SE New Jersey in the middle of July. Anyone have any experience with this trail? Can't seem to find a whole lot of information on the trail but what I've found seems to be quite cool!
http://www.njpinelandsanddownjersey.com/open/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=11&MMN_position=36:3
I'm heading up there with the wife to visit her mother for a few days. I figure I could sneak in a 2-3 day hiking trip while she visits. :D
wrongway_08
06-10-2009, 16:34
Seems like a cool trail, what kind of info are you looking for, the web site seems to contain a lot.
Got me interested in it. I think the best thing to do is print the maps and just go hike it.
You could do the whole thing in three days.
Ridge Rat
06-10-2009, 16:35
Boring, No views, no elevation change, sand, BUGS!!! Other than that, its a 70ish mile walk in the pine barrens... HYOH and have fun
When I worked in NJ a few years back in the early 90's I was very pleasantly surprised to find the Pine Barrens and the Batona Trail. I never end to ended it, but did hike several sections, often several times. I always enjoyed the get away.
It's not a "spectacular scenery" trail, but if you can enjoy the subtleties of a pretty unique ecosystem, then the Pine Barrens has a lot to offer.
Have Fun!!!
Sand, pine needles, ticks and chiggers. There is no elevation change to speak of, the cranbury bogs are interesting as is the cedar swamps. But its a trail and gives an idea what the Pine Barrens are like.
FritztheCat
06-10-2009, 18:34
Thanks for the info! Sounds a lot like False Cape State Park here in SE Virginia. Sand, pine needles, no elevation change, bugs, dunes. Perfect! :)
I figure I'll use the time to test out some gear and some recipies.
Its 50 miles By the way, Kayak Karl has done it and has been giving me some info as of late. I may be doing it the weekend of the 19th and 20th as an overnight. Ill give a trip report if I go.
:banana:
JokerJersey
06-10-2009, 21:33
I've done sections of it as well. Other than deep sand, it's not a hard stretch. Now, I haven't done the entire thing, but I have done the section out of Batsto to Lower Forges Campsite and I've been told that the rest of the trail is pretty much the same.
Like another poster said, there isn't spectacular mountain vistas, but there are a lot of ticks and skeeters. Bring a shelter and bug spray. The Pinelands are a very unique, very fragile ecosystem, unlike any other found in the US. If you can appreciate the sparse nature of the surroundings, enjoy solitude, and like being in the woods just to be in the woods, you'll have a great time. If you can pay attention to your surroundings, you'll quickly realize that the "Pine Barrens" aren't really that barren at all. I plan on end-to-ending the Batona sometime this season. If you need maps, you can pick them up at any of the ranger stations, or if you want to PM me an address, I'll mail you one.
JokerJersey
06-10-2009, 21:35
Also, if you need a shuttle from somewhere in the area, just let me know. I'd be happy to lend a hand.
No views? - Mullica River, ponds, lakes, dams, firetowers, cranberry bogs, fox, deer, turkey, numerous bird species, reptiles, nature center, lots of other animals, blueberries, etc. Flat - yes, ticks and chiggers - oh yes
JokerJersey
06-10-2009, 22:14
Couple animals we found and photo'd near the Batona Trail.
Rough Green Snake
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/2/3/8/9/greensnake_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=34346&c=550)
Woodchuck
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/2/3/8/9/batstobill_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=34347&c=551)
So...there is stuff to see. Just have to keep your eyes open.
kayak karl
06-10-2009, 22:24
No views? - Mullica River, ponds, lakes, dams, firetowers, cranberry bogs, fox, deer, turkey, numerous bird species, reptiles, nature center, lots of other animals, blueberries, etc. Flat - yes, ticks and chiggers - oh yes
what do you mean no views. deer. fox and the cedar stand are my favorite. the streams are beautiful in the morn.
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/19099/2022205200104593866S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2022205200104593866IeZNdk)
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/43985/2484414300104593866S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2484414300104593866eKRFsc)
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/44280/2684825280104593866S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2684825280104593866Uyfpth)
kayak karl
06-10-2009, 22:29
So...there is stuff to see. Just have to keep your eyes open.
for like the jersey devil. used to party with him in the late 60's. never chipped in for beer. complained about his 12 brothers and sisters. wouldn't shut up about his mother, a real buzz buster, but if u see him, tell him i said hi :D
FritztheCat
06-10-2009, 22:32
Great photos! Thanks Karl! How does your return to the AT look? I had been following your progress.
kayak karl
06-10-2009, 22:37
Great photos! Thanks Karl! How does your return to the AT look? I had been following your progress.
August 1-15 SOBO
Thanks for asking
KK
JokerJersey
06-10-2009, 22:40
Karl's pics finally got me off my butt to get some of mine out of the camera and onto the computer.
Mullica River Trail - Pretty much what you can expect on the Batona
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/2/3/8/9/mullica_river_trail_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=34350&c=558)
Campsite at Goshen's Pond Primitive Site near Atsion Lake, a bit NW of the Batona Trail.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/2/3/8/9/goshen_s_pond_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=34349&c=558)
Shot of the Mullica River taken from the Mullica River Trail right before you get to the primitive campsite.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/2/3/8/9/mullica_river_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=34348&c=558)
FritztheCat
06-10-2009, 22:47
Joker, awesome photos! My wife says she "thru-hiked" the Batona Trail back in the 80's as part of a girl scout camp counselor weekend. She loved it. She really appreciates the ecosystem there and had always wanted to hike through the Barrens. She said the following week the girl scouts did the AT from Delaware Water Gap but she didn't enjoy it as much as the Barrens. "Too many hills with a ton of gear that the brats wouldn't carry!" LOL! That was pretty much the end her hiking days (and her discovery that she did not want to be a counselor!) I'm glad she did it though because she can understand my love of hiking.
kayak karl
06-10-2009, 22:47
Karl's pics finally got me off my butt to get some of mine out of the camera and onto the computer.
Mullica River Trail - Pretty much what you can expect on the Batona
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/2/3/8/9/mullica_river_trail_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=34350&c=558)
Campsite at Goshen's Pond Primitive Site near Atsion Lake, a bit NW of the Batona Trail.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/2/3/8/9/goshen_s_pond_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=34349&c=558)
Shot of the Mullica River taken from the Mullica River Trail right before you get to the primitive campsite.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/2/3/8/9/mullica_river_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=34348&c=558)
great shots. last time i was a goshen pond was 76. thanks for the photo.:)
kayak karl
06-10-2009, 22:56
Joker, awesome photos! My wife says she "thru-hiked" the Batona Trail back in the 80's as part of a girl scout camp counselor weekend. She loved it. She really appreciates the ecosystem there and had always wanted to hike through the Barrens. She said the following week the girl scouts did the AT from Delaware Water Gap but she didn't enjoy it as much as the Barrens. "Too many hills with a ton of gear that the brats wouldn't carry!" LOL! That was pretty much the end her hiking days (and her discovery that she did not want to be a counselor!) I'm glad she did it though because she can understand my love of hiking.
ther is NO other ego system similar to the pine barrens. it is THAT unique. it must burn to survive:confused: and us jersey people should treasure it.:)
yous (jersey for you all) agree:)
KK
Thanx KK. That's what I mean. Plenty to see and experience on the Batona Trl. All of NJ isn't interstates, the turnpike, parkway, refineries, airports, development, etc.
I grew up in the Pinelands Preserve! Loved it! The Pine Barrens are NOT barren!
watchingtrainsgoby
06-12-2009, 10:57
If you can pay attention to your surroundings, you'll quickly realize that the "Pine Barrens" aren't really that barren at all.
Yeah the Pine Barrens are a really amazing place really. I've hiked sections before but this year I plan on doing it end to end. My favorite thing about the pines is the ecosystem. I love studying the plants and animals that I come across in this area. There are a few plants and critters that are found only in this area. There are carnivourous plants and blue and huckleberries like you wouldnt believe. If you can deal with the ticks and chiggars its a wild place.
brocken spectre
12-16-2009, 09:36
The Pine Barrens are awesome!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37817089@N04/4093453290/
brocken spectre
12-16-2009, 09:38
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs004.snc3/11146_196323232368_810657368_2938487_4229068_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2938488&id=810657368)
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs004.snc3/11146_196323052368_810657368_2938464_5613289_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2938465&id=810657368)
I don't think it will look like that when I'm out there from Jan 3 - 5, 2010!
Actually, barring some snow, it kind of looks like that year round.
brocken spectre
12-17-2009, 09:55
I took those pictures about a month ago (mid-November) and we haven't had snow yet, so it probably does look the same. I am also going overnight on Christmas eve weekend. The forecast keeps changing from rain to snow to rain....I hope it will be snow.
timebreaks
07-12-2010, 22:14
do you need permits to camp along the Batona trail?
GoldenBear
07-13-2010, 12:15
http://tinyurl.com/PL-BatonaTr
And you'll find the words "Camping along the trail is permitted ... A permit is necessary ..."
bullseye
07-19-2010, 21:53
do you need permits to camp along the Batona trail?
Yup. It's like $2.00 per person per night, and you can either get them in the mail or pick them up at Batsto Village. Also, you are supposed to use the designated campsites (Carranza, Lower Forge, and there's one at the southern end who's name I forget - maybe Bodine Field).
kayak karl
07-19-2010, 22:55
Yup. It's like $2.00 per person per night, and you can either get them in the mail or pick them up at Batsto Village. Also, you are supposed to use the designated campsites (Carranza, Lower Forge, and there's one at the southern end who's name I forget - maybe Bodine Field).
Buttonwood Hill is the new blue blaze just south after Batsto. And Its not Carrannza, its Batona Field. extreme southern is Bass River. they will not mail them, you must pick them up.
bullseye
07-21-2010, 23:46
Buttonwood Hill is the new blue blaze just south after Batsto. And Its not Carrannza, its Batona Field. extreme southern is Bass River. they will not mail them, you must pick them up.
The campsite across the road from Caranza Memorial is Batona Field? Learn something new every day, we just called it Carranza:o. Haven't been down there recently - when did Buttonhill open? How far is it off the main trail?
http://tinyurl.com/PL-BatonaTr
And you'll find the words "Camping along the trail is permitted ... A permit is necessary ..."
The designated campsites are fine(use them, they are in nice places) but if you were to somehow find yourself having to sleep off the trail in the woods a bit between the designated camping areas there probably isn't going to be anyone around to hassle you about it.
bullseye
07-22-2010, 18:59
The designated campsites are fine(use them, they are in nice places) but if you were to somehow find yourself having to sleep off the trail in the woods a bit between the designated camping areas there probably isn't going to be anyone around to hassle you about it.
Except a piney or two, and maybe the jersey devil:D.
General Fireball
07-22-2010, 19:17
I guess I've hiked about half of it . . . the Pine Barrens are beautiful, in their own way. It's certainly easy hiking. The only negative thing I can say is that last I knew, there was one rather long (like three mile) asphalt roadwalk on the trail. Other than that, a nice walk.
woodstock64
10-23-2010, 01:04
I Live in EHT, NJ and am considering a weekend hike of the Batona Trail in November. Many posts here describe the trail as full of ticks etc, but all appear to be based on summer hikes of the trail. Has anyone hiked this trail during the autumn or winter months and if so what were the trail conditions? Thanks.
Ticks are why I hike it in winter or fall during decent weather. No tricks! I mean ticks! The WORST tick infestations I've experienced ANY WHERE in the U.S. is in southern NJ! IMO, it's the only down side to hiking this easy to hike short trail(2 days if I take my time). When I just have to get away to the woods for a while on short notice and I can't take off time from work, it's a good trail for me because it's near home, it's short, and I can do it in a weekend or one long day.
Oh, try not to schedule this hike during a summer weekend or on a popular holiday like July 4 - not because of all the multi-legged ticks but because you may run into too many of the 2 legged variety - road crossings and some of the "official" camping areas can get busy with party goers.
I think it was a VERY wise idea to ban ORVs, ATVs, motorcycles, 4WDs from many areas in the "Pines" - erosion and trash were starting to have their impact! It's cleaned up and revegetated quite nicely now where there were previous problems in the Pine Barrens.
Trail tread is largely through sandy FLAT pine forests but also is routed through/near some FLAT cedar bog areas, along a few ponds/lakes, and takes in short distances along FLAT dirt roads in the Pine Barrens. If you have ever walked around Stafford Forge Wildlife area near EHT it's much the same stuff.
IMO, with decent weather, NOV can be a GREAT time to head out to this trail. The leaves on the deciduous trees will have colored and fell by then though. Might open up some additional views for you which would make spotting wildlife easier.
Go do it!
woodstock64
10-23-2010, 10:10
Wow Dodwood,
Thanks for the quick reply. That is exactly what I hoped to hear. I had been scheduled to head down to Shenandoah NP this weekend with some friends to backpack a section of the AT but due to family issues had to bail out at the last minute. I'm determined to get out into the woods for a weekend of backpacking anyway and since the Batona is so close it seemed like the ideal trail. May even take my 12 yo son who was also scheduled to go this weekend. He's never been backpacking so the Batona may actually be a better choice for his 1st trail as it is flat. He'll get some trail legs without the pain of large elevation changes. Would have preferred hiking before the leaves fell but with Holloween coming up the earliest I could get out will be November. If your interested, I wouldn't mind another hiker joining us.