I absolutely love sharing our state’s best hiking trails with you! I tend to favor short hikes (it’s a personal preference) but I know there are avid hikers in the Garden State who are looking for a longer journey. There are plenty of trails to consider in New Jersey, though one stands out. It’s not just a long trail, it’s one of our state’s longest.
The Batona Trail is a 53.5-mile trail that runs through the New Jersey Pinelands.
Wikipedia/Famartin
Batona stands for BAck TO NAture and you’ll get plenty of nature along your journey.
Image/NJHiking.com
There will be ponds, meadows and woodlands along your journey, along with a fire to take everything in from above.
Image/NJHiking.com
From the top, you’ll enjoy views like this. Trees for miles!
Image/NJHiking.com
The trail starts in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.
Image/NJHiking.com
Then, it heads south to Wharton State Forest.
Flickr/Carly Schwartz
You’ll come across several important sites on your trek, including a memorial to famed aviator Emilio Carranza, who crashed in the Pine Barrens.
Image/NJHiking.com
And you won’t want to miss the lovingly restored and maintained Batsto Village, a former mining town.
Flickr/Kevin Jarrett
Though the trail runs on past Batsto Village, I’d stop there. You’ll get a hike that’s around 30 miles and you can stop at the Batona Camp overnight around mile 18.
Flickr/Alan English CPA
The Batona Camp is a primitive site (like many are along the trail) that includes potable water and pit toilets. A permit is required, though the site is pet friendly. I’d break the hike up like this: Day 1 – 18 miles of hiking, starting at the trailhead, Day 2 – 12 miles of hiking, with time spent at Batsto Village. Both the trailhead and Batsto Village have parking areas for easy drop off and pickup. For trail maps, visit NJHiking.com. For a few fantastic short hikes in New Jersey, check out this list: 12 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In New Jersey.
Wikipedia/Famartin
Image/NJHiking.com
Flickr/Carly Schwartz
Flickr/Kevin Jarrett
Flickr/Alan English CPA
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