The Batona Trail is one of the most underrated things to do in all of South Jersey. One possible…read morereason people don't know about it is because nobody makes money off it. It's not a business. It's a 53.5 mile trail through the Pine Barrens. It starts at Ongs Hat in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, continues south through Wharton State Forest, and ends at Bass River State Forest. You will see lots of abandoned cranberry bogs, cedar and pitch pine forests, and ruins of colonial era iron furnaces. It was started in 1961 by a hiking club. The trail is well blazed with pink. Be careful of ticks. The trail is only moderately difficult because of length. You can hike it all at once as long as you have three or four days, but you need to camp. You need a camping permit from the state forest office. I've been doing it in stages as day hikes as I'm just parking at one of the roads that cuts through it each time.

Love this place! Different entrances, beautiful scenery and wildlife, very well maintained. Great…read moretrails, nice place to be in touch with nature & our dog loves it as much as we do. Warning--it's very wet after snow & rain.

My favorite place to walk through. So peaceful and well maintained. Occasional water views and easy…read moreto follow trails.

I'm generally not an advocate of hiking in the rain (or really whenever anything is falling from…read morethe sky), but this is definitely the place to do it if you're going to. The Millennial Chum and I made our Pine Barrens hiking debut here this past Saturday, which was rainy and hovering in the high 40s. Our itinerary was very straight-forward - it was an 8.5-mile hike along the white trail (my ye olde pre-Sandy NJ hiking book identifies it as the Penns Hill Trail, but the website for Wells Mills cites it as the Macri trail; regardless, it's the white one), which is basically one giant loop circling Wells Mills Lake, though it veers much further west than that at several points. Our book claimed this would take four to five hours, which we thought was a ridiculous overestimate and was - we did this in a little over three hours, though we're both in good shape and really didn't stop. We were both enormously impressed by the facilities and trail markings here. The Nature Center at the beginning of the hike looks and is pretty spiffy, with a toasty, clean bathroom and helpful kiosks with maps to grab (handheld maps are not a given in this day and age). They DID run out of hand soap, but I think any of us would take a warm, functioning indoor plumbing situation over what we usually have to deal with. There was one time late in the hike when we stopped to peer around for the next marking, but we literally found it about five seconds later. Given that a lot of the trails overlap, turn and often cut into or across non-hiking fire trails, I thought they did a great job denoting the specific routes. I expected the entire hike to be flat, which is my general/uninformed impression of the Pine Barrens, but it actually had a few ups and downs over dune-like, woody hills, especially in the first two miles. Nothing crazy, and while we stopped for a few water breaks at the top of those mounds, we never felt obligated to pause to catch our breaths. I'm at a point in 2023 where I'm gauging the strenuousness of an activity based on what my Fitbit says, and it claimed I had no zone moments, which is essentially high cardio activity. So take that for what you will. Regardless, I think this is also a selling point, as I've actually been reluctant to hike around here due to the lack of terrain; definitely adds some character. The viewpoint situation was not my favorite. On a rainy day like this, you're treated to an X-files-esque view of a lake right at the beginning, complete with Vancouver-like pine trees (if you know, you know), but this is not a hike where you're going to end up looking out over anything; even the tops of the hills are in the middle of the woods, so you're just looking at the same trees you were looking at when you were at the bottom, just...higher. The other downside (depending on your perspective) is that this is probably the best kind of weather for the Pine Barrens in many ways, but it's hazardous. This hike has many boardwalks throughout the damper/swampier areas, but they get very slippery when it's rainy. I don't believe either of us legit lost our footing but we both hollered, 'Careful!' a lot. I'd recommend some tread on the hindpaws. I suspect due mostly to the weather, the wildlife and canine chum situations were terrible. We saw a pooch in the parking lot getting ready for a walk, but never encountered one during the entire 8.5 miles (and only saw a miserable-looking boy scout troop and two other people). Hopefully others have better luck. There was also a bright pink port-a-potty about halfway through right where the trail brushes up against the scout reservation, so if nature calls and you're trying to avoid direct body contact with pine needles dot dot dot. A lot of the hiking intangibles are here, so it's hard not to recommend this for just about anyone, regardless of skill level. It's not the kind of hike I'd do for a real workout, but to just get some fresh air and steps in? It's a nice change of pace if you're in the area.

Wells Mills County Park is the largest county park in Ocean County. It's substantial actually. It…read moreactually feels more like a state park because the trails are longer and more involved. There's no admission fee to enter, which is great. You can just hang out closer to the main entrance by the lake. You can also go down the trails for just a little bit and come back. So, it can be what do you make of it. They have trails of all different lengths, however. The trails interconnect, so you can "cheat" and don't have to go down the full length of them. The green trail takes about an hour and a half to walk around. The white trail is windier and a little bit more scenic. The white trail also goes down much closer to the lake and through the cedar or swamp next to the lake. The yellow trail is very long. I've been on parts of it, but I've heard that it's relatively boring. One day I will want to walk the whole distance of it because it's close to 10 miles long. While most parks in Ocean County tend to be flat like a pancake, there's a little bit more elevation here. Some parts of the green and white trail would be easy to moderately difficult. But the trails are well blazed, and it's not terrible. Be careful because the trail map that I found online is old, and they have since updated it. When you come in there's a board that has a map posted. You can pick up an updated trail map there. It's also recommended that you sign in if you are going to be hiking for a distance. You don't want to get stuck in there and have the gates close on you. It's for your safety. There is a canoe launching dock on the lake, as well. When my friend comes next summer, who is a big kayaker, then I'll try it out. But I mostly go just for exercise and to go on the trails now. The park has a very safe feel, and I feel comfortable walking there. People generally say hi to you when you pass them on the trail. The only thing you need to worry about is ticks that may cause Lyme disease. So, make sure that you check for ticks, and take a shower as soon as you get home from there.

Along the former Barnegat Branch Railroad Route, they have built sections of a biking and/or…read morewalking route. For people like me who are train and local history buffs, it's fun. Only part of it has been completed. It's still missing a section through Lacey Twp because of legal problems. The township wants to build a bypass to alleviate traffic on Route 9. Nature groups want to use it for the trail. One part in Berkeley Twp also is not completed, where there are some environmental problems. The scenery also isn't fantastic. You see houses on both sides of the trail. But you probably will see bunnies, too. So, 3 stars instead of 5. But maybe one day I'll update my review to 5 stars when it eventually gets finished, if ever.

Our new favorite campsite!…read more My husband and I just came back from our first "real" camping trip. When hotels in Seaside Heights were too expensive, we decided to take our camper out to Cedar Creek. Although it's usually a four night minimum, Cedar Creek kindly accommodated us for two nights. Upon arriving, I realized we were way out of our comfort zone. A lot of these people are "seasonal" campers and camp here for months at a time. I was blown away with some of the setups these people had - one even had a bar! Our neighbors welcomed us when we pulled up to our spot and helped us unload. It was a very warm welcome. We did a quick drive around the campsite and saw a pool, a fire pit for s'mores, playgrounds, kayaks and canoes. It totally took me back to "The Parent Trap". I appreciated the 24-hour security. Everyone took their job seriously and made us feel safe. It truly was a fun experience and I'm looking forward to camping her for many years to come!

For my birthday, I decided to gather a few friends and head down to NJ for a fun day of canoeing…read moreand kayaking! I've done this before and I knew exactly what to expect. But what I'm more impressed with is that their service and friendliness was consistent to my last experience. Moreover, it's an oasis away from the city as the scenery is certainly peaceful, tranquil and fun. If you're plan on going, I suggest to pick the 11am slot! This will give you ample time to hang out at the creek before the return time which is at 5:30pm. The company will drive you to the site and will leave you upstream so when you're rowing down, you won't be not fighting against the current. You have the option to go on the 4 hour, 3 hour or 1 hour slot. Best of all, the creek is not that deep, though I was told that there are certain spots that can be 8-10 feet deep but most of the time, it seems like it's only 3-4 feet deep. This was great because it gave me the option to jump in the water and play with my friends since I didn't' know how to swim! If you're renting a canoe, it will cost around $60 which you can split with the other person. But if you like to kayak then the cost is about $45 per person. All in in, I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for something fun to do and still close enough to the city to head back home. The people here are super duper friendly and the creek is beyond clean, the air is fresh and the experience is absolutely priceless!!!! _________________________ They are also a campsite so if you're planning to stay over night, this is also another great way to add more fun to the experience!

Very chill spot. Everyone was very respectful of your space. This has become my new go to place.read more

Finally since moving to South Jersey made it before the Island Beach State Park closed…read more Had to pay $5 to enter even though park was closing in 20 minutes. We drove to the trail #7 as recommended by the gate for the best sunset views! It was truly beautiful to see the sunset on the bay. Walked over to the beach- vehicles allowed on the beach, saw bonfires and lots of people fishing! Plan to buy season passes and enjoy this State Park more often!!

This is a rather special Yelp. Its not for a restaurant or hotel or cafe or salon. Its for a ghost…read moretown. Yep. In New Jersey. In the Pine Barrens. Scared? No need to be. Its a superb day trip--a place unlike any other. You wont find tourists here; or probably any other living soul for miles around. Its just not that well-known enough. Its not an excursion accompanied by a lot of tourist-board support, advertising, or fanfare. There are no audioguides, no pamphlets, no maps. There's also no fees, gates, ticket-stands, trinkets, permits, or clerks. You can just park on the shoulder of the expressway, and mosey right in off the roadside. Its just a tract of deserted woodland. Its a part of New Jersey only a few people ever have reason to explore; its for the imaginative and intrepid. In the course of a year, the site probably only gets a couple photographers, an artist or two, or perhaps an author once in a while. Some 4WD-nuts pass by occasionally. [And this Yelp won't change that--even if I told you about great dining here, this place will always be forlorn and neglected.] Its the location of a vanished Piney town which sprang up in the 1800s around an iron-smelting furnace; and which has now almost completely disappeared from above-ground. Iron? There were iron mines in New Jersey? Not exactly. Its a strange chemical process, organically-occurring, whereby it forms in the swamps and bogs around here. You'll notice all the water is naturally 'tea'-colored. But all the left-behind equipment and abandoned buildings are now, just as if they never were. You might only notice some strange shapes --hummocks, berms--in the terrain and that's about it. This is where your imagination comes to the fore. You're strolling around on top of a village. Chalk one up for NATURE! If it doesn't grab your fancy, then..no matter--just wandering around in the Pine Barrens is in itself, ethereal and stupefying. Take care not to get lost; because the trees have an eerie manner of all looking exactly the same. A few unmindful steps can get you turned around. The Pine Barrens are just a fabulous and unique environment. People love to discredit the Garden State without ever having heard of forests like this. To try to explain: the soil is flat, level, and sandy and without underbrush--covered only with a carpet of pine needles. Thus, with the trees racing up so tall and straight--like columns in a church--and also branching so high; the effect is quite cathedral-like. Sun slants through as if coming through high windows. And its uncannily quiet. Like a big empty room. Just the coolest. Bring boots (its occasionally muddy) and a survival knife *just in case* of feral dogs. I recommend this excursion to all the Yelpers who like to make a fuss over their daring and adventurous, active lifestyles. You're not impressing me with your tour-guide led whitewater rafting adventures. Try exploring the Pine Barrens. .

Free entrance beach that is well maintained! Keep it clean and don't bring your filth to the…read morepublic. Showers on each entrance and restrooms at some areas. See images for reference.

My favorite beach by far to visit. Clean, quiet and convenient. Parking is also easy to find and…read morefree!

BEACHWOOD: it is love at first sight at Jakes Branch County Park! The woods along the trails are…read moreso pretty and just has a different feel than other parks we have been to. There are multiple hiking/walking/bike trails spanning from 0.2 to 3.8 miles, so something for every ability. Walk along berry bushes & plants, and "Jakes Branch" stream and over bridges and past picnic and play areas. Our photos do not do the park justice. The park borders Double Trouble State Park and we'll have to visit that another day. Be sure to grab a trail map or pull it up on your phone to have an idea of where you are going. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.

Jakes Branch County Park is located on the other side of the parkway in Beachwood. It is a very…read morefamily oriented park and is good for general recreation. They have all different things to do, including fields for all types of sports fields up front and good playgrounds for kids. They have different length trails, too, so that you can get exercise walking through the woods. People walk on them, and I have also seen dirt bikers. There's no admission to enter. One thing that is creative about it is that they have these "play pockets". Most parks just have playgrounds up front near the entrance, but here you have to go down the trail to get to them. It's really suitable for children. The park in general has a safe feel. The woods are just basically pine forest. It's obviously not on the level of Yosemite. But it is a nice place to have locally. One cool thing they have there is a big mural done by a local artist over 30 years ago of the Hindenburg landing in Lakehurst. If you go up to the watchtower, you can even see the hangar all the way on the base in Lakehurst.

JACKSON: The Silver Stream & Steve Kitay trails are part of the Metedeconk Preserve, a special…read moresection of nature that is forever preserved by New Jersey Conservation Foundation. It is a really beautiful and peaceful park where at some points it is so quiet that it is wonderfully eerie. Leashed dogs can go on a nature walk with you! In the summer, the park is very rooty, muddy, and overgrown with green leaves from the many trees. In the winter, the conditions are pretty much the same, but with a lot less green! Turns out this park's purpose is to hold flood waters, so that explains the mud! It is a fun place to walk with many bridges and boardwalks to cross over and nice views of the Metedeconk River and little streams. I recommend wearing hiking boots as there are many roots and your feet might get stuck in mud! The 2-mile trail is well-marked and you can find your way back out! (I get lost easily, so good signs are important to me)! There is a bonus 1-mile "Steve Kitay" trail that goes even deeper into nature with more views of the river. It is interesting comparing the park between the winter and summer. With less leaves on the trees, you can see more nature and better views of the river! The entrance is located near 255 Frank Applegate Road, Jackson, NJ 08527