Pine Barrens

The world-famous Pine Barrens are a nature-lovers dream. Wharton State Forest is a 108,499-acre forest that includes 40 miles of hiking trails and four rivers for canoeing; Bass River State Forest in New Gretna, a 37,000-acre park featuring Absegami Lake, horseback riding, mountain biking and more; Brendan T. Bryne State Forest in New Lisbon, boasting 32,000 acres with miles of roads and hiking trails; and Penn State Forest in Chatsworth, a 3,000-acre forest offering a lake for boating and fishing, as well as trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

The Pine Barrens also provide a number of eco-adventures, including glimpses of early America when Native American tribes thrived off the Delaware River's bounty. Eco-treasures include Whitesbog Village in Pemberton, a turn-of-the-century agricultural settlement - once the largest cranberry farm in the state - featuring driving tours, annual harvest tours and festivals; and the Rancocas Nature Center and Museum in Mount Holly, a birdwatching mecca operated by the New Jersey Audubon Society that has a self-guided nature trail, native wildlife and hands-on exhibits. Nestled in the midst of the Pine Barrens is Batsto Village, a historical treasure that preserves village life in the 18th century. The historic grist mills, workers cottages, mansion, general store and other buildings portray life before DVDs, computers and other 21st century luxuries.

Pictured: Beaver Dam, Wharton State Forest
Courtesy South Jersey Tourism Corporation