APPALACHIAN TRAIL
This famous National Scenic Trail enters New Jersey from Pennsylvania at the Delaware Water Gap. It runs along the northwestern border of the state, following the ridge of the Kittatinny Mountains for about 40 miles. The trail then turns east at High Point State Park, and after some distance crosses into New York.
For much of its length in New Jersey the Appalachian Trail is on state park and state forest lands. Terrain is hilly to mountainous, with some sections quite rocky. Fine views are available from the Kittatinny Mountain ridge. Difficulty varies from easy to moderately strenuous. Horses and bikes are not allowed on the trail.
Camping Regulations: Designated camping areas and shelters are located at regular intervals along the trail. Camping is generally limited to these sites, and prohibited elsewhere along the trail. Campfires are allowed at established sites. No permits are required.
For Further Information: Appalachian Trail Conference, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.
BATONA TRAIL
This trail traverses a good portion of New Jersey’s wild and sandy Pine Barrens, in the south-central part of the state. Much of the trail is within Wharton State Forest, with shorter segments in Lebanon State Forest and Bass River State Forest.
Leading through an endless forest of pine, the Batona Trail parallels the Batsto River for some distance, crosses numerous streams, and passes several ponds. Aside from a few small hills, it’s almost flat and thus extremely easy for backpacking. Horseback riding and mountain biking are not allowed on the trail.
Camping Regulations: Camping and campfires are restricted to several designated camping areas along the way. A permit must first be obtained from one of the state forest offices.
For Further Information: Wharton State Forest, RD #9 Batsto, Hammonton, NJ 08037; (609)561-3262.
NEW JERSEY CAMPING RESOURCES
ORGANIZATIONS WHICH OFFER WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIPS
University Outing Club, c/o Margaret Smith, 11 I Highwood Road, Somerset, NJ 08873. This club schedules occasional backpacking and canoe-camping trips. The club is associated with Rutgers University, but welcomes participants unaffiliated with the university.
USEFUL GUIDEBOOKS
Canoeing the Jersey Pine BarrensParnes, Robert. Old Saybrook, CT: The Globe Pequot Press.
Fifty Hikes in New JerseyScofield, Bruce; Green, Stella; and Zimmerman, H. Neil. Woodstock, VT: Backcountry Publications, 1988.
Guide to the Appalachian Trail in New York and New Jersey Harpers Ferry, WV: The Appalachian Trail Conference, 1988.
New York Walk BookNew York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Garden City: Anchor Books, 1984.
INFORMATION ABOUT CAMPGROUNDS ON STATE
LANDS
New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, CN 404, Trenton, NJ 08625.
STATE HIGHWAY MAP
New Jersey Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08618.
