Description:
Not far from the Eastern seaboard is a world where pygmy pines, carnivorous plants and cranberry bogs rule. It's New Jersey's legendary Pine Barrens.
Here, you'll stroll along sandy trails through a habitat of meandering rivers, bogs, wetlands and stunted forests.
But don't get too comfortable -- this is also the home of the hideous Jersey Devil.
The story goes that in the year 1735, a Mrs. Leeds, who already had too many children, said that if she had another child, she wished it would be "the devil." And wouldn't you know, she soon got pregnant and gave birth to a creature with cloven hooves, bat wings, and a forked tail. To this day, this devil creature is said to stalk the Pine Barrens...
Ask anyone who lives here and they'll tell you, "Don't camp alone."
Kayak photo courtesy of Jeremiah Connelly.
Author:
Melody Moser
Melody Moser is a freelance travel writer who writes for local, national and international publications.... view profile
View Iternary mapDay Note:
Begin your first day exploring Batsto Historic Village then take a break and enjoy the shady Bass River State Forest. Go for a swim or hike the trails. Then head over to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge for bird and wildlife viewing.
-
Bass River State Forest
Contact:
- (609) 296-1114
- visit website
Location:
- 762 Stage Rd
- Ltl Egg Hbr Twp,NJ08087
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Summer brings lots of folks (and lots of mosquitoes, strawberry flies and greenheads) to this popular State Forest with a large campground and swimming lake. Bring you bugspray and enjoy a day out away from the city.
This is the first of New Jersey's state forests, acquired by the state in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management. Lake Absegami, created in the 1930s, provides swimming, boating and canoeing. There's also a trail which winds through the Absegami Natural Area through a forest of pine and oak woods and Atlantic white cedar bog, also containing red maples and magnolias. -
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Contact:
- (609) 652-1665
- visit website
Location:
- 800 Great Creek Rd
- Oceanville,NJ08231
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
Do you want to know a hummingbird's wingspan? What about how far birds fly each season? Stop in at the headquarters and auditorium (weekdays between 10 am and 3 pm) to learn more about birds.
Description:
The Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge consists of about 40,000 acres of coastal wetlands that have been set aside as a refuge that acts as a resting place for migratory birds. Anyone who enjoys birdwatching will love it here. There is a wildlife drive and trails open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. To get here, take the White Horse Pike to Route 9 North; you'll find the main vehicular entrance on Route 9 just north of Atlantic City.
Day Note:
Chatsworth is famous for its Cranberry Festival held every October. If you're here at that time, don't miss it... you'll never forget the beauty of the cranberry bogs, flooded, undulating with sparkling red berries.
Enjoy breakfast at historic Chatsworth General Store & Buzby's Cafe, then head out to one of New Jersey's scenic rivers for a fun kayak or canoe experience.
-
Chatsworth General Store & Buzby's Cafe
Contact:
- 609-894-4415/609-726-9000
- visit website
Location:
- Route 563 & 1st Street
- Chatsworth,NJ
- user rating
Description:
A great place to stop for breakfast or lunch. Eat beneath lazy ceiling fans next to berry bog workers and other folk who live here, then peruse the shop for Pine Barrens nature guides. Chattworth is home to the annual Cranberry Festival every October, an event that shouldn't be missed.
-
Mick's Canoe And Kayak Rental
Contact:
- (609) 726-1380,(800) 281-1380
- visit website
Location:
- 3107 County Road 563
- Chatsworth,NJ08019
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
Said to be one of the best places to kayak and canoe in the country.
Description:
Paddle kayaks or canoes through the natural beauty of theWharton State Forest Pine Barrens in New Jersey. Everyone will enjoy the gentle waters of the Wading and Oswego Rivers.
-
Adams Canoe Rental
Contact:
- (609) 268-0189
- visit website
Location:
- 1005 Atsion Road
- Shamong,NJ08088
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Rent a canoe or kayak for a day out on the scenic Mullica or Batsto Rivers. Adams Canoe Rental is located 10.3 miles south of the Red Lion Circle, which is the Route 70 and Route 206 intersection. They offer pick-up and drop-off service. Do a day trip or overnight it at backcountry campgrounds along the rivers.
Day Note:
There's nothing like a pie from Penza's, and you should stop here even if it's to purchase one to take home with you. If yesterday's kayak or canoe experience left you wanting more, rent a canoe or kayak at Palace Outfitters for a trip down the Winding River.
Later, relax at the Renault Winery Resort. Play golf, take a tour of the winery, and enjoy a memorable six course dinner at the Renault Gourmet Restaurant.
Want something more casual? Try Mediterranean...read more
-
Renault Winery Resort
Contact:
- +1 609 965 2111
- visit website
Location:
- 72 North Bremen Avenue
- Egg Harbor City,NJ08215
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
An excellent choice for the day-tripper or local resident in search of a relaxing, leisure experience. The beautiful grounds feature Tuscany-style architecture with a vineyard offering a wide variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines. Aside from the wine, the golf course features impeccable landscaping with strategic elements making for an aesthetic and challenging game. The Tuscany House Hotel caters to all business and event needs with an on-site staff to assist with any occasion.
- Destination(s): Atlantic City
- Type: Active/Adventure,Off the Beaten Path
- 3 DAYS
-
User Rating sign in to rate it - Download This Guide
- Top Categories
- Explore Atlantic City travel or check out Attractions, Cheap Restaurants, Boutique Hotels, Bars, and more on NileGuide.
