The Batsto Lake Loop Trail - Scenic Hiking in the Legendary New Jersey Pine Barrens
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
- The 1.1 million acre Pine Barrens region of Southern New Jersey is the largest block of forest land on the eastern seaboard between Boston and Virginia. This magnificent and underappreciated landscape is home to unique plants and animals, winding forest rivers, abandoned ghost towns, and miles of hiking trails with abundant recreational opportunities. It is truly hard to fathom that this amazing place exists today within the confines of the most densely populated state in America. Within this expansive region of small towns, unnamed sand roads, and remote wooded tracts, lies the Wharton State Forest, New Jersey's largest. Join me for a hike through Wharton, starting at the restored ghost town of Batsto Village which dates back to 1766. Batsto in and of itself is a worthy destination for a day trip, with many opportunities for exploration in and around the several dozen buildings there. This is where the 4.1 mile Batsto Lake loop hike begins and ends. The trail follows along Batsto Lake through stands of Atlantic Cedar and the regions trade mark pines and oaks. Interpretive signs and short spur trails leading to lake side views are found early on. Soon the trail - though very well marked - takes on a wilder feel as it pulls away from the lake. You will next connect to the Batona Trail, a 53 mile backpacking trail, that will lead you through an area where a wild fire occurred in 2017. It is fascinating to see the recovery of the forest in this area. Eventually the Batona will return you to the village where you have the option to further explore the town or head on your way. A super easy super awesome way to get a nice cross section of what the New Jersey Pine Barrens region has to offer.
MUSIC - Ancient Discoveries by Gabriel Lewis
Sanctuary by Bonnie Grace
Wandering Soul by Gabriel Lewis
A Thing of Beauty by Jo Wandrini
Dew by Da Sein
The Inner Sound by Jesse Gallagher
CAMERA - Go Pro Hero 8 4k 24 fps
DJI Mini 2 4k 24fps
SOFTWARE - Wondershare Filmora
THUMBNAIL - Canva
Beautiful!!
Thanks so much, I love that area for hiking and exploring!
Loved the fog on the water.
I live a block from Harry Wright Lake and when biking to work would see the ladies doing their early morning exercises in the lake with their shower caps sticking up thru the fog
Yes, something magical and mysterious about early morning fog on the lake. Thanks for sharing your story....
Beautiful video, but that spooky face in the window was a shock! LOL. Thanks Walter!
I'm glad you noticed it lol, sometimes I wonder if people see the little extras I throw in the videos!
Yes its beautiful there. I used to camp there when I lived in Vineland, Nj
The village, the lake, the pines, it's a gorgeous spot indeed...
Nice great trail visit so beautiful except for the chigger bites in the pines in summer be careful ouch.
I try to avoid the pines in the summer. Too hot and buggy...
Love the old buildings.....great music 🎵
Thanks Belle.
I noticed the town is haunted. Your camera caught an apparition in the window of one of the buildings. 😉
Great video, they have a nice mountain bike trail that starts at Batsto and is about 17miles of flat riding (The Penn Branch Trail (Orange)).
Thankyou, its really nice down there, one of my favorite places in the vincinity of Philadelphia...
I never knew much about these Pine Barrens until your last video. I enjoy your drone footage, and of course, your choice of music. Thank you, Gator, for another great video.
I find almost universally, that very few people, even those who live in New Jersey themselves are much aware of this ecological treasure. Most associate the place with an episode of the Sopranos or loosely tie it to the legend of the New Jersey Devil. Perhaps it is because there is no stand out feature - waterfall, canyon, mountain range, etc. - that the region is so underappreciated. I find the simple existence of such a place within the megalopolis of the East Coast to be a bit of a miracle and intrigue unto itself. Living directly outside of Philadelphia its the closest access I have to any real "deep woods". Just by the name "Pine Barrens" - and the ecosystem is hardly barren - one gets the sense that this region historically and in present terms is not given its proper due respect. But perhaps this bit of irony is in fact what actually has led to the preservation of this impressive landscape in such an improbable location. Thank you Kate for watching and commenting!
your videos always give me a sense of peace great music choice!
Thank you my friend, I'm definitely going for a relaxing peaceful vibe.
Beautiful country
Who would believe such a place could exist amidst the most densely populated state in the country. America truly is a beautiful place.
I live nearby and Batsto is one of my favorite places. I have been there more times than I can remember. I have hiked those lake loop trails main times, and prefer the white one, because it's the longest.
Thanks for checking out the video. I have seen a number of yours as well over the years upon researching the area. Do you have a trail or two in the region that you would strongly recommend? I know you are intimately familiar with the region.
@@WALTERZOLNA One of my favorites is at the Atlantic County Park at Estell Manor. You can park at the Nature center. Then walk down the two-way entrance road, and make a left off of it, where it becomes a one-way road. There you are turning onto North End Road (dirt road). Follow that to Frog Pond Road, which is another dirt road, and make a right. Then follow that to Oak Ridge Trail and make a left. Follow that to Artesian Well Road (another dirt road) and make a right. Then just before the river make a right. You walk through a small open area and onto the Swamp Trail Boardwalk. Follow that to its end, behind the nature center. Make a right and walk back to the nature center, and through it (go in the back door). Then is a good time to check it out. Then out the front door to your car. That walk is probably just over 2 miles and is a good loop. I also enjoy trails at Belleplain State Forest and Parvin State Park, both of which are in the Pine Barrens.
@@MillerMeteor74 thanks so much for the detailed response. i will certainly look into those sites, truly appreciate it.
@@WALTERZOLNA You're welcome.
Loved this video. I had no idea those tropical looking waters existed there. A definite must-see....
The Pine Barrens have a lot of interesting things to see and do. I am constantly amazed at how underutilized and underappreciated this unique region is. Alas, perhaps that is a good thing however.
@WALTER ZOLNA that's definitely a good thing. One can hope that would keep it free and natural
Thank you for the video.
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I truly appreciate that.
Looks beautiful there. Nice video 👍
Thanks, I appreciate it.
People from other states like to bad-mouth New Jersey and call it the "armpit" of America, which is absolutely untrue. Clearly they have never been to the Pine Barrens. It is magical, pristine and extremely unique wilderness with an abundance of wildlife and unique plant species, including carnivorous ones. I won't go into more detail but let's just say if people know what we have here, they would flock to this region and as somene who lives within the boundaries of the Pinelands National Reserve, I don't ever want it to become a tourist destination.
Very well said, I completely agree.
Did you use a steady cam while walking? The video stability while hiking is amazing. Thanks for this great video with great editing. Too bad no Jersey Devil sighting though.
Thank you John, all mv shots unless they are from a drone are completely handheld with a gopro camera. I pride myself on trying to create the smoothest and highest quality shots that I possibly can. I always have my eyes and ears wide open when hiking the pines!
I believe I was in the Pine Barron’s many years ago with the kids I took care of and their grandparents who lived in Née Jersey. I believe we swam in a lake?!?
That's certainly possible, lots of lakes in that region.
The use of drones is illegal in Wharton Forest. Are you aware of that?
I wasn't aware of that Jon, thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Everything is Illegal in NJ