Batona Trail Thruhike - Backpacking in New Jersey!

Thruhike of the Batona Trail in New Jersey. 53 miles from end to end. Around 57 miles with some side trails to Buttonwood Camp, Batsto Village, etc. Good times with Chris and Lori from LiteAF, Dutch from Dutchware, Chris AKA Pine Barrens Leather, and Big Mike. I like to call him that because of his BIG personality. Interesting trail. Great group of folks. Fun times with new friends. Check it out!

[@traceyleeds7899]

Thank you for making this video. I'm a life long Piney. A Leeds, in fact. Hopefully when my children get old enough, we can enjoy a trip like this together.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Awesome!!!!

[@jerseyjim8365]

I’ve been blessed to be born and raised in South Jersey with gems like the Pine Barrens and Jersey Shore. ✌️

[@ruinsane100]

7:20 that's an Atlantic White Cedar Swamp. The NJ Pinelands are so magical. People don't realize how special this place is. I am fortunate to have it literally in my backyard.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Awesome. You are lucky!

[@Genevieveblaise]

That glove giving the finger is the most jersey thing I’ve ever seen lol

[@MillerMeteor74]

Interesting to see a through hike video of this trail. I live within maybe 7 or 8 miles of Batsto, and have been here for 38 years. But I've only hiked 2 short sections of the Batona, both within Wharton State Forest. I have been to the top of the Batsto and Apple Pie towers, but that was a long time ago. When you went from Buttonwood Hill Camp, across the road to the river, that was the Mullica River. On the other side of the river is Atlantic County. Glad you got to experience hiking through the various types of landscape in the pine barrens. Now you know how special it is here.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yes. I love the Pine Barrons. Not only was this a great trail, but I also made some great friends on this hike. I'll be back in 2024. We're planning to run the trail to raise money for charity. Im excited to see those white cedars again!

[@druhol6753]

Can’t wait to do this trail. I’m about a 20 minute drive to ongs hat trailhead. I ordered a liteaf pack since it was local (again only about 15 min to their shop) and love that they donate to the New Jersey pine lands. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Your going to love it.....pack and trail!

[@VocallyLostGarage]

crazy seeing a place i lived for most my life and still seeing new things well I knew of the trails but never walked them might have to explore em

[@TravelDreaming_]

Love this. I live in Philadelphia and have never been to Wharton State Forest until today. I spent a few hours walking along the white trail and have already planned out a backpacking trip for the fall. What a beautiful spot. Thanks for the video.

[@Flame44]

SOOoo Glad y'all made this video!! NJ has a lot to offer in the Pine Barrens. Batona is a lovely trail,especially in fall & not a too tough of a hike. Happy trails!!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea....definitely a cool trail. I hope more people will get out there and give it a shot. Great area for a day hike, overnight, or a thruhike.

[@dougronald561]

I have started doing the Batona Trail. But I'm doing it on my own terms. I'm just doing parts of it each time since I don't live far away. I've just been parking, hiking a few miles and then returning to my car. No overnight camping. It'll be my project all fall, winter, and spring. Thanks for the helpful vid.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Sounds like a great plan! Have fun....👍

[@dougronald561]

@@TheUltralightMindset thanks man

[@lauracarey-stafki5857]

Thank you for taking us through the trail. Maybe do another version but only show more of the deep and dense areas too.

[@HawkeyeHikes]

Great video. I'm in delaware and I've embarrassingly never heard of this trail. I'll definitely have to check it out. Thank you for sharing this!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea man. You definitely should. Thanks for watching...🤙

[@tracingtheblueridge]

Whats up Delaware gang lol. I'm planning a thru hike of Batona in June. Theres a really nice guide on r/njhiking that u/kashisaur put together if you're interested in taking a jaunt through the pine barrens.

[@HawkeyeHikes]

@@tracingtheblueridge sweet! Thank you!

[@Appr3hensive]

So friggin cool. Been wanting to backpack for years. I've been here but I never knew the trails connected. Adding to my bucket list asap.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Perfect. Have fun!

[@Al-cs6hu]

Great video, MBM. Did this years ago in August. Pitcher plants, Venus Fly traps, turtles, clean water and White Cedars are awesome!!! He did this in winter due to ticks. Good Idea.

[@geslinam9703]

Yeah, especially this year, after the wet winter we had in the northeast. Just doing yard work, I’m finding at least a half dozen of them on me after. I’ve done this trail, it’s a nice one. Not too hard, quiet and pretty. You would never believe you are in one of the most crowded states in the USA.

[@christopherjames3027]

We used to MTB this trail back in the 90’s (yeah, not really supposed to 😉) but it’s really nice to ride too. I’ve always wanted to thru hike it, nice video!

[@tracingtheblueridge]

You've got great friends and even better production value. Subbed.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Wow....thanks.👍

[@peterboggs8445]

Hey - great video. I did this trail in sections - five straight Saturdays with the South Jersey Outdoors Club. Going to through hike it late August. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Awesome man. I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised with the Batona. Have fun on that Thru....Happy Trails.

[@kaylew108]

Right near where I used to love as a kid. We went to Pakim pond all the time. Beautiful area. Miss it a lot

[@sandragrant8271]

Nothing about the pine barrens looks "creepy". Actually it's quite pleasant. Not saying the devil ain't in there , because everyone can't be lying or imagining that they see SOMETHING, but it can't be evil. Those woods are lovely.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I thoroughly enjoyed that trail. I'd do it again in a minute...👍🏻

[@sandragrant8271]

@@TheUltralightMindset 😊

[@takemetothecampfire]

Nice video! Looking forward to doing this in the near future.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Its a fun trail....👍

[@Pineyhunter]

I love the batona!!!!!! It’s way underrated but exceptional for its cedar swamps and natural beauty.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Totally Agree....👍👍👍

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Great video 😊🌲

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks...much appreciated. 🤙

[@raybonn]

This was great. I think I passed you guys near Batsto!

[@bretthikez6567]

hope you loved my home state...chris from lite AF is a good dude...the pines are my winter camping spot...ive only done about half of that trail..it was pretty neat and flat...great vid dude

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I had a great time with those guys and the trail was a lot of fun. The big white cedar groves were deffinately my favorite part of the trail. Chris and Lori are super rad. Cant wait to hike with all those guys again!

[@bretthikez6567]

cool.,happy the garden State was good to ya....the AT in NJ has some sweet spots also..im up there alot..

[@joeshmoe3667]

That was a really cool video dude. You had that camera rolling way more than I realized. You do know the real reason your knees felt better, right? The TANNINS!!!!!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

If only I bottled up some Tannins!!!

[@jmsbohannon]

Great video!! It's a fun trail!! I was supposed to hike it with you guys but couldn't get the time off work. Glad you enjoyed it! If you want another trail that doesn't get a lot of attention check out the Mid State trail in PA. Maryland/PA border to PA/NY. 320ish miles. It's next on my list.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Hey man. Wish you could have made it out. Funny you mention the Mid State trail. I just listened to a podcast last week and they were talking about that exact trail. Sounded fun....👍

[@jmsbohannon]

@@TheUltralightMindset There's an "official" FB page for it. All sorts of good info. Resupply, trail angels etc. Also it's in Guthooks in the PA section for the AT. Great info and detail.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@jmsbohannon Sweet. Thanks

[@SulCoCrazy]

Grew up around the area, BIll never went on the path on a trail. Now moved up to northeast Pennsylvania. You have to do the loyalsock trail.

[@HikeMoab]

Great video

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks dude...👍

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

This is one if not the best video I have seen of the Batona Trail. I look forward to doing the trail but my only challenge is I understand you have to book your campsite ahead of time. I guess I am going to have to work that out. I generally do section hikes on the AT.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea...I think we had to get a few permits for camping. My buddy I was hiking with handled all that I think it was only a few dollars and super simple. I spend a lot of time on the AT myself. Headed out tomorrow morning for a 4-day section hike🤘

[@TheUltralightMindset]

If you have any other questions or you run into any other snags with the details I'll be happy to help if I can just send me a message

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

@@TheUltralightMindset Well I am finally going to do it. Outdoor Vitals has a UL 100 Challenge and I am going to participate which tie in to my desire to hike 80 miles in celebration of my 80 birthday latter this year. I do have a couple of questions. How are the water sources? I am hoping I do not have to carry too much water. And I am open to any suggestions. My plan is to do a NOBO and SOBO. Unfortunately, do to lay out I will have to stay at Brendan Byrne Campground 2 nights, overall plan is that I will finish on the 7 day. Wish I could stealth camp so I could do more miles. Oh well. Thanks for your inout.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker OH man. That sounds like a great way to celebrate. It's been a few years since I hiked the Batona but I don't remember having to carry a lot of water. We hiked it in March so it was cold st night and cool during the day. I agree, it would be nice to stealth camp and have more flexibility with daily mileage. Great trail. Let me know how it goes!

[@fishontv123]

Im about 20 mins from Wharton State Forest and just now getting into backpacking. Started slowly ordering gear last week. Can't wait to get into it and get some miles in when I can! Goal is to do a thru hike of the NJ part of the Appalachian Trail before end of year. This will be a nice place to begin practicing.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Hell ya! Thats exciting. What out its addictive. Lol

[@TheUltralightMindset]

If you have any questions hit me up ...Let me know how it goes.

[@fishontv123]

@@TheUltralightMindset It seems addictive and will do!

[@SewGood]

Quite an elite design squad you got there!! -Wish I was in New Jersey! (-first time I ever said that!)🤘

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Honestly... I never thought about hiking in Jersey before Chris mentioned the batona trail but it was rad. And yes great group to hike with...👌...for sure.

[@daniellamont7265]

Why? New Jersey is a beautiful place as you can see. Sorry you are so ignorant.

[@daniellamont7265]

@@TheUltralightMindset It's "New" Jersey. Do you call New York "York?"

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Lol.

[@portoproduces5375]

That drunk guy is low key so funny

[@geddygalvan9984]

I’ll be doing it next year in late May 2 nights three days. Two campsites

[@geddygalvan9984]

Any pointers The Ultralight Mindset?

[@i9avici7a5]

Great video! We’re doing this next week. I am guessing you can park your car over night. Do you need a permit in the window?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I didnt have any parking permit. Have fun...👍🏻

[@DGameFinishr]

This is a really great video! are you wearing altra shoes? and what model?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Hey, thanks for the compliment! Altra Lone Peak 4's!

[@DGameFinishr]

@@TheUltralightMindset Thanks bro!

[@jasonnolan4131]

Hiw is the best way the through hike the entire Batona Trail? Did you make reservations at designated camp sites? Or stealth camp? Other than at campsites, how is the water situation? Is it plentiful?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

My buddy already had the campsite permits, but I think its pretty simple and inexpensive. There was plenty of water, but keep in mind I hiked it in March. Have fun!!!

[@ford982]

Do you happen to have a video of what you packed for this hike?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Not a specific video. Here's a few of the core pieces of gear I carried: Gossamer Gear Kumo, Zpacks Duplex, Katabatic Alsek, Thermarest Uberlite, Toaks 750ml Pot, BRS stove, LiteAF bear bag, Montbell Versalite. Hope that helps.

[@ChristopherAddes]

Nice video, I started at the opposite end as you when I had a go at this trail and remember seeing that sign at 22:14 but I couldn’t find buttonwood hill campground it started down pouring and I got picked up off the trail at the batsto water tower. Is the sign for the camp the one at 22:14 or 24:05?

[@ChristopherAddes]

Also is the walk to buttonwood from the trail a road turn off or a woods walk?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Ah....yea I guess I see how that could be a little confusing. The answer is BOTH. 22:14 is when we reached the turnoff to Buttonwood and 24:05 is the same spot, but we were leaving camp. Hiking south there's a wooden "Camp" sign on a tree, right side of the BT, facing north. The spur trail to buttonwood is a dirt road/jeep trail through the woods. Same road that the chevy blazer is stuck in the video. Buttonwood camp is about 3/4 to 1 mile off the BT and sits just off an actual paved road. Hope that helps.

[@ChristopherAddes]

Motivated By Mountains thank you, very helpful I wanna give it another crack now

[@hunterlang8629]

where did you find a trail map for this?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

If you google " Batona trail map" you'll find a downloadable PDF map from the state or you can use the AllTrails App with their map download. Have fun!

[@DavidPalmer-lr4ol]

I live in oregon i never been there but seen and heard alot id be armed with a side arm and a shotgun if i was walking there scary

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Ha....not scary at all. Well, if people had guns out there maybe it would be....😆

[@DavidPalmer-lr4ol]

@@TheUltralightMindset Most people that are armed are not out to do harm i believe in being armed when going out in the woods things happen

[@daniellamont7265]

Wow what a...female genitalia.

[@redknightsr69]

Can this trail be biked?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Great question. You would have to check with the forest service to make sure its allowed, but its definitely doable.

[@redknightsr69]

@@TheUltralightMindsetsome parts you're allowed to but going through swamps you can't is what I gathered when doing some digging

[@jeffreymay4826]

Any .gpx files?