The Batsto Lake Loop Trail - Scenic Hiking in the Legendary New Jersey Pine Barrens

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

[@57mckee]

Yes its beautiful there. I used to camp there when I lived in Vineland, Nj

[@raymondclark1785]

Loved the fog on the water.

[@wojo802]

Beautiful video, but that spooky face in the window was a shock! LOL. Thanks Walter!

[@ConeyIsland1952]

Nice great trail visit so beautiful except for the chigger bites in the pines in summer be careful ouch.

[@kateclark7250]

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.

[@KrispTravels]

your videos always give me a sense of peace great music choice!

[@bellewoods7188]

Love the old buildings.....great music 🎵

[@nickmad887]

Thank you for the video.

[@FollowThomas]

Looks beautiful there. Nice video 👍

[@rebel3891]

Loved this video. I had no idea those tropical looking waters existed there. A definite must-see....

[@mitchellbaker3657]

Beautiful country

[@MillerMeteor74]

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.

[@gaylenealis7268]

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?!?

[@johnwong8146]

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.

[@ruinsane100]

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.

[@jonholcombe]

The use of drones is illegal in Wharton Forest. Are you aware of that?