Batona Trail

At 52.7 miles, the Batona Trail is South Jersey’s PREMIER long distance backpacking trail. It is South Jersey’s ONLY long distance backpacking trail, but lets not get bogged down by that. I used to think that I was the only idiot that would walk the whole trail end to end in one go (evidence- I’ve done it three times), but there a lot of people who want to get out there and experience some of the finest woods experiences that South Jersey has to offer.  Sure, this trail doesn’t offer the same views that New Jersey’s other premier long distance backpacking trail (the 70 miles worth of Appalachian Trail in the Northwestern part of the state), but it has it’s own charm as it winds through the largest stretch of woods anywhere in the Eastern metropolis.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to thru hike the entire trail end-to-end three times now, and hiked and backpacked many sections of this trail on top of that, so I’ve created a guide to help folks that want to experience the Batona Trail.

The Batona can be done in one, two, three, four, or five days.

Four Day Plan

Section 1 – Dan Bridge Road in Bass River State Forest to Buttonwood Campground 
Section 2 – Buttonwood to Lower Forge
Section 3 – Lower Forge to Brendan Byrne
Section 4- Brendan Byrne to Ongs Hat

Trail information and Planning

Batona Trail Campgrounds and Camping – four campgrounds available, learn about them here!
Batona Trail Parking for Day Hikes – no dirt roads, but here are ideas for where you can park to take day hikes along the Batona Trail.

The Batona Trail End-to-Enders List

End-to-Enders List – unofficial list of folks who have hiked, backpacked, or run the entire Batona Trail, whether in one go or via section hiking.  Includes information on how to be included on the list.

History of the Batona Trail

The Batona Trail Diary – the first 30 Miles – compiled by Guy “Teegate” Thompson.  Article on njpinebarrens.org

If you have any questions about the Batona, please, don’t hesitate to email me at southjerseytrails@gmail.com or leave a comment!