New Jersey’s most-visited state park, Liberty State Park, brings in over 4.7 million visitors each year. Nearby Wharton State Forest brings in nearly 1 million visitors each year. But Brendan T. Byrne State Forest draws in just 20,000 travelers annually. Brendan T. Byrne, formerly Lebanon, is a 37,000-acre gem in the Pinelands and it can’t be missed. It may not have Batsto Village or Atsion Lake, but it does have a lot to love.
Address: Mile Marker 1, Highway Route 72 East, Woodland Township, 08088
One of the best parts of the park, if you’re a history buff, is Whitesbog Village.
Roadkill/Flickr A company town founded in the 1870s, it was active until the mid-20th century. It was once one of the largest cranberry and blueberry farms in the state, and the first cultivated blueberry was developed here. Each year, the village hosts a fantastic blueberry festival.
Then, you’ve got the abundant natural beauty.
Andrew Leahey/Flickr There’s Pakim Pond…
And a striking Atlantic White Cedar Swamp.
Dan Jeffrey/Flickr It’s almost surreal and reminds me a bit of the bayou in Louisiana.
Lebanon lake is absolutely beautiful, as is the adjacent Deep Hollow Pond.
Dave Buchhofer/Flickr There are lakes and ponds throughout the park, several of which offer fishing and boating.
There are also remnants of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. CCC camps were founded during the Great Depression to create jobs.
Dan Jeffrey/Flickr All of the White Pine growing in the area are a result of CCC plantings.
You’ll find a wide variety of hiking and biking trails available.
Dan Jeffrey/Flickr These trails include a portion of the BaToNa Trail, the ADA-accessible Cranberry Trail, and the horse-friendly Glassworks Path. There’s even a special driving tour on the park’s trail map.
You may come across some interesting things on your hike.
Andrew Leahey/Flickr This wreckage was found along the Mt. Misery Trail.
Visitors also enjoy the peaceful ponds with water lilies.
Andrew Leahey/Flickr And we can’t forget all the wildlife, bird watching opportunities, and a front row seat to the winter swan migration.
So, there may not be a swimming beach or aviation memorial, but Brendan T. Byrne State Forest is a peaceful place that’s worth visiting…especially if you prefer avoiding the crowds. Closer to North Jersey? Check out Swartswood State Forest!
Roadkill/Flickr
A company town founded in the 1870s, it was active until the mid-20th century. It was once one of the largest cranberry and blueberry farms in the state, and the first cultivated blueberry was developed here. Each year, the village hosts a fantastic blueberry festival.
Andrew Leahey/Flickr
There’s Pakim Pond…
Dan Jeffrey/Flickr
It’s almost surreal and reminds me a bit of the bayou in Louisiana.
Dave Buchhofer/Flickr
There are lakes and ponds throughout the park, several of which offer fishing and boating.
All of the White Pine growing in the area are a result of CCC plantings.
These trails include a portion of the BaToNa Trail, the ADA-accessible Cranberry Trail, and the horse-friendly Glassworks Path. There’s even a special driving tour on the park’s trail map.
This wreckage was found along the Mt. Misery Trail.
And we can’t forget all the wildlife, bird watching opportunities, and a front row seat to the winter swan migration.
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Address: Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Highway Route 72 East, New Lisbon, NJ 08064, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in New Jersey February 08, 2022 Kim Magaraci What are the parks in New Jersey for someone new to hiking? New Jersey is a great place to go hiking, even if you’re new to it! Our easy, sandy trails through the Pine Barrens tend to be great for beginner hikers or anyone who is a little out of shape. With hardly ay elevation gain throughout the pines, Wharton State Forest, Parvin State Forest, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest are some of the best places to begin your new outdoor hobby. Where are the most scenic hiking trail in New Jersey? The most scenic hiking trails in New Jersey include mountains, beaches, forests, and waterfalls. Near the Delaware Water Gap, the hike up to the summit of Mount Tammany is a must-do. It involves a steep ascent, but the view from the top is breathtaking. Wyanokie High Point, in Norvin Green State Forest, offers a similar climb and incredible views of the Hudson Highlands. If you love waterfalls, try hiking at Schooley’s Mountain Park! You can enjoy the cascades from a fairly relaxing and quiet trail. Island Beach State Park makes for a scenic beach hike, and the Batona Trail is the place to test your hiking skills in the Pines. What are the best things to do outside in New Jersey in each season? New Jersey offers four-season fun. In the winter, try skiing or tubing at Mountain Creek in Vernon. When spring rolls around, walk through the azaleas at Sayen Gardens in Hamilton. Of course, summertime is the time to visit the Shore! You can skip the crowds by visiting quieter towns like Brigantine. When fall colors start to burst, take a hike around Round Valley Reservoir or Hacklebarney State Park. There is so much to see in each season that you’ll be able to fill your calendar for the whole year!
The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in New Jersey
February 08, 2022
Kim Magaraci
What are the parks in New Jersey for someone new to hiking? New Jersey is a great place to go hiking, even if you’re new to it! Our easy, sandy trails through the Pine Barrens tend to be great for beginner hikers or anyone who is a little out of shape. With hardly ay elevation gain throughout the pines, Wharton State Forest, Parvin State Forest, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest are some of the best places to begin your new outdoor hobby. Where are the most scenic hiking trail in New Jersey? The most scenic hiking trails in New Jersey include mountains, beaches, forests, and waterfalls. Near the Delaware Water Gap, the hike up to the summit of Mount Tammany is a must-do. It involves a steep ascent, but the view from the top is breathtaking. Wyanokie High Point, in Norvin Green State Forest, offers a similar climb and incredible views of the Hudson Highlands. If you love waterfalls, try hiking at Schooley’s Mountain Park! You can enjoy the cascades from a fairly relaxing and quiet trail. Island Beach State Park makes for a scenic beach hike, and the Batona Trail is the place to test your hiking skills in the Pines. What are the best things to do outside in New Jersey in each season? New Jersey offers four-season fun. In the winter, try skiing or tubing at Mountain Creek in Vernon. When spring rolls around, walk through the azaleas at Sayen Gardens in Hamilton. Of course, summertime is the time to visit the Shore! You can skip the crowds by visiting quieter towns like Brigantine. When fall colors start to burst, take a hike around Round Valley Reservoir or Hacklebarney State Park. There is so much to see in each season that you’ll be able to fill your calendar for the whole year!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
New Jersey is a great place to go hiking, even if you’re new to it! Our easy, sandy trails through the Pine Barrens tend to be great for beginner hikers or anyone who is a little out of shape. With hardly ay elevation gain throughout the pines, Wharton State Forest, Parvin State Forest, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest are some of the best places to begin your new outdoor hobby.
Where are the most scenic hiking trail in New Jersey?
The most scenic hiking trails in New Jersey include mountains, beaches, forests, and waterfalls. Near the Delaware Water Gap, the hike up to the summit of Mount Tammany is a must-do. It involves a steep ascent, but the view from the top is breathtaking. Wyanokie High Point, in Norvin Green State Forest, offers a similar climb and incredible views of the Hudson Highlands. If you love waterfalls, try hiking at Schooley’s Mountain Park! You can enjoy the cascades from a fairly relaxing and quiet trail. Island Beach State Park makes for a scenic beach hike, and the Batona Trail is the place to test your hiking skills in the Pines.
What are the best things to do outside in New Jersey in each season?
New Jersey offers four-season fun. In the winter, try skiing or tubing at Mountain Creek in Vernon. When spring rolls around, walk through the azaleas at Sayen Gardens in Hamilton. Of course, summertime is the time to visit the Shore! You can skip the crowds by visiting quieter towns like Brigantine. When fall colors start to burst, take a hike around Round Valley Reservoir or Hacklebarney State Park. There is so much to see in each season that you’ll be able to fill your calendar for the whole year!
