Add Apple Pie Hill to the list of peculiarly-named Pinelands sites. No one is sure how it came by its name although most folks think it has something to do with the shape of the hill. Whatever the origins of its name, Apple Pie Hill is an unexpected topographical surprise, rising 209 feet above sea level deep in the heart of the Pine Barrens.
You’ll have to maneuver along a sandy road to get to Apple Pie Hill. In fact, the hike to-and-from the Batona Trail (follow the pink blazes) to Apple Pie Hill is eight miles, not something for the newbie hiker. But not to worry because you can get much closer by car.
Once you are there, strap on your binoculars, take a deep breath and start climbing the 60 foot fire tower that sits atop the hill. Oh sure, you might huff and puff a bit but once you get to the top, you’ll forget all about how hard it was and just be blown away by the views.
On a clear day you can see all the way to Atlantic City on the east and the Philadelphia skyline to the west. In between, you can get sweeping views of the Pinelands. In fact, it is pretty much the only place you can see atop the Pine Barren’s tree cover. You can also spot sections of the Wading River and some cranberry bogs which are at the heart of “Piney” culture.