Although it might feel primordial, the Batona Trail has only been around since 1961 when it was created by the Batona Hiking Club out of a stretch of land reaching from what is now Brendan Byrne State Forest to Wharton State Forest. Today it reaches into Bass River State Forest, winding along for 50 miles through cedar swamps, bogs, cranberry farms, pitch pine forests and sandy roads.
Although there are some rises and falls to the landscape, it is generally a pretty easy trail to negotiate. And because it is limited to foot traffic, you will enjoy quiet and solitude, uninterrupted by motor vehicles or mountain bikes which are not permitted on the Batona. All the better to be able to spot the wildlife that is abundant along the trails. Keep a pair of binoculars with you and you might see dozens of species of birds, rare species of frogs and other denizens of the forest.
At some sections along the Batona, there is water access where you can canoe, kayak or fish. If you are into camping, there are also several campsites within the Wharton, Bass River and Byrne Forests that are in close proximity.