Explore by water or explore by foot. However you do it, exploring the Pinelands is a lot more fun – and informative – when you do it on a Pinelands Adventure, conducted by the naturalists and experts at the Pinelands Preservation Alliance.

You get a whole different perspective on the Pinelands from the inside of a canoe. Paddling up and down the rivers, you’ll see wildlife and foliage you just can’t see by foot. If you are just starting out, the day-long Canoe Adventures is a great way to get acquainted with the Pinelands. But there are also overnight camping canoe adventures down the Mullica River that include night hikes, campfires and lots and lots of paddling.

Learn what it takes to survive in the wilderness with the Pinelands’ Wilderness Adventure programs. From basic skills to orienteering to really, really roughing it overnight, even city slickers will be ready to take on Mother Nature.

Natural history programs will lead you deep into the most rugged sections of the Pinelands in the swamp cougar hunts or a fanciful fairy shrimp mystery tour.

And then there is the evening search for the monstrous, mysterious Jersey Devil. Start out grilling frankfurters and marshmallows over a campfire (bring your own) then follow your guide into the Wharton State Forest in search of the beady-eyed demon who has thrilled and chilled Pinelands residents for centuries.