Southern NJ: 1-night backpack

[Paul]

Hey folks,

My buddy and I have done quite a few weekend backpacks in the highlands, but it would be nice to change things up a little with a weekend hike in the lower part of the state. 

We don't need anything too long-distance; a couple miles in, as long as civilization isn't too close. A loop is always nice, but we have no objection to an 'out-&-back' either.

Thanks,

Paul

[Tom]

Hey Paul, if you are just looking for a lower mileage over-nighter (appx. 15-18 ml.) loop with overnight parking.  A trip I always enjoyed is through Wharton State Forest between Atsion/Batsto Village area.  You park overnight at Batsto Village jump on the Mullica River trail (potable water/pit toilets)  @ Mullica River campsite & either take the Wilderness Camps connector trail or longer hike Beaver Pond Quaker Bridge Trail (back tracking a little for more mileage) to Batona Trail to Lower Forge campsite (no water/has pit toilets). 2nd day just follow Batona Trail back to Batsto Village.  Think campsites are less then $5 a night ea. still, just contact one of the Wharton park offices and they will send you maps, very well blazed trail & easy to follow maps.  Let me know if you want a third wheel or more info. lol

[Paul]

Thanks. I'll look into it.

I'm not really big on 'campsite' camping, sometimes the neighbors don't cooperate. We're more from the leave-no-trace school of backpacking and we've had no trouble finding suitable spots along the trail so far.

On the other hand, a campsite may not be too bad (or crowded) late or early in the season.

[Tom]

The Lower Forge is a wilderness campsite so only way to get there is either hike/canoe/kayak.  Although you may have a couple 'neighbors' at times, there are never car campers that I have seen.  No designated sites here so you just grab a spot.  Never camped @ Mullica River campsite  this site can get car campers.  Lower Forge is one the most secluded sites along the Batona Trai imo.  Check it out.