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Pine Barrens / Pinelands / Batona Trail, New Jersey
Last Updated 4/23/2009
The Pine Barrens -- also known as the Pinelands -- is a vast, magical wilderness area in the otherwise densely populated State of New Jersey. We will be thru-hiking the flat, sandy 50 mile long Batona Trail (from BAck TO NAture). The trail features a surfeit of tranquil streams and ponds featuring flora and fauna such as orchids, deer, and hawks. The Pine Barrens are notable not only for its remote beauty, but its proximity to major population centers like New York City, Philadelphia, Newark, and Wilmington. This is your opportunity to experience colorful Fall Foliage, explore wild New Jersey, and lose weight (or more accurately, improve body composition).
Atlantic City in the distance across the vast Pinelands
Route
The Batona Trail is one of Fitpacking's easiest offerings and is recommended for beginners. Our route will traverse the entire 50-mile long Batona Trail, which gives participants a nice feeling of satisfaction not only for having completed the entire trail but being able to claim they walked 50 miles. Daily mileages average about 9 miles per day on primarily flat, often sandy trail punctuated by a few rolling hills. Crackling campfires may be permitted in certain campsites to warm up the chilly New Jersy fall evenings.
Equipment List
Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. Please feel free to discuss any items of question with us before the trip.
Weather
Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. October temperatures average in the mid-60s during the day. Of course, Fall in New Jersey might bring frost at night. So while the water temperature may be too cold for swimming, the foliage will be near peak and the mosquitoes will be reasonably sedentary.
Menus
We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Because backpacking is rigorous and demanding (as well as rewarding), you must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat nutritious food often, almost continually. Please check out the sample menus for this trip.
These lists are not necessarily comprehensive and may be altered or augmented. Furthermore, if you want to bring personal food, say a big old chocolate cake, go for it. After carrying it 50 miles, your body will most likely not desire those empty calories, nor want to carry the weight around.
Pink Blazes mark the trail
Important Note
Fatpacking is on an ongoing quest to expand its selection of trip destinations. As such, this is the very first time we are offering a trip to this destination. Even though they are seasoned backpackers, the guides for this trip have NOT backpacked these particular trails before.
While intrepid participants may consider pioneering new trails to be exciting, other people find this somewhat disquieting and may prefer a more established, predictable trip. However, while experience hiking a certain section of trail can obviously make things run smoother, do not underestimate the decades of backpacking experience that our guides possess which permeate every other aspect of the trip in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Itinerary
The Pine Barrens Fitpacking Trip will be from October 17-24, 2009, a prime time to see fall foliage. (View the proposed itinerary) Most of the trail is flat and often sandy, which will be easier on the knees, but will make walking slightly more difficult.
Probable Trip Leaders
Steve Silberberg, who lives in Hull, MA has many years of backpacking experience over a variety of terrains and guides most Fitpacking trips. He is a SOLO certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and Certified Food Handler.
2nd Guide TBD
Batona Trail Boardwalk
Cost
$950 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share hotel rooms with another trip participant. You may also wish to share a tent, which will cut down on total weight carried -- an important consideration -- but it will also mean less privacy.
You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Philadelphia. Furthermore, any restaurant meals eaten off the trail will be your responsibility. Finally, you will be responsible for any personal calls you make or receive on our satellite phone or from motel/hotel rooms.