Wharton State Forest

Wharton State Forest is New Jersey's largest state forest, spanning more than 122,000 acres in Hammonton's Pinelands area. The forest is named after 19th-century landowner Joseph Wharton, who is best known for proposing to tap the Pine Barrens' groundwater for drinking water for the city of Philadelphia.

Wharton State Forest is perfect for those families who love the outdoors, love a bit of adventure, and love being active! Visitors can explore the former Batsto Village bog iron and glassmaking center, which operated between 1766 and 1867. Lovely hiking trails showcase native wildlife like bald eagles, ospreys, turkeys, river otters, and foxes, while miles of unpaved roads offer opportunities for horseback riding and mountain biking. Year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation range from fishing, hunting, boating, and swimming at Atsion Lake to cross-country skiing throughout the winter months. Other attractions include a museum shop, an interpretive center, and day-use picnic sites.

There's also a guarded beach inside for anyone who wants to take a quick swim break while hiking through the forest. Also, if you visit during blueberry season, you will notice low-rise, heavy blueberry bushes strategically placed along the trails.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
• Address: 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037
  
• Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sat - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Admission: Free
  
• Website: https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/whartonstateforest.html