We are committed to helping people with disabilities experience nature in the Pinelands and South Jersey. We created the website AccessNatureNJ.org to highlight trails and scenic places as part of our The Pinelands is for Everyone project. Here are some places to consider when planning your next nature trip – and don’t forget to check out all the information on AccessNatureNJ.org.
If you have questions or feedback about the trails and nature areas, please reach out to Public Lands Advocate, Jason Howell at jason@pinelandsalliance.org. If you would like to learn more about “The Pinelands is for Everyone” project contact Executive Director, Carleton Montgomery at carleton@pinelandsalliance.org.
ATLANTIC COUNTY:
Red Trail at Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest. Hammonton, NJ
This is a 0.8-mile loop from the north end of the Batsto Village parking lot. The trail is
well-maintained, flat, smooth, and packed with a fine gravel surface. The trail offers
some views of Batsto Lake and runs through typical Pine Barrens habitats. There are
permanent restrooms near the trailhead, but these are not always open. There are also
permanent restrooms at the Visitors Center building at the south end of the parking lot.
Batsto Village itself is largely accessible on the main sand and gravel lane that runs
through the village. The lane crosses the dam over the Batsto River and provides a fine
view of Batsto Lake. There are some benches along the lane. The Visitor’s Center is
accessible and has an excellent display of the nature and history of the Pine Barrens.
Learn more at the website here.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Galloway Township, NJ
The Forsythe Refuge has an 8-mile driving loop on hard-packed gravel around a
freshwater marsh area and the saltwater Absecon Bay. It provides beautiful views of the
bay and superb bird watching, which you can do from your car if you want. Down the
slope from the parking lot to the beginning of the driver loop, there is a short ¼ mile stone dust surface trail leading to a viewing gazebo and a very nice short boardwalk
with viewing areas. There are several parking spaces for these two trails.
During certain weekend and weekday hours, the nature center has educational and
interactive options for children with a viewing area out into the refuge. Binoculars are
available to borrow from the nature center. There are permanent accessible bathrooms
both inside and outside of the nature center, but these may not always be open. There
are also accessible port-a-johns in the parking area. Learn more at the website here.
Estell Manor Park. Mays Landing, NJ
The County Park has several accessible trails, including paved trails and a long
boardwalk. The Swamp Trail is a wheelchair accessible 1.8 miles long boardwalk that
offers great views of forest, swamp, marshland, and river. There is no handrail,
however. The park also has the Warren Fox Nature Center and permanent restrooms.
There are pavilion picnic areas available for rent and one open picnic area available
free of charge. There are multiple playgrounds available for young children. The park is
on Route 50 south of the village of Mays Landing.
Learn more at the website here.
BURLINGTON COUNTY:
Cranberry Trail at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Pemberton, NJ
The trail is 3.2 miles long trail with trailheads at both the State Forest headquarters
parking lot and the Pakim Pond parking lot. The trail is maintained as an unpaved,
accessible trail. The surface is flat, and packed, with sand and gravel. The trail runs
through classic Pine Barrens habitats. There are permanent restrooms at both ends of
the trail, but the one at Pakim Pond may not always be open. Pakim Pond also has a
nice gazebo and pretty views of the pond. We suggest using the trail sections nearest to
Pakim Pond or the State Forest office, as the surface has eroded some in the middle of
the 3.2-mile-long trail.
Learn more at the website here.
Red and Blue Trails at Atsion Recreation Area. Shamong, NJ
The Red Trail is 0.5 miles long. The Blue Trail adds an additional mile to the loop. The
trail starts near the boat dock at the western end of the parking lot (left end as you face
the lake). The trails are well-maintained, flat, smooth, and packed, with a fine gravel
surface. There are several benches and signs that are readable from a wheelchair. There are no handrails. The trails offer lovely views of Atsion Lake. There are also: a
large, paved parking lot, permanent restrooms, a swimming beach, and picnic areas.
Access the Recreation Area off Route 206 just south of Atsion Lake at the State Park
entrance. The site is popular in the summer, especially on weekends, and the parking
lot can fill up. You cannot get to the trail except by parking in the lot.
Learn more at the website here.
CAPE MAY COUNTY:
Cape May State Park. Cape May, NJ
Cape May State Park has a genuinely nice maritime forest-accessible boardwalk trail
that is ½ mile long. There is also an accessible bird viewing platform that is especially
popular during spring and fall migrations. Accessible Bathrooms are available in the
parking lot.
Learn more at the website here.
OCEAN COUNTY:
Cattus Island County Park. Toms River, NJ
Cattus Island County Park has one accessible 1,000-foot-long boardwalk trail that
explores an estuarine marsh. There is a nice nature center with live native animals an
interactive elements. There is a viewing deck over the marsh. There is also a
playground and picnic area, but the accessibility of the picnic area could be improved.
There are accessible bathrooms available at the nature center and the parking lot.
Learn more at the website here.
If you would like a PDF version of the trail list to print, please click here.