Driving down Batsto Lake Rd to Quaker Bridge w/ a sedan from Batso Village?

[Yan-tonz]

Hi there,

I'm fairly new to this board, but have been seeking ways to explore the NJPB more..my question is in regards to Batsto Lake Rd, and if anyone's ever driven down it with a sedan. I have a Honda Civic, and am worried about possibly getting stuck on a sand road..but would really like to check out the Quaker Bridge area as I hear it's a wonderful spot. Thanks!

 

[ecampbell]

You can assess it by Quaker Bridge Road. Enter at Atison. I drove it last week and it was surprisingly good except for one spot about 1 mile from the bridge. Pick your path carefully. Do not drive up to the bridge, the road before it is bad. Park on the hard, stay out of the sand. Once you walk over the bridge you can go south on the Batona Trail or Goodwater Road, the bridge is a favorite picnic spot. Go north to Lower Forge. and further to Mannis Duck Pond. You can spend a year exploring there.
To the point, don't take Batsto Lake Road, it is very trappy, even in my jeep.

 

[Teegate]

In the event you are not sure where Quaker Bridge Road is that is mentioned above, enter here.

NJPineBarrens Maps

As mentioned above, do not cross the bridge unless you are good at driving in sand. Be careful if you do.

 

[46er]

If you have one, take along an air pump that uses your car cigarette lighter and reduce the air pressure in your tires to 15-20 lbs. Will be a big help in not getting bogged down in the soft sand. Use the pump to air up after your trip.

 

[ecampbell]

Another nice hike is on Quaker Bridge Road, half way to Quaker Bridge. On the right, just after the small concrete bridge, is a road along the Mullica River. Park off of Quaker Bridge Roan and hike, don't take the Civic down it. You can go all the way to Batsto.

Guy, do you remember the name of that little bridge, probably part of Fruitland?

 

[Jon Holcombe]

A few years ago I was driving into the woods in my Odyssey van and Highlander. A couple of points.

First, if you get stuck, not everyone will drive into the woods to tow you out. Flynn's Towing of Mt. Holly pulled me out of Whitesbog 3 years ago for $250, said he should have charged me $500.

Second, a Civic is probably lower to the ground than either of my old cars, which increases the likelihood of getting stuck.

Third, a lot of people park at the Atsion Mansion on Rt. 206 and hike down Quaker Bridge Rd. If you are fit, you can follow the Yellow Trail from Atsion to Batsto, a nine mile hike that follows along the Mullica River and is a very nice hike with lots of things to see, especially around the Locks Bridge area. Or you can just hike on the Yellow Trail to Lock's Bridge, then return to Atsion. Beautiful walk in the woods, with the full Pine Barrens experience.

Mullica River Trail

Great little weekend backpacking trail or big day hike. This is a through hike from Batsto Village to Atsion. This is a super easy hike. It is dead flat and has plenty of water sources. Great intro to backpacking hike. Leave the car at the Atsion trail head and then walk about 20 minutes to...

www.alltrails.com

And here is Lock's Bridge.

NJPineBarrens Maps

 

[bobpbx]

Do NOT slow down going through the sand with a vehicle like that. Keep your speed up.

 

[Yan-tonz]

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

 

[Teegate]

Another nice hike is on Quaker Bridge Road, half way to Quaker Bridge. On the right, just after the small concrete bridge, is a road along the Mullica River. Park off of Quaker Bridge Roan and hike, don't take the Civic down it. You can go all the way to Batsto.

Guy, do you remember the name of that little bridge, probably part of Fruitland?

The Wharton survey called it "Stone Bridge." That is all I know about a name.

 

[Zach McGarvey]

You will not make it far beyond the Batsto Lake canoe ramp heading north from Batsto Village. Right there begins the sandiest stretch of the road. Don't try. Instead approach from Atsion.

 

[Teegate]

Yea, don't even think about Batsto. Stick with Quaker Bridge if that is where you want to go.