PB newbie needs advice

[oovy]

Hi there,
I live in the wilds of Jersey City, but have always wanted to visit the Pine Barrens. My boyfriend and I both have a big birthday next month, and we'd love to come down for some peace and beauty on the weekend of October 14-15. I've been reading the forums and articles for suggestions, but figured it might be better to just ask directly. So, here are the main things I would love to know more about, if anyone's willing:

- Lodging options with cabins or similar (i.e. not a big hotel but not full-on camping)

- Any hiking areas that would be hospitable in mid-October

- Any other mid-October-appropriate ideas for a relaxing but nature-filled weekend

Thank you so much, I would really appreciate any suggestions!

 

[Ben Ruset]

There are cabins for rent in Brendan Byrne State Forest. They're available through October -- if they have not already been reserved. You should give the ranger station a call at 609-726-1191 and see if there are any still available.

That said, I personally have been meaning to try Dancer Farms B&B in New Egypt a try. I know you didn't want hotel camping, but a bed & breakfast is much more than just a hotel. Plus if you are into horseback riding you can do it there.

Hiking? The Batona trail would be a good place to hike.

Visiting Batsto or Allaire State Park would be nice as well.

 

[oovy]

Dancer Farms looks amazing-- unfortunately they said the whole house is booked for an event that weekend . But thank you so much for the suggestion, now I'm inspired to check out other B&Bs!

 

[Ben Ruset]

Dancer Farms looks amazing-- unfortunately they said the whole house is booked for an event that weekend . But thank you so much for the suggestion, now I'm inspired to check out other B&Bs!

Not to dissuade you from the Pine Barrens, but my wife and I spent our 1st anniversary at the Triple W Riding Stables in Honesdale, PA. VERY nice, affordable, reasonably close to Jersey, and a lot of fun.

 

[Teegate]

Since you are mentioning Bed & Breakfast locations, there actually is one right near downtown Haddonfield near my house. It is a high end town with downtown shopping within walking distance. Then a 45-60 minute drive to the pines. I would assume you might have to pay some big $$ for it.

http://www.lanierbb.com/inns/bb7804.html

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=44+west+end+ave+haddonfield+NJ&ie=UTF8&z=15&om=1&iwloc=A

It seems to me that is somewhat far from the pines especially if you don't know your way around, but if an old quaint town with plenty of store front shopping and restaurants is what you want, check it out.

If you just want a motel there are many in Mount Laurel which is somewhat closer but not much.

http://www.golflink.com/golf-resorts/resort-city.asp?to=Mount+Laurel+NJ

Then in Hammonton there are these two. Closer to the pines but not very close to the Batona trail.

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/hotels-motels/hotelinfo/26826.html

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/hotels-motels/hotelinfo/93951.html

If you go to them you can drive right up 206 to Atsion and I believe they have hiking trails right from the ranger station there. I think you can hook up with the Batona there. That would be a semi heavy walk if you do hook up with the Batona so watch for that.

http://www.trails.com/city-trails.asp?keyword=Atsion&state=NJ

If you narrow anything down post back and I am sure everyone here will throw in an opinion.

Guy

 

[Teegate]

There is a Bed & Breakfast in Medford which is much closer to the pines, but still a 30 minute ride to the Batona. An old town with plenty of shopping. Boyd may have some suggestions in Medford. Much closer than Haddonfield or Mt Laurel.

http://www.lanierbb.com/inns/bb29516.html

There are restrictions on building in the pines so getting a place close is semi hard to do. So unless someone has a closer place they know of, my suggestion would be to try Hammonton. About 5 miles up scenic 206 you are at Atsion and hiking. Anyone agree?

Guy

 

[Boyd]

That sounds like good advice Guy. Medford is pretty much a "bedroom community" without things like motels.

I have never been inside, but I was just driving past the Renault Winery today and I know they have a hotel there. Looks like an interesting place, although certainly not roughing it But it might be a different kind of experience which is "off the beaten path" and it's not too far from Batsto and other pines destinations: http://www.renaultwinery.com/

 

[oovy]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! One thing, though, is that although I am from Southern California, my mom grew up in Moorestown, so I've spent many a summer in western Burlington County and am hoping to find something a little further into the wilderness. I will keep investigating the suggestions though, and post again when I've narrowed it down.

 

[Teegate]

am hoping to find something a little further into the wilderness.

That may a little hard to find.

Guy

 

[Ben Ruset]

Did you call the Byrne ranger station and see if any cabins were open?

 

[BEHR655]

Did you call the Byrne ranger station and see if any cabins were open?

Or Atsion? Or Bass River?

Also, try to time your trip to the cranberry harvest.

Steve

 

[pinelandpaddler]

A birthday bash in the Pines? If you get a cabin, and you plan to drink alchoholic beverages as you celebrate your birthdays, make sure that you are discreet with the booze. The raiders, I mean rangers, will most likely come a knockin' and will fine you, and even search your cabin, if they see that you are drinking. Yeah, I know, it's lame. But what else do you expect from a bunch of pricks who are enjoying the glories of a power trip? Be discreet and have a blast!

 

[oovy]

Heh, that didn't even occur to me, but it's fine because we're just thinking about a quiet getaway as opposed to a party (and my boyfriend doesn't drink anyway). But definitely good to know.

 

[ecampbell]

Take a look at Wading Pines Camping Resort, they rent cabins. It,s privatly owned, you can have a beer without being harased and it's in the middle of the pines, right on the Wading River. Flush toilets and showers too.

http://www.wadingpines.com/index.html

Ed

 

[Piney Boy]

Take a look at Wading Pines Camping Resort, they rent cabins. It,s privatly owned, you can have a beer without being harased and it's in the middle of the pines, right on the Wading River. Flush toilets and showers too.

http://www.wadingpines.com/index.html

Ed

Thats a fine idea Ed. Wading Pines offers some cabins, hiking options, and the water to boot. By, the by, October is my favorite month to be in the Pines. With Fall swinging and less bugs and cooler weather make for some great hikes.

 

[PineBarransJeepster]

x3 for wading pines. Its a great place. We are camping there for the clean up as well.