Two days to complete the Batona Trail = terrible idea!

[MikeBickerson]

So last month, two of my friends and I were dragged along by two of my Boy Scouts to attempt to do the Batona Trail in two days. This was not the brightest idea that anyone ever had.

But I did get some pretty pictures!

This one might be my favorite pine barrens picture I've ever gotten:

My full ramblings on my experience, and some more pretty pictures -
https://southjerseytrails.org/2016/12/10/twodaybatonathruhike/

 

[kayak karl]

Day one to Lower Forge is easy. It's day 2 that is long and hard

 

[MikeBickerson]

Day one to Lower Forge is easy. It's day 2 that is long and hard

Especially starting out in the wrong direction in the pitch black at 5 AM!

 

[Toothy Critter]

I often see hikers trying to do Batona in 2 or 3 days. But they always seem to be in such a hurry They remind me of people in the city running around. A group of hikers once passed me like there was something chasing them. The last one stopped for like 5 seconds to look at something on the ground. By the time he looked up, he had to run to catch up to his group. Just me, but is this any way to enjoy the experience. I plan on 5 days which may seem like the opposite end of the spectrum, but I plan on stopping to rest, fish, take pics, swim, and take in my surroundings. Maybe being older and retired gives me the opportunity to do this...and the necessity

 

[92 Blazer Jeff]

As long as you enjoy your self, that's the point off doing it. Not how fast you can do it.

 

[MikeBickerson]

I often see hikers trying to do Batona in 2 or 3 days. But they always seem to be in such a hurry They remind me of people in the city running around. A group of hikers once passed me like there was something chasing them. The last one stopped for like 5 seconds to look at something on the ground. By the time he looked up, he had to run to catch up to his group. Just me, but is this any way to enjoy the experience. I plan on 5 days which may seem like the opposite end of the spectrum, but I plan on stopping to rest, fish, take pics, swim, and take in my surroundings. Maybe being older and retired gives me the opportunity to do this...and the necessity

Five days is completely the way to do it. enjoy every second of it!