Naturalists to lead hikers on leisurely walk near Batsto Lake

The Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation offers a number of hiking programs covering the varied landscapes of New Jersey. Day trips offer the more experienced hiker a 5- to 15-mile walk. The half-day jaunts, considered an easy introduction to hiking, are typically four miles or less.

“We would like people to first register for something that is doable,” said Mary Jane Mehorter, superintendent of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “We don’t want anybody that hasn’t hiked or walked to go and challenge themselves with something that they’re not going to enjoy. We don’t want anyone walking away from a long hike saying, ’I will never hike again.’ We want them to come out first and get some hiking under their belt,” she emphasized.

Photo via Batsto Village
Hikers can enjoy the beautiful view of Batsto
Lake, which sourced bog ore for the Iron Furnace
and provided water power for the local sawmill
and gristmill starting in 1766.

Naturalists from Wells Mills County Park in Waretown will lead trekkers on a 4-mile walk in Burlington County on Sunday, March 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The jaunt will wind through Wharton State Forest on the white trail in Batsto. A stroll through historic ghost town Batsto Village will depend upon time constraints.

The leisurely walk, rated “flat and sandy,” will venture through typical pine/oak forests in the Pine Barrens and continue to follow the shore of the Batsto millpond, which once powered one of the most vital iron furnaces in the state.

“It’s not like a nature walk where we’ll be stopping to discuss things. We don’t do a lot of interpretation during hikes,” said Amanda Truhan, a naturalist at Wells Mills County Park. “It’s a hike, so it’s meant to keep moving. The focus is on walking,” she explained.

Proper attire for the event is required. Socks and hiking boots or sneakers are preferred. Dressing in layers is suggested. Water, snacks or lunch are recommended.

Registration is required. Fees cost $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 9 to 16.

Trails are subject to change. For more information, or to register for a hike, visit oceancountyparks.org, or dial 877-OC PARKS.

Mileage will be recorded for members of the Ocean County Hiking Club, which was re-introduced this year. Pins and credits are earned for 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 mile marks. Participation in the club is free of charge. For more information about the hiking club, call Wells Mills County Park at 609-971-3085.

This article was published in The SandPaper.