Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s. The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.

Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town. Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar.

Facilities & Activities:

Whitesbog Village
Trails
Camping
Fishing
Hunting
Picnic tables, 2 Group Picnic Areas
Playground
Cross-country skiing
Winter swan migration

Trails:

Hiking
Nature trails
Horseback riding
Biking
Mountain biking
Batona Trail

Trails

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest has more than 25 miles of marked trails. The various trails and loops provide challenges ranging from long single track hiking trails to a trail accessible for people with disabilities. The Batona Trail is designed for hiking, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing (weather permitting). The Mount Misery Trail allows visitors the additional option of mountain biking, and the Cranberry Trail allows for access by wheelchairs in addition to all the other uses listed above.

The Batona Trail is almost 50 miles in length and links Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River State Forests. This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the NJ State Park Service and the Batona Hiking Club.

Other trails intersect with the Batona Trail to provide loops of about 6 miles and 14 miles for day hikes. Loops of about 2 miles at the forest office and one mile at Pakim Pond provide short easy hikes with wide pathways which avoid contact with vegetation that may harbor ticks or other insect pests.

All of the trails allow the visitor to enjoy the scenery and biological diversity of the Pine Barrens. Whether you want to spend an hour or an afternoon hiking - the trails at Brendan Byrne provide unlimited opportunities for fitness and relaxation.

Camping

Campsites: 82 tent and trailer sites each with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Oopen year round.

Group campsites: Three group sites with fire rings, picnic tables, water, and flush toilets. Each campsite accommodates up to 30 people. Open year round

Picnicking

Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups, we also offer two reservable picnic areas with shelters. Area A holds a capacity of 50 people and Area B can accommodate 100 people.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in specific sections of the forest subject to the regulations of the New Jersey DEP's Fish and Wildlife Laws. Wildlife regularly hunted include deer, squirrel, rabbit and grouse.