Upcoming Outings

Get Outdoors with Us!

Sierra Club outings are conducted by trained Sierra Club outings leaders and are open to all those who are interested, members and non-members alike. Each outing is intended to be a wholesome, safe, and enjoyable experience outdoors to allow a greater appreciation of, respect for and desire to protect the natural world around us.

Unless registration is required, or if you have a question, it is not necessary to contact the leader before the trip. However, as these outings are planned many months in advance, we do advise that you contact the trip leader one to two days before the outing to make sure it is not canceled.

See additional important information about Group Outings. 

To register for the following outings on the list below,  click here

The Chapter group or section leading each outing is given at the end of the write-up, as follows: 

Atlantic Chapter, ACOC; Central Jersey, C; Gateway, G; Hunterdon Warren, HW; Jersey Shore, JS; LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, Queer, Plus); Loantaka, L; NJ Chapter, NJ; North Jersey, N; Raritan Valley, RV; Ocean, O; River Touring, RT; Singles Section, SS; Skylands, Sk; South Jersey, SJ; West Jersey, W. 

May 2024

May 11 (Sat): Five Ponds Trail Hike, Ringwood State Park (Passaic Co.) 10 a.m. The hike will cover 5.7 miles in 4 hours in hilly terrain, Total ascent 900 ft., Moderate to Strenuous difficulty. We will start with a tour of the Gardens then hike the Five Ponds Trail. Features: The NJ Botanical Garden, The Five Ponds Trail (pink). Facilities: There is a restroom near the gardens. Requirements: Hiking boots and a daypack with water and lunch. Registration required via web: Start with the calendar at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey and click on the “Five Ponds Trails Hike," then click on RSVP. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak <The_Hikist@Mac.com>, and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

May 11 (Sat): Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 3-4 miles, easy pace. Lord Stirling Park is in the western part of the Great Swamp. We’ll walk on level trails through marshes and swamps that feature boardwalks, ponds, and what might be the oldest tree in New Jersey, the Great Swamp Oak, 700 years old. We’ll meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Rd., Basking Ridge. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Wanda, pridegrrlnj@aim.com, and Rebecca Wilkin, rebeccalwilkin@gmail.com   Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/lgbt  (LGBTQ+)

May 11 (Sat): NJ Sierra Club Amico Island Park - Early Morning Bird Walk (Burlington Co.) 8:30 a.m., 2 -3 miles, easy pace. Susan Matson is an avid and experienced birder and will be our guide on this return birding walk to Amico Island. In mid-May the park is filled with birds and bird song! In addition to observing migratory bird species, Susan will lead us in identifying the resident species in our New Jersey backyards. In April we saw the great blue heron rookery and on this walk we’ll have the opportunity to observe the young blue herons that have hatched. The rookery hosts 100 nesting herons every March  through June. Most trails are wide and level, traversing meadows, forest, pond, and wetland habitat. Some trails can be muddy, appropriate footwear is recommended. Binoculars are a must! Bring water and snacks. Please no dogs on this bird walk. Meet us at 81 Norman Ave., Riverside. There is a portable toilet at the parking lot. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required. www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

May 13 (Mon): Hike at Double Trouble State Park/Village (Ocean Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. We’ll walk through pine forests, cedar swamps, and sandy areas around the cranberry bogs with views of Cedar Creek and several reservoirs. Originally a cranberry farm and packing plant, the former company town called Double Trouble is a window into past and current industries in the Pinelands. We’ll meet in the parking lot at Pinewald-Keswick and Double Trouble Rds., Bayville. There are facilities. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Margaret Mary Piccolo, gogreenp1@yahoo.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county (O)

May 16 (Thurs): Hike at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park (Middlesex Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. It’s Love a Tree Day! The woods section of the park is primarily a mature, late succession or “climax forest” dominated by American beech, oaks, birch, tulip poplar, and sweet gum. Dogwood and sassafras. Our hike begins on the Yellow Trail, a grassy/rocky section that includes narrow boardwalks over swampy areas. The forested Blue Trail has elevations, exposed roots to step over and large stones for steps in some sections. Hiking poles and good footwear recommended. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are welcome. Portable toilet at parking lot. Meeting location will be emailed with registration confirmation. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: S.P., spjersey@gmail.com and George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

June 2024

June 1 (Sat): Hike Eagle Rock Reservation (Essex Co.) 9 a.m., 4-5 miles, moderate pace. The Eagle Rock Reservation is a 400-plus acre park and forest reserve. Wear hiking boots, Bring water and a snack. Rain cancels. No dogs please. Meet at the Essex County 9/11 Memorial, main entrance, Prospect Ave. and Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange. For information, contact the leader: Ron Pate, Ronpate31@verizon.net  Register at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway  (G)

Rescheduled: Jun 2 (Sun): Spring Hike at Parvin State Park (Salem Co.) 10 a.m., options: 3 miles on the Green Trail at an easy pace or the Red Trail, 5 miles at a moderate pace. The Green and Red trails are well-maintained but have exposed tree roots in some sections. Situated around Parvin Lake on the edge of the Pine Barrens, the park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest. Spring bursts out in bright colors and rich fragrances. Bring water, snacks, and lunch on the hike. Good footwear recommended. Meet at the Visitors Center, 701 Almond Rd., Pittsgrove. There are facilities. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian, tfboghosian44@gmail.com and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  and Candy Moleff. Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (SJ)

June 5 (Wed): Canoe/Kayak at Lake Mercer in Mercer Park (Mercer Co.) 10 a.m. It’s World Environment Day! We’ll paddle around the 365-acre Lake and see Blue Herons fishing at the water’s edge and many other birds. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. We’ll have lunch after the paddle at picnic tables. Meet us at the Marina Boat parking lot to unload boats on the ramp. There are facilities. Rentals are not available in the morning. Rain cancels. Leaders: George & Leona F., at pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

June 8 (Sat): Two Lakes Hike and Swim, Harriman State Park, NY (Orange Co.) 10 a.m. The Sierra Singles are going to Harriman State Park for a hike and swim. Hiking 7 miles in 4 hours in hilly terrain. Strenuous difficulty. Facilities: a portable toilet at the parking lot. Requirements: hiking boots, backpack, sun block, bug spray. Bring a daypack with water and lunch. No pets. Optional: swimsuits, camp towel, water shoes. Registration required via web: Start with the calendar at  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey and click on the “Two Lakes Hike and Swim," then click on RSVP. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak <The_Hikist@Mac.com>, and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

June 8 (Sat): Roebling Museum Garden Tour (Burlington Co.) Time TBD. Join us for the Roebling Museum Garden Tour to celebrate the beautiful spring weather and local gardens in the company town famous for building America’s most iconic bridges! A ticket for the garden tour includes access to the museum exhibits as well as a walking tour of the former company town, with stops at lovely home gardens. The museum volunteers guided walking tour will begin at the Roebling Museum. There are facilities. Tours run on the hour from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Ticket price is $15. Bring water and snacks. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Please register with leaders to coordinate a meeting time. www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

June 8 (Sat): Maintenance and Trail Repairs, Watchung Reservation, Mountainside (Union Co.) 10 a.m. We will be back in the parking lot by 1 p.m. No dogs please. Rain cancels. Meet at the Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Rd., Mountainside. Activities include pruning vegetation, removing small fallen trees and branches, clearing drainage ditches, and pulling invasive plants. Bring water and snacks. Wear hiking boots. Gloves and eye protection recommended. Bring a rake, clippers, shears, if possible. If you don’t have garden tools, we will have some available. There are facilities. Leader: Kevin O’Brien, (908) 403-0900, kbkob@aol.com Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/loantaka  (L)

June 11 (Tues): Hartshorne Woods Park – Clayton Creek Section Hike (Monmouth Co.) 11 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. Note later meeting time. Our hike will begin on Clayton Run with scenic views and then connect with the main trail system of the park at Laurel Ridge. Laurel Ridge takes us through the forest and features a wooded overlook extension. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Leashed dogs are permitted. Rain cancels. Meet us at 239 Locust Ave., Locust. A portable toilet is available. Leaders: George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore  (JS)

Jun 14 (Fri): Flag Day “Rose” Walk at Colonial Park Gardens and D&R Canal (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., easy pace, 3-mile walk to “smell the roses,” including a walk on the D&R Canal. The Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden displays thousands of roses of many varieties, with both modern and historic significance. Colonial Park Gardens is one of the treasures in Somerset County. It features a 144-acre arboretum, perennial garden and much more. Bring water and snacks. Option: late lunch at a local restaurant. Rain cancels. Meet us at 156 Mettlers Rd., Somerset. There are facilities. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley  (RV)

June 20 (Thurs): Summer Solstice Walk at Mercer County Park (Mercer Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, depending on the weather, easy pace. We’ll walk along Lake Mercer and on woods trails with some ups and downs. After our walk check out the new Spray Park. It features a shaded structure with tables underneath and a variety of in-ground sprays. It is open to all ages; individuals and families are welcome. Meet us at Grandparents Grove, which is next to the Marina and Boathouse, 334 S. Post Rd. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Co-leaders: Joanne Pannone, jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com and Leona  F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Registration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

July 2024

Jul 3 (Wed): Hike with Your Dog at Perrineville Lake Park (Monmouth Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. A popular park to walk your dog! Beautiful woodlands, natural fields, and a picturesque lake. There are some ups and downs on forest trails. Hiking boots and poles recommended. Meet here in the heart of quiet Millstone at 23 Agress Rd. There is a portable toilet available at the parking lot. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, light clothing, and pants tucked into socks. Leaders will bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Rain cancels. Option: late lunch at Albivi Brick Oven restaurant. Leaders: George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore  (JS)

Jul 6 (Sat):  Hacklebarney State Park (Morris Co.) 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 4-5 miles, moderate hike. The Black River gorge, woodlands, and trails provide a great escape for walkers and hikers. Some of the trails have hills, and there are a few river bridges to cross to reach other parts of this park. This is a lovely summer hike. Meet at 119 Hacklebarney Rd., Long Valley. There are facilities. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Hiking boots are recommended. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Wanda, pridegrrlnj@aim.com, and Rebecca Wilkin, rebeccalwilkin@gmail.com   Registration required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/lgbt  (LGBTQ+)

Jul 7 (Sun): Hike at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. We’ll begin our visit at the Nature Center and “slither on in” to the Reptile Room. Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge consists of 171 acres of protected “Green Acres” Pinelands habitat. Cedar Run features about 3 miles of trails for a leisurely stroll around the lake or the option for a longer walk into the forest. The Wildlife Housing Area is the highlight of any visit with nearly 60 resident owls, eagles, vultures, raccoons, turtles, and more! Admission: adults (13+) $10, Children (4-12) $5. Address: 4 Sawmill Rd, Medford. There are facilities. Bring water and snacks. Pets are not permitted. Option for late lunch at Vincentown Diner. Leaders: George & Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

Jul 13 (Sat): Hike and Swim Catfish Pond, Camp Mohican (Water Gap), Blairstown (Warren Co.) 10 a.m. The hike will cover 7 miles in 4 hours. Hilly Terrain. Medium to strenuous difficulty. Features:  Catfish Pond, Appalachian Trail, scenic views, AMC Camp Mohican. Facilities: There is a visitor center with indoor bathrooms and a place to change clothes. Requirement: Hiking boots and a daypack with water and lunch. Registration required via the website: Start with the calendar www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey and click on the event “Hike and Swim at Catfish Pond,” then click on RSVP. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak,  The_Hikist@mac.com and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

Jul 13 (Sat): Birding Walk: Assunpink Wildlife Management Area—Navigation Beacon Area (Monmouth Co.) 8:30 a.m., 2 miles, easy pace. Susan Matson is an avid and experienced birder and will be our guide on the walk. The trail includes a circular hike that takes about an hour and a half. In the summer we will see many indigo buntings and common yellowthroats, pretty and easy to spot. The yellow-billed cuckoo is a secretive bird and a common breeder in Monmouth County. Susan will identify the cuckoo for us with its loud call. We’ll meet at the Assunpink Conservation Ctr. (Log Cabin), East Branch Rd., Allentown. Portable toilet at parking lot. Please no dogs. Bring binoculars, water, and snacks. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, light clothing, and pants tucked into socks. Leaders will bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Leona and George F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore (JS)

Jul 17 (Wed): Crystal Lake Park (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace. Crystal Lake Park is over 370 acres with upland and lowland forests, a freshwater lake and wetlands, diverse vegetation, and many bird species. Meet at 2401 Axe Factory Rd., Mansfield. There is a large sign at the entrance, turn in and drive to the large parking area. There are permanent restrooms and a drinking fountain. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. There is a pavilion with picnic tables. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, light clothing, and pants tucked into socks. Leaders will bring insect repellent and sunscreen. George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

Jul 21 (Sun): Huber Woods Park Hike, Middletown (Monmouth Co.)  10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. There are pretty, well-maintained trails. There is an environmental center and a small reptile house. We will walk the hickory and oak forest, with occasional distant views of the Navesink River. Many warblers nest in Monmouth County Parks during the summer. We’ll listen and look for pileated woodpeckers. There are some ups and downs; good footwear is recommended. Bring water and snacks. Leashed dogs are welcome. Address: 25 Brown’s Dock Rd., Middletown. There are facilities. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, light clothing, and pants tucked into socks. Leaders will bring insect repellent and sunscreen. George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com Preregistration required:  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/jersey-shore  (JS)

Jul 26 (Fri): Family Hike at The Watershed Institute (Mercer Co.)  10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. We’ll walk the new accessible Hickory Loop boardwalk trail, and then take short steps down to the Blue Trail. The Blue Trail takes us around field edges and along forest paths with some elevations as we continue to the restored Wargo Pond and dock overlook. In May there was a sandpiper on the pond edge. The trail may be muddy in places; wear appropriate footwear. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. After lunch we’ll visit the Butterfly House. Meeting at 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. There are facilities. Leashed dogs are permitted. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: Joanne P., jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Preregistration is required:  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

August 2024

Aug 2 (Fri): Hike at Smith’s Woods and Smithville Park (Burlington Co.) 10 a.m., 2-3 miles, easy pace. International Beer Day! Smith’s Woods and Smithville Park feature a diverse collection of habitats as well as views of Rancocas Creek. Meet at the Smith’s Woods access parking lot, 39 East Railroad Ave. Facilities are available. Bring water, snacks, and hiking poles if you use them. Leashed dogs are welcome. Wear a broad brimmed hat, light clothing and pants tucked into socks. Leaders will bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Option: late lunch at the Vincentown Diner. George & Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/west-jersey  (W)

Aug 10 (Sat): Hike and Splash at Ramapo Valley Reservation, Mahwah (Bergen Co.) 10 a.m. The hike will cover 7 miles in 4 hours. Hilly terrain. Medium to strenuous difficulty. Features: MacMillan Reservoir, Ramapo River, Bear Swamp Lake, and ruins. Facilities:  Indoor bathroom building. Requirement: hiking boots and a daypack with water and lunch. Registration required via website: Start with the calendar at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey and click on the event “Hike and Splash at Ramapo Valley," then click on RSVP. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, The_Hikist@mac.com, and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

Aug 14 (Wed): Hike at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park (Middlesex Co.) 10 a.m., 3-4 miles, easy pace. There are lovely garden displays and a butterfly house. Last summer we saw a pileated woodpecker in the woods. We begin our hike on the Yellow Trail, a grassy/rocky section through the woods that includes narrow boardwalks over swampy areas. The forested Blue Trail has elevations, exposed roots to step over, and large stones for steps in some sections. Hiking poles and good footwear recommended. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, light clothing, and pants tucked into socks. Leaders will bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Dogs on leash are welcome. Portable toilet at parking lot. Rain cancels. Leaders: George and Leona F, pineypaddlers@gmail.com Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

 Aug 17 (Sat): Eagle Rock Reservation Hike (Essex Co.)  9 a.m., 5 – 6 miles. We will hike at a moderate pace. Meet at the Essex County 9/11 Memorial, main entrance, Prospect Avenue and Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange. There are facilities. No dogs please. Bring water and snacks. Rain cancels. Contact the leader for information. Ron Pate,  973-965-7578  or Ronpate31@verizon.net   Registration required  at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway  (G)

Aug 23 (Fri): Summer Walk at Duke Farms (Somerset Co.) 10 a.m., 2-3 miles, leisurely walk with property highlights stops along the way. Duke Farms serves as a model of environmental stewardship in the 21st century. The trails are easy and mostly level; surface varies between grass/wood chips, gravel, and paved. Sunny--most paths are not wooded. Broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen recommended. Meet at the Farm Barn Orientation Center. www.dukefarms.org/ We’ll be seated in The Café, with a cup of coffee and a clipboard. Bring your camera, water, snacks, and lunch on the walk. Pets are not permitted. Excessive heat cancels. Heavy rain cancels. Leaders: George and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/raritan-valley (RV)

September 2024

Sept 8 (Sun): Guided Tour of the Isaac Watson House (headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution) and Spring Lake Walk (Mercer Co.) 12:30 p.m. The Watson House is open for public, docent-guided tours in the spring and fall. Donations welcome. Built by Isaac Watson in 1708 and recognized as the oldest house in Mercer County, this historic landmark was originally set on 800 acres and is situated on a bluff overlooking Watson's Creek in John A. Roebling Park. After the tour we’ll take a walk around Spring Lake and look for sunning turtles on logs, many resident birds, mute swans on the lake and an active beaver lodge. Bring water and snacks. Meet at the parking area 151 Westcott Ave.; facilities at Tulpehaking Nature Center. Please no dogs. Co-leaders:  Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Joanne P.,  jpatmeadowbrook@gmail.com  Preregistration is required:  www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  (C)

Sept 14 (Sat): Camp Glen Gray Hike, Ramapo Mountain Forest, Oakland (Bergen Co.) 10 a.m. The hike will cover 7 miles in 4 hours. Hilly terrain. Medium to strenuous difficulty. Features:  Twin Hill Lookout, Mill Stone Hill, Lake Vreeland, camp sites, and cabins. Facilities: portable toilets and outhouses. Requirement: hiking boots and a daypack with water and lunch. Registration required via the website: Start with the calendar at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey and click on the event “Camp Glen Gray Hike," then click on RSVP. Directions for the meeting place will be sent via email to members who register. Leaders: Jimi Oleksiak, The_Hikist@mac.com and Jerry Ruocco (SS)

Sept 15 (Sun): Cloverdale Farm County Park Nature Walk (Ocean Co.) 11 a.m., 2 miles. The Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Program acquired Cloverdale Farm in 2004. Within the boundaries of this 90-acre park, we find the diversity of the Pine Barrens wetlands, uplands, and the beauty of 20 acres of cranberry bogs all year long. Meet at 34 Cloverdale Rd., Barnegat. There are facilities. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, light clothing, and pants tucked into socks. Co-leaders: George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Margaret Mary Piccolo,  gogreenp1@yahoo.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county (O)

Sept 21 (Sat): Eagle Rock Reservation Hike (Essex Co.)  9 a.m., 5 – 6 miles. We will hike at a moderate pace. Meet at the Essex County 9/11 Memorial, main entrance, Prospect Avenue and Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange. There are facilities. No dogs please. Bring water and snacks. Rain cancels. Contact the leader for information. Ron Pate,  973-965-7578  or Ronpate31@verizon.net   Registration required at www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/gateway  (G)

Sept 25 (Thurs): Hike at Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Princeton (Mercer Co.) 10 a.m., 3 4 miles, easy pace. This 75-acre natural area is mostly flat, wooded terrain with some inclines and occasional tree roots. We’ll have a snack break to read the interpretive signage at the man-made ice ponds and dams. They were created for harvesting ice by the Princeton Ice Company before the age of refrigeration. Meet at 30 Mountain Ave, parking lot. There are facilities. Hiking boots are recommended and hiking poles if you use them. Trails can be muddy in some places. Rain cancels. Bring water and snacks. Option: late lunch at Conte’s Pizza. Co-leaders: Leona F.,  leona@pineypaddlers.com  and Lynn E., lynnebeling@comcast.net  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/central-jersey  ( C)

Sept 29 (Sun): Wharton State Forest Hike (Atlantic Co.) 10 a.m., 3 miles, easy pace with an option to continue the hike at a moderate pace along the 4-mile Batona White Trail, which is a loop going through upland pine oak forests and dropping in elevation to the Batsto River and Batsto Lake. We’ll begin our walk on the Sand and Water Trail that winds along a sandy forest road and into a dense Atlantic white cedar swamp. We’ll follow a series of wooden foot bridges and the Batona Trail back to the visitors center for our lunch break. Then interested hikers will continue the hike for 4 miles around Batsto Lake. Good footwear and hiking poles are recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. Meet at the Batsto Village visitors center parking lot, 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton. There are facilities. Co-leaders: Tom Boghosian, tfboghosian44@gmail.com and Leona F., pineypaddlers@gmail.com Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/calendar (SJ)

October 2024

Oct 4 (Fri): Pinelands Month—Guided Walk at Double Trouble State Park/Village (Ocean Co.) 10.a.m., 2-3 miles, easy pace. Once home to both a lumber industry and cranberry farm, this former company town is a window into past and current industries in the Pinelands. Andrew Anderson, Historic Resource Interpretive Specialist, will be our guide. Meet at Double Trouble State Park parking lot, Pinewald-Keswick, and Double Trouble Rds. There are facilities. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Rain cancels. Co-leaders: George and Leona F.,  pineypaddlers@gmail.com and Margaret Mary Piccolo,  gogreenp1@yahoo.com  Preregistration is required: www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey/ocean-county (O)

Photos Of Beautiful NJ from Hikes

White Cedar Bog in Batona Trail Section in the Pinelands

pinelands white cedar