Wharton State Forest

Wharton State Forest

    Located in the heart of the Pine Barrens, Wharton State Forest holds the largest tract of New Jersey's very own wilderness. Serpentine rivers meander lazily along, stained mahogany from red cedar trees. Pygmy pitch pines, many charred from the frequent forest fires that shape the land, whisper softly in gentle breezes. And wildflowers and animals thrive in the harsh acidic environment. Wharton State Forest may be close to cities like Philadelphia and New York City, but it feels like a world away.

    

    Northern Fence Lizard, a native Pine Barrens species

Batsto Village

    Tucked in wooded corner of Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village is more than meets the eye. The village was built in 1766 in order to mine bog ore from the streams and rivers. This ore was used to make iron for cooking pots, kettles, and eventually supplies for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. After iron production declined in the mid-1800s, Batsto Village became known for glassmaking. Today, the cottages, barns, and the Batsto Mansion reflect what the village looked like in days gone by, transporting visitors to the past.

Atsion Mansion

    The imposing Atsion Mansion was built in 1826 as a summer home for Samuel Richards, a prominent ironmaster from Philadelphia. After he purchased the property in 1892, industrialist Joseph Wharton cultivated cranberries here and used some of the vacant buildings for packing and storing the crop. 

Atsion Lake

    Atsion Lake is manmade lake created by a dam on the Mullica River. It spans 100 acres and is a wonderful place to paddleboard, canoe, swim, relax on the sandy shore, or just enjoy the scenery.