Bass River State Forest

From northern New Jersey, take Exit 52 [New Gretna] of the Garden State Parkway and turn right onto County 654 (East Greenbush Road), following the signs to the park. From southern New Jersey, take Exit 50 [New Gretna, US 9] to New Gretna and turn left onto County 679. After 1.5 miles, bear right onto County 654. At the junction with Stage Road, bear right and follow the signs to the park headquarters.

GPS Coordinates: 39.621038, -74.423115

New Jersey’s first state forest, with its many recreational activities centered at Lake Absegami.

The forest has 13 easy walking (non-ADA accessible) blazed trails varying in length from 0.4 to 4 miles, and a segment of the Batona Trail.  Most trails start at the south end of the day-use parking area near the beach. With a map and compass, it is possible to hike any number of circular routes over the sand roads in the area through typical Pinelands forests.

Use the Web Map link on this site to view a trail map.

Bass River State Forest

Acquired in 1905, Bass River State Forest was the first state forest in New Jersey.  A Civilian Conservation Corps camp on the parkland lasted from 1933 to 1942. Camp S-55’s most noteworthy feat was the creation of the 67-acre Lake Absegami, by damming two streams flowing through the forest. Forest headquarters is still at Lake Absegami, where there are camping areas, a beach, cabins, shelters, lean-tos, a nature center, and a short nature trail that traverses a cedar swamp.

Find more Parks for Hiking Trails in New Jersey.