Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest is a large woodland area in Burlington County featuring vast pine groves, cedar swamps, and iron-rich streams throughout its terrain. Over 25 miles of marked trails weave through diverse landscape types, offering multiple routes for visitors to explore.

The Lebanon Glass Works operated within the area from 1851 to 1867 before closing due to depletion of timber resources needed for production. This early industrial period left marks on the landscape before the area became protected forest.

Elizabeth White created the first cultivated highbush blueberry at Whitesbog Village within the forest, an agricultural breakthrough that shaped regional farming practices. The historic village structures within the forest still reflect this farming heritage.

The forest offers 82 tent sites, three cabins near Pakim Pond, and three group camping areas accommodating up to 100 people during the season. The camping season runs from April through October when all facilities are open.

The Batona Trail links this forest with two other protected areas through a continuous 50-mile route crossing the New Jersey Pine Barrens. This long-distance path traverses rare ecosystems found nowhere else in the region.

Location: New Jersey

Inception: 1908

Website: http://state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/byrne.html

GPS coordinates: 39.89102,-74.57962

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47