Wharton State Forest, Nature reserve in Atlantic, Burlington, and Camden counties, United States.
Wharton State Forest is a nature reserve spanning three counties in New Jersey, consisting primarily of pine woodlands, rivers, and sandy terrain within the Pine Barrens ecosystem. The land includes a historic village, two main rivers for recreation, and numerous trails throughout the property.
The forest area became a nature reserve after Batsto Village, an industrial settlement from the late 1700s, ceased operations. The village once produced iron and other goods that supported the Revolutionary War effort.
The Carranza Memorial within the forest honors Mexican aviator Captain Emilio Carranza Rodriguez, with visitors able to reflect on the connection between this landscape and aviation history. The monument draws attention during annual remembrance ceremonies each July.
The forest offers multiple camping areas with basic facilities, and some include shower and restroom amenities for extended stays. Visitors can pursue hiking, canoeing, swimming, and exploring sand roads on foot or by bike.
The property contains an extensive network of marked hiking trails and sand roads that wind through the forest, offering visitors diverse pathways rather than single routes. These sandy routes become particularly accessible during drier seasons when the ground is firmer underfoot.
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