Triple Bolt Gazette

There is a beautiful simplicity in just focusing on one foot after another. Taking it step by step as you navigate your place among the pines and riverbeds. To slowly watch the line between you and the planet blur just enough. Enough to help you remember you are part of it all and not just passive passenger on this big rock. Enough to find that stillness that is all to commonly lost on far too many days.

This last weekend, I explored the Batsto Lake Trail. The trail is within Washington Township in Burlington County, New Jersey. It is located in Wharton State Forest in the south central Pine Barrens. It is also part of the Pinelands National Reserve. The trail is 4 miles long. It is a loop. You can park and end up back at the trail head when finished.

The path is mostly sandy or hard dirt with pine needles. The surrounding forest is filled with blueberry bushes, Sassafras Trees, American Holly and more. There were sections of burn-zone from the great fire in 2012. They had plenty of charred trees. However, there were also many signs of rebirth and new grasses.

You will also come across sections of Lake Batsto as well as The Batsto River. It made me wish I had a kayak that day. I wanted to explore all that I saw! Another fun fact is for about 2 miles you merge with the great New Jersey Batona Trail. This trail is 52 miles long. It is a favorite through hiking trail in the region.

With the sun starting to set a bit earlier this time of year, I have been able to find myself on a trail as the most vivid and warm lights drips and drapes across our skies and landscapes. I can not recommend this trail enough to anyone looking to find that simple beauty of just following that one foot after the other….