Details

  • DesignationNational Scenic Byway (2021)
  • Intrinsic QualitiesNatural
  • LocationNJ
  • Length130 miles
Statewide Byway Partners
New Jersey Department of Transportation
Mullica River winds through 50 miles of the Pinelands
NJ Pinelands Commission Photo

Overview

Anyone can find something for them with the many different activities along the Pine Barrens Scenic Byway. From taking in the beautiful views, to learning about the rich history of the area, there is plenty to do along this 130-mile-long Byway. Along the Byway visitors can experience multiple wildlife refuges, reserves, forests, parks, and much more!

Local Byway Partners

Story of the Byway

The 130 miles that the Pine Barrens Scenic Byway covers contains some of the most beautiful scenic views in the State of New Jersey. Since it is such a long route, there is no shortage of activities to be found along the way of this gorgeous Byway. Whether that be taking in the scenic landscapes, participating in one of the many recreational activities, learning about the rich history of the area, or something else, there is something for everybody along this Byway. Designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2021, this route contains some of the most beautiful and pristine views of nature in the entire country and can be enjoyed by all.

The sheer length of this Byway creates an incredible opportunity to see a variety of different landscapes and biomes across the great state of New Jersey. Visitors can witness the dense forests full of pine trees, pristine lakes and rivers that cover the area, the expansive fields, marshes and bogs full of wildlife, and much more along this lengthy Byway. There is plenty of opportunity for recreational activity along this Byway as well, with hiking trails galore, water activities at just about any lake or river, and even bird watching to see some of the most gorgeous birds in the entire region. The Byway travels right through a large portion of the Pinelands National Reserve, which has beautiful scenes of nature that have been protected for years. There are hiking trails galore throughout the area for those interested and the views seen along the way will make every step worth it.

With nature and recreation highlighting the beauty of the area, the rich history that can be found along this Byway must be experienced by visitors. Travelers can experience colonial-era settlements, historic districts, and early industrial development in the nation. This route passes through a total of 12 historical districts throughout New Jersey that all have unique characteristics about them that are historically significant to both the state and the nation. For example, visitors can stop by the historic Batsto Village, which served as a manufacturing company in the late 1700s and early 1800s that supplied the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War with iron. There is also some supernatural history along the way of the Pine Barrens Scenic Byway. Visitors may hear some stories from locals in town about The Jersey Devil, who reportedly frequents many spots along the Byway, so watch out! Stories like this add to the charm and culture of the area, as there are many folk tales and stories like this that make the area interesting and quaint.

All in all, the Pine Barrens Scenic Byway has so much to offer for just about anyone. There are recreational activities available for those who want to experience the beauty of the area that way. The history of the area is bursting from every mile along the Byway and visitors can take a trip back in time if they visit one of the many historic districts. Come take a trip along this beautiful Byway, and maybe you’ll even see The Jersey Devil!

Driving Directions

The Pine Barrens Scenic Byway covers a large area of southern New Jersey and passes through multiple counties. The route goes from Tuckerton in the north to Dennisville and Port Elizabeth in the South. This covers 5 separate counties and 16 municipalities throughout southern New Jersey.

Points of Interest

  • Historic Smithsville

    Local town with beautiful architecture and dozens of shops where visitors can go along their trip. The cobblestone walkways and foot bridges can take you back in time as much of the architecture is the same from when it was first built generations ago.

  • Estell Manor Park

    This park has plenty to offer visitors with there being many different activities available. Visitors can hike, boat, picnic, bike, play sports, fish, and even hunt.

  • Belleplain State Forest

    Just about every recreational activity is available at this wonderful state forest in Woodbine, New Jersey. Visitors can camp, fish, hunt, picnic, boat, canoe, swim, and much more!

Itinerary

  • A Trip through the Pine Barrens

    Starting in Scow Landing along route 9 west, the Pine Barrens Scenic Byway splits into two different directions. You are going to follow route 9 south to begin your journey along this beautiful part of New Jersey. Your first stop will be the historic Tuckerton Seaport. After you are done there, continue along the Byway on route 9 south until you hit Chestnut Neck Battle Monument in the Brigantine Wilderness. The next historic site after that along route 9 south is Historic Smithville. While taking in the history there, you can shop and eat in this wonderful town along your journey.

    After you take in so much history, it is time to experience the beautiful views of the Pine Barrens and the surrounding area. As you continue south you will end up in Oceanville and the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. You can take in the beautiful ocean views while also seeing the plentiful wildlife in the area.

    From there, you have to head back north on route 9 to go west on Clarks Landing Road, which will then lead you south again on route 658. You will then reach the town of May’s Landing, which is incredibly quaint and a wonderful stop that has beautiful parks like Lake Lenape Park and Estell Manor Park. Your last stop along the Byway will be Belleplain State Forest near the town of Woodbine. This Forest captures the true beauty of the Pine Barrens and is the perfect end to a wonderful journey.

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