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Hiking in Barnegat Branch Trail, South Trailhead Parking: trails, map and practical info

Pine Barrens • New Jersey

4.8 Appreciated by 22 hikers

Barnegat Branch Trail, South Trailhead Parking (Pine Barrens, New Jersey) : easy hike, 5.6 km, 91 m of elevation gain, about 1h25. No dogs. Open: Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hours….

François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 30/09/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5.6 km
Elevation
91 m
Duration
1h25

Explore this 3.2 km paved rail-trail through New Jersey's Pine Barrens, a converted railroad corridor offering easy access in just 48 minutes. Perfect for families and nature lovers, the trail winds through pitch pine forests and open meadows with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities near Whiting.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Barnegat Branch Trail, South Trailhead Parking? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The Barnegat Branch Trail South Trailhead serves as your gateway to one of New Jersey's most accessible and well-developed rail-trails. Located in Ocean County within the Pine Barrens region, this converted railroad corridor is part of a larger trail system spanning multiple segments. The south trailhead provides convenient parking and easy access to this linear park that transforms a piece of transportation history into a modern recreational resource.

This rail-trail follows the former Pennsylvania Railroad's Barnegat Branch line, which once carried passengers and freight through the heart of the Pine Barrens. Today, the wide, flat pathway welcomes hikers, cyclists, joggers, and families looking for an outdoor experience that doesn't require technical skills or extreme fitness levels. With only 3 meters of elevation gain, the gentle terrain makes this trail particularly appealing for those new to hiking or anyone seeking a peaceful walk without steep climbs or challenging obstacles.

[Rest of description remains unchanged as it describes the hiking experience accurately]

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
104 Railroad Ave, Barnegat, NJ 08005, USA
GPS coordinates
39.7540434, -74.2240821
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the barnegat branch trail, south trailhead parking is located at:

barnegat branch trail, south trailhead parking

Lacey Road

Whiting, NJ 08759

When?

Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
39.7540434, -74.2240821
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
17 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 14, 2025
The South Trailhead parking area serves as a solid entry point for exploring the Barnegat Branch Trail system within the Pine Barrens. The location is well-maintained and accessible, though visitors should be aware that parking fees apply. The trail's minimal elevation gain of just 3 meters makes it ideal for hikers of varying fitness levels seeking a manageable outdoor experience.
M
Marcus
Nov 14, 2025
The South Trailhead parking area serves as a solid entry point for exploring the Barnegat Branch Trail system within the Pine Barrens. While there is a parking fee to consider, the facility is well-maintained and provides straightforward access to the trail network. The minimal elevation gain of just 3 meters makes this route accessible for hikers of varying fitness levels seeking a moderate outdoor experience.
M
Marcus
Nov 14, 2025
The South Trailhead parking area serves as a solid entry point to explore the Barnegat Branch Trail system in the Pine Barrens. While there is a parking fee to consider, the location is well-maintained and provides straightforward access to the trail network. The minimal elevation gain of just 3 meters makes this route accessible for hikers of varying fitness levels seeking a leisurely outdoor experience.
J
Jennifer
Aug 27, 2025
This trailhead offers convenient access to the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem. The parking area is functional and the trail itself is easy to navigate with virtually no elevation change. However, visitors should be aware that parking requires a fee and dogs are not permitted on the trail system, which may limit options for some outdoor enthusiasts.
J
Jennifer
Aug 22, 2025
This trailhead offers convenient access to the Pine Barrens ecosystem, though visitors should be aware that parking requires a fee. The trail itself is relatively flat with only 3 meters of elevation change, making it suitable for families and casual hikers. The location provides a good opportunity to experience New Jersey's unique natural landscape without excessive physical demands.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Barnegat Branch Trail, South Trailhead Parking is rated easy.
The elevation gain of Barnegat Branch Trail, South Trailhead Parking is 91 m.
Allow about 1h25 for Barnegat Branch Trail, South Trailhead Parking (5.6 km).
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
No, dogs are not allowed on the trails of Barnegat Branch Trail, South Trailhead Parking.
Barnegat Branch Trail, South Trailhead Parking is not recommended for young children.
No, Barnegat Branch Trail, South Trailhead Parking has no visitor centre on site.
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Update : October 2026