Coming Soon! Wharton State Forest Rail-Trail

Help make the Wharton State Forest Rail-Trail a reality. Thank you for visiting our page at AT&T Worldnet. The Wharton State Forest Rail-Trail is, at this time, merely in the conceptual stages. Ideally the trail would be a an unimproved multi-use recreational and mountain biking trail. It involves the proposed conversion of the former Central Railroad of NJ mainline through the heart of the Pine Barrens and the Wharton Tract in southern New Jersey to a biking and hiking trail.

The trail would leave the existing railbed intact. Since the line is technically out of service, the proposed trail would share the right-of-way with the existing railbed. Improvements are needed to convert bridges along the line so they are safe for bicycle and foot traffic. A section of the trail from Quakerbridge Road to Stokes Road is currently used frequently by horseback riders. Proposed trail heads can be established in Waterford Township, Atsion Recreation Area and Woodland Township (Chatsworth). Most of the proposed trail would utilize the former railroad's service roads in addition to the right-of-way. Some of these service roads have a crushed cinder base that is better for mountain biking than the sugar sand roads common in the state forest. The ballasted railbed also is a stable base for hiking and mountain biking.

As you will see the line holds a great deal of history. Today, the remnants of the right-of-way are being used already by some hardy souls to explore the environment deep in the heart of the Pine Barrens. A trek through the woods along the right-of-way will lead you to hardwood groves, scenic streams, wildlife and beautiful evergreen forests. Like the concept for the trail, this website is just getting started and is still under construction. Please come back and visit again real soon!

Sample Photo Gallery

If you'd like more information or would like to know how you can help out, contact the webmaster at the email address below.

Email: whartontrail@worldnet.att.net