Franklin Parker Preserve — Chatsworth Lake Entrance — Attraction in Woodland Township

A stunning hidden gem of South Jersey. I've lived here for over 25 years and have never heard this recommended. ~6.5 miles of beauty on the red trail, starting with the trailhead (3 triangles) leaving left from the lot. Very easy to follow with beautiful sights and much nature from fence lizards to a red bellied turtle. Really a beautiful place, thank you to the family for giving this back.

My only issues are with the back half of the red trail going home. The part around the A at AR DEMARCO on the trail map was flooded on the red trail and we had to double back around the green to get to the red again. Furthermore around this area the red splits into two trails, if you're going the way we did GO LEFT. The right is completely overgrown, but has the trailmarkers that look the most up-to-date. When we reached the "end" of the left trail we looked back and it said "Alt red path" which is not true, that's the only red path it seems. Also a little more towards the lot, past the railroad tracks, there is a hairpin right that is shown on the map but not really show in person.

If the people who take care of the preserve were to fix these minor issues by adding a flood detour at the green/red intersection of flooding where the A is, get rid of the signage that's overgrown and the alt trail signage shortly after, and make it more clear when to turn at the hairpin section then this place would be perfect.

Still giving 5 stars because it was such a great time. It's such a...

I was asked to provide a Land Acknowledgment for Pine Barrens Natural History Hike 2023 20th Year Celebration. Nestled amidst the heart of New Jersey's Pine Barrens, the Franklin Parker Conservation Area stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of nature. With its sprawling expanse of 9,400 acres, this protected haven offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the region's rich ecological tapestry. As I ventured into this verdant realm, tranquility immediately enveloped me. The towering pines, their needles shimmering under the sun's dappled embrace, formed a majestic canopy overhead, while the air was infused with the sweet fragrance of the Barrens' unique flora. Standing amidst this pristine wilderness, I felt deeply grateful for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation's unwavering commitment to preserving this treasure trove of natural splendor. Their dedication ensures that future generations can experience the unspoiled beauty of the Franklin Parker Conservation Area. On behalf of all who cherish the natural world, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding this precious sanctuary. May the Franklin Parker Conservation Area remain a haven for wildlife and a source of inspiration for all who seek solace and rejuvenation amidst...

I decided to take advantage of the warmer weather and have another adventure at the Franklin Parker Preserve. I have mostly done biking trails so far but after realizing how many trails in South Jersey are for hiking only I decided to give it a try. I consider this to be my first major hike, I did 6 miles in around 3 hours. The red trail at Franklin Parker Preserve is one of South Jersey's most popular hikes. It's not too long, there are several paths to cut it short if needed, and there is a variety of environments and features along the way. I really enjoyed the suspension bridge, the giant Adirondack chairs, the observation deck, and the abandoned train tracks. The highlight of my adventure was proving to myself that a 6 mile hike is doable. I did take one wrong turn towards the end and had to backtrack but luckily I remembered crossing a specific log bridge. I will definitely be back to explore more of the Franklin Parker Preserve and eventually hike the portion of the Batona trail that goes through it. Now I’m ready for more hiking adventures! 🥾🌲🪑 🛤️ #adventuresinsouthjersey #franklinparkerpreserve #njpinebarrens...