I Walked the Batona Trail: A Journey Through Pine Barrens and Personal Growth
On April 13, 2025, I completed the Batona Trail — a 53-mile footpath winding through the heart of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. I began this section-hike in November 2024 with a group of hiking friends who have become an important part of my life. Over the course of several months, we shared miles, stories, laughter, and moments of quiet reflection as we worked toward this incredible accomplishment together.
The Batona Trail (short for BAck TO NAture) was created in 1961 by members of the Batona Hiking Club. Their vision was to connect some of the most scenic, remote parts of the New Jersey Pinelands — and they succeeded. The trail weaves through Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River State Forests, offering long stretches of pine needles underfoot, wild cranberry bogs, cedar swamps, and the peaceful sound of wind in the trees. It’s a special kind of quiet here — one that invites you to breathe deeper and walk slower.
This trail isn’t mountainous or steep, but don’t let the flat terrain fool you — it still demands stamina, presence, and intention. Some days were cold, others long, but every section brought something meaningful: a sunrise filtering through the pitch pines, a shared snack break that turned into a deep conversation, or that tired-but-happy silence at the end of a long day.
For me, this journey wasn’t just about logging miles — it was about community, healing, and showing up for myself in a new way. Hiking with others reminded me of the power of connection, and how being seen and supported by others — even in silence — can be transformative. As someone who deeply believes in the power of nature to restore and reset, this hike also reinforced why I incorporate movement and the outdoors into my work as a therapist.
The Batona Trail gave me space to breathe and grow. It helped me build endurance — both physical and emotional — after a demanding year. Most of all, it reminded me that healing doesn’t always happen in stillness. Sometimes it happens in motion, surrounded by trees, with trusted friends walking beside you.
Interested in experiencing the therapeutic power of nature for yourself?
Join me for Walk & Talk therapy sessions in the New Jersey area, or stay connected for future nature-based workshops and group experiences. Reach out here to learn more or schedule a consultation.