Jakes Branch – Pine Barrens Panoramic View

Easy trail through NJ’s Pine Barrens with a great view from the visitor center observation deck.

While looking up trail info for Double Trouble State Park, I stumbled upon a park right down the road from it: Jakes Branch County Park.

We decided to check it out and then head down the street to Double Trouble to hit two parks in one day… for a hiking double-header.

For complete hike info visit our main Jakes Branch page.

Jakes Branch seems like a relatively new park, with a 4-mile trail in addition to the usual ball fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas that county parks usually have. The visitor/nature center is large with nice displays and looks brand spanking new.

Be sure to head up the center’s observation deck for a view of the park from 5 stories up (this is ADA accessible with an elevator and automatic door).

The pines around the park are visible, as well as the hanger the Hindenburg was kept in is viewable in the distance.

The trailhead is marked with a big sign and maps, to the right of the visitor center. We took the BLUE Tindey Trail which is a big loop. To cut things shorter, take one of the sand roads or the RED trail.

All trails are VERY well marked (even the intersections with sand roads have posts with names), and the map is easy to follow… it would be hard to get lost here.

The trail is typical pine barrens and is easy and flat, with no real viewpoints. There is traffic noise due to being right off the Parkway.

The trail is very suitable for beginners, or for anyone looking for a quick hike or trail run. It’s not for someone looking for a challenge or long hike.

We did pass a WHITE trail that was not on the map, so it’s possible there is a new trail that could add some distance.

Since we planned on hitting Double Trouble that day, we opted to not check it out this time.