Adventures without Barriers: Learning and Exploring 19th Century Industrial Towns

The Pine Barrens were once home to an array of industries from lumber, iron production, glass, and mining. Evidence of bygone eras remains hidden among the quiet streams and dense forest.

Meet at the parking lot of North Pemberton Train Station Museum at 9:45 AM to take a slow hike, passing through both forest and cultural landscapes as we take a trip on the Burlington and Mount Holly Railroad. Learn about the importance this avenue of commerce provided to a 19th-century industrial town on the outskirts of the pines. On this tour you’ll be led by Thomas Besselman, as we take you on an immersive trip to learn about the natural resources that are found in the Pinelands and in days gone by, which allowed early American industries to thrive. Learn about the town of Pemberton and its connection with the Burlington and Mount Holly Railroad, its citizens, and their connection to the landscape around them., passing through both forest and 19th-century industrial town in the heart of the pines.

This inclusive and accessible family-friendly outing follows along a section of the former Burlington and Mount Holly Railroad. Offering scenic views of woodland, pineland streams, meadows and farmland. The historic railroad trail is a picturesque location perfect for learning about the important natural resources that made it possible for early American industries and settlers to thrive.

Accessibility Information:

The total length of this route is 1.5 miles. The trail is a there-and-back route that follows flat, even terrain. There are minor slopes encountered on this trip. The trail is a minimum of 8 feet wide. General trail surfaces are compacted stone dust and natural compacted soils, which will allow for rugged terrain wheelchair access. The runtime of the program is estimated to be two hours. There are benches on the property, some of which are in route. There are two ADA-compliant parking spaces, however, these will be used as a drop-off zone only for those using mobility equipment. The parking lot is paved. There are public bathrooms on-site with ADA Accessible stalls.

Pinelands Adventures has several rugged-terrain wheelchairs available for use by request both electric and manual types.   If you would like to use one of our wheelchairs for this tour email Sean Kane-Holland, Access Nature Disability Advocate at sean@pinelandsalliance.org or call Sean at 609-859-8860 ext 117.

Note: Participants that are not requesting Pineland Adventures wheelchairs should come prepared with their own mobility assistive devices. Bring friends/companions/aids and/or walkers, canes, crutches, and personal outdoor assistive gear. The trails are manageable for manual and electric assistive mobility equipment. The meeting place is the North Pemberton Train Station Museum. Directions available here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5s3mBUgCyHWswC4o6