“Historic Stokes Road” – Wharton State Forest
Location: Shamong Twp., Burlington County, Wharton State Forest
Directions: Rt. 206 for .21 miles north of Atsion Rd/Atsion Lake. right on Hampton Rd for 1.22 miles, right on Stokes.
GPS location: N 39.752187/ W 74.705439
Local name: Stokes Road
What is going on at this site: This historic stagecoach road that originates in Burlington City and connects to Quaker Bridge Road has been made impassable by reckless off-road vehicles in the Wharton State Forest area. The muddle wallows for 1/2 mile along this road are now so large that only 4 x 4s with oversized tires can traverse the area. This area also has a vernal pool section, accessible via the abandoned Central Jersey R.R. tracks, that has been driven through destroying the habitat.
Type of area: Upland forest, vernal pools and forested wetlands, historic dirt roadway.