Welcome to New Jersey, the third-largest cranberry-producing state in the U.S. and a unique destination where cranberries flourish naturally! Nestled in the New Jersey Pinelands, this area boasts sandy, acidic soil and a high-water table, creating perfect conditions for cranberry growth. The aquifer beneath forms bogs ideal for cultivating and harvesting these vibrant berries. 

Cranberry farming here has deep roots, starting back in 1835 in a bog near Burrs Mills in Burlington County. Many of the original cranberry farms are still run by the descendants of their founders, preserving a rich agricultural heritage. If you visit in the fall, you can witness the cranberry harvest in action! Make your way through the Pine Barrens using the Historic Cranberry Trail to experience this seasonal event, learn about New Jersey’s cranberry history, watch the farmers skillfully gather the berries, and indulge in some delicious fresh cranberry treats. 

Historic Whitesbog Village 

Step back in time at Historic Whitesbog Village, once the site of New Jersey’s largest cranberry farm in the early 1900s and the birthplace of the first successfully cultivated highbush blueberries. Established between 1890 and 1925, this self-sufficient village featured worker housing, a general store, a pay office, processing and storage buildings, and even a schoolhouse. The village owes much of its legacy to Elizabeth Coleman White, the visionary farmer, naturalist, and entrepreneur who pioneered the cultivation of blueberries on the property. 

Today, Whitesbog Village is nestled within the 3,000-acre expanse of cranberry bogs, blueberry fields, and reservoirs in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Many of the original buildings remain, including Suningive, Elizabeth White’s historic home. A visit here is like traveling back in time, offering a glimpse into the rich history of cranberry farming, the unique lifestyle of a rural South Jersey company town, and the remarkable individuals who shaped the farming culture. 

Double Trouble State Park 

Discover the wonders of the Pine Barrens ecosystem at Double Trouble State Park, a perfect destination for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Double Trouble Village is a fully preserved company town complete with a sawmill and a cranberry sorting and packing house. Here, you can delve into the lives of village residents from the 19th and early 20th centuries and learn about the crucial role women played in the cranberry industry. 

Spanning over 8,000 acres, the park safeguards and showcases significant natural, cultural, and recreational resources that reflect the essence of the Pinelands National Reserve. Its unique location and diverse resources offer visitors an insightful look into southern New Jersey's rich natural and cultural heritage. As you explore, you'll encounter the pristine Pine Barrens watershed and a well-preserved historic village tied to New Jersey's cranberry agriculture and Atlantic White Cedar logging and milling industries. 

Cloverdale Farm  

Cloverdale Farm County Park, acquired from Katherine Collins in 2004, is a living testament to New Jersey's cranberry farming heritage. Katherine and her husband, William, operated the cranberry bogs and tree farm on this property for over 50 years, continuing a legacy that dates back to the late 1800s. 

The park's most captivating feature is undoubtedly its natural beauty. Beyond the cranberry bogs, you'll find a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildflowers, birds, and diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers year-round. Wander along the 1.4-mile self-guided nature trail that winds through the farm and into untouched woodlands, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Opened in May 2015, the Visitors Center provides fascinating exhibits that celebrate both the natural splendor and historical importance of the park. 

Chatsworth Village  

Known as "the capital of the Pine Barrens," Chatsworth (an unincorporated community in Woodland Township) is a charming village surrounded by lush pines, cranberry bogs, and blueberry fields. One of its most iconic landmarks is the historic Buzby House, located at the intersection of Routes 532 and 563. Renovated around 2000, this quaint building once housed "The Cheshire Cat," a delightful gift shop brimming with Pine Barrens treasures. Just across from Buzby's, you'll find "Hot Diggity Dog," a beloved roadside eatery that has won the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its casual outdoor dining experience. 

Every October, Chatsworth comes alive with the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival, attracting crowds from across the region. The village is also home to the Ocean Spray cranberry receiving station, where countless tons of cranberries are delivered each autumn by Pine Barrens farmers. As you travel along Route 563 south of Chatsworth, you'll catch glimpses of some of the largest cranberry farms in the area—a picturesque sight not to be missed!