East Creek Pond and Lake Nummy via East Creek Trail

This is a flat, waterside walk through the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey, linking quiet cedar-stained waters, low sandy forest, and two standout destinations: East Creek Pond and Lake Nummy. At roughly 11 km (6.8 mi) with about 0 m (0 ft) of climbing, it’s well-suited to beginners, families, and anyone looking for an easy-paced nature walk—just be ready for soft sand, wet sections after rain, and bugs in warm months.

Getting to the trailhead (car + public transport)

By car - The East Creek Trail access for this route is typically reached from the Bass River State Forest / Lake Nummy area in Burlington County, NJ. The most reliable “known landmark” to navigate to is Bass River State Forest (near Lake Nummy), New Gretna, NJ 08224. From there, you’ll use forest roads/parking areas that serve the East Creek Trail corridor. - Expect sandy shoulders and limited signage once you’re inside the forest—download the route on HiiKER before you arrive so you can identify the correct parking pull-off/trail access.

By public transport - Public transit is limited in this part of the Pine Barrens. The most workable approach is usually: - NJ Transit to Atlantic City (rail/bus depending on origin), then - a rideshare/taxi to Bass River State Forest / Lake Nummy (last-mile distance varies, and service can be spotty). - If you’re trying to do this fully car-free, plan extra time and have a backup option for the return trip.

What the trail is like underfoot

• Surface: Mostly sand and packed dirt, with occasional pine needles, roots, and short boardwalk/bridging in wetter spots (conditions vary year to year).
• Wet areas: After rain or during spring high water, you can run into puddling and saturated ground near low points and along the creek/pond margins.
• Navigation: The Pine Barrens can look deceptively uniform—long straight stretches of similar forest. Use HiiKER to stay on the correct line where side paths or old sand roads branch off.

Route breakdown with landmarks (approximate)

0.0–2.0 km (0.0–1.2 mi): Settling into the Pine Barrens You’ll start in classic coastal-plain forest: pitch pine, oak, and dense shrubs (often including huckleberry/blueberry in season). The terrain is nearly level right away. Early on, the biggest “challenge” is usually sand—it can feel like walking on a beach in places, slowing your pace a bit.

2.0–5.5 km (1.2–3.4 mi): East Creek Pond area As you approach East Creek Pond, the forest opens slightly and the air often feels cooler and damper. The water here is commonly tea-colored—a normal Pine Barrens feature caused by tannins from cedar and organic soils, not pollution.

Look for: - Atlantic white cedar and other wetland-edge vegetation - Dragonflies and damselflies in warm months - Turtle basking on logs on sunny days

This is a good place to pause, hydrate, and do a quick tick check before continuing.

5.5–8.0 km (3.4–5.0 mi): Easy cruising through low, sandy forest Between the pond and Lake Nummy, the walking stays straightforward and flat. You may pass subtle transitions between drier pine-oak stands and slightly wetter pockets where the understory thickens.

Wildlife you might notice (often more by sound than sight): - Woodpeckers (including flickers) - Pine warblers and other songbirds - White-tailed deer tracks in sand

Lake Nummy and the Bass River State Forest setting

8.0–11.0 km (5.0–6.8 mi): Lake Nummy Lake Nummy is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bass River State Forest, and it can feel like a “destination” compared with the quieter pond/creek sections. Depending on your exact approach, you may encounter more people near the lake—especially on warm weekends.

Historical significance (regional context)

This hike sits within New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, a region shaped by sandy, nutrient-poor soils and a long history of human use—especially charcoal production, bog iron, glassmaking, and other industries that relied on local forests and waterways. Bass River State Forest itself is part of the state’s early conservation story, protecting large tracts of pine-oak forest and wetland habitats that are now valued for biodiversity and recreation.

What to watch out for (practical hazards)

• Ticks: Present much of the year when temperatures are above freezing; highest risk in warmer months. Wear long socks, consider permethrin-treated clothing, and do full checks after.
• Mosquitoes/biting flies: Can be intense near water from late spring through early fall—bring repellent and consider a head net if you’re sensitive.
• Sand fatigue: Even on a flat route, deep sand can make the last couple miles feel longer than the distance suggests.
• Heat + sun: Pine canopy is patchy; humidity can be high. Carry more water than you think you’ll need for an “easy” hike.
• Seasonal flooding: If you’ve had heavy rain recently, expect detours around standing water;