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For years visitors have thought the water in the pine barrens was dirty or polluted, and locals called it "cedar water".The Batsto River, Batsto Lake and other lakes in this region are in very iron rich soil and the roots of cedar trees leak their pigment into the water too. It's the combination that makes it unique. We know of no other place were this occurs.
The first thing you may notice is the color of the water, a deep tea-color typical of the Pine Barrens. Natural tannins and acids leached from cedar trees, coupled with the naturally high iron content of surrounding soils, stain the water this deep reddish-brown. It may also leave a slight stain at the waterline on your boat, which is easily washed off. Lake depths generally average three to six feet, with slightly deeper waters where the river channel cuts through. Around the lake you’ll find a wide variety of dry upland and aquatic vegetation typical of the Pine Barrens.
To claim this earthcache upload a picture of you or your group with the brown water clearly visible and message the cache owner your explanation of why it could be brown.
Geocache Identification Permit Approval Number: WSFBV2016072102
Permit Expires on: 7/21/24