I want to go herping in the pine barrens nj

I want to go with a friend, But we have NO idea where to go, and what to be prepared for. Anyone live in the area or been herping there that can help us out? we are going this saturday. We both live in North Nj.. and if you dont recommend the pine barrens, where can we go that is closer to us?:P

What do you think about Round Valley?

I used to hunt the Pine Barrens (Barstow area). I found a 7 foot long pine snake 1 year. There are some rattlers but lots of gardner snakes, rat snakes, and small lizards. Look near water and under large objects on the ground. Mitch