Kayaking is officially in season! Take a slow ride along the shores of SJ to see nature at its best. Here are some spots to get started:

Batsto River

609-859-8860
For a good three- or four-hour kayaking trip, paddle down the Batsto River to Batso Village from the put-in at Quaker Bridge. Sharp turns make it a challenging path with great views, and there are plenty of spots to pull off and picnic.

Maurice River

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The Maurice River is home to SJ’s only “wild river,” which means part of it – 35.4 acres – is preserved by the National Park Service and has been relatively untouched since 1993. Drop your canoe at Almond Road, just off Route 55 in Vineland.

Menantico Ponds Wildlife Management Area

856-785-0455
The highlight of this nearly 300-acre area in Millville is the freshwater ponds, which resulted from sand mining. (In the ’50s, the area was a large-scale commercial sand mine.) If you plan on fishing, you must obtain a license.

Hammonton Lake

609-567-4300
The beauty of the Pine Barrens can be seen at Hammonton Lake, nestled right in the middle of the woodsy region. Look for birds like the red-winged blackbird, house wren and Baltimore oriole.

Great Egg Harbor River

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The Great Egg Harbor River is one of the longest in SJ, stretching 55 miles all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic County Park at Weymouth Furnace in Hamilton Township is a great spot to start your ride – it’s also the site of an historic paper mill and iron furnace dating back to the 1800s.

Mullica River

609-859-8860
A trip from Atsion to Pleasant Mills takes at least seven hours, so make sure you’ve packed food and supplies, and are experienced enough for a longer trip. You’ll glide along the southern coast of Wharton State Forest, and you can also camp at the Mullica campsite.

Riverwinds Park

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Paddling around the river in the morning is the best way to catch a glimpse of blue heron or a river otter on the sand banks. There’s parking marked for kayakers at the end of Riverwinds Drive in West Deptford.

Cooper River Park

A popular spot for kayaking is Cooper River Park, with its miles of walkway surrounding it. Note: all water activities are suspended while rowing events are taking place. Make sure you know before you go! For more information, call 609-922-2264 or visit camdencounty.com/parks.