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By Stu
Bristol
There are times when the adrenalin rush of shooting the rapids or water skiing relaxes your soul, but paddling through the Pinelands of New Jersey's Wharton State Park affords an opportunity for relaxation that just can't be matched.
The Pinelands, a region consisting of 1.1 million acres spread across portions of seven New Jersey counties, is the largest area of undisturbed forest on the mid-Atlantic seacoast between Boston, Massachusetts and Richmond, Virginia.
Throughout the Wharton State Forest are rivers and streams for canoeing, hiking trails (including a major section of the Batona Trail,) 500 miles of unpaved roads for mountain biking and horseback riding and numerous lakes, ponds and fields ideal for wildlife observation. Bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, marsh hawks, ospreys, great blue herons, swans, screech owls, great-horned owls, bluebirds, hummingbirds, purple martins, goldfinch, turkeys, beavers, river otters, fox and deer are only some of the wildlife the alert visitor can see.
Low, dense forests of pine and oak, ribbons of cedar and hardwood swamp bordering drainage courses, pitch pine lowlands, bogs and marshes combine to produce an expansive mosaic which is unsurpassed in the Northeast. This richly patterned landscape is the product of interacting environmental factors, primarily soils, water, fire and human disturbances.
The majority of Pinelands' plant species have ranges that extend geographically north, west and south of the region. However, a distinctive feature of the Pinelands' flora is the large number of species that reach northern or southern geographical limits here. The rich diversity of plants in the Pinelands number approximately 850 species including 580 that are considered native to the region.
Three Easy Paddles
Here are three easy, flat-water paddles in the Wharton State Forest. There are no whitewater rapids or portages to concern you, just peaceful, slow-moving waters. Still, these are wild areas and anytime you venture off-road precautions to insure your safety should be addressed.
Be sure to wear personal flotation gear that is in good condition. All the canoe liveries include PFDs (life preservers) in their rental packages, but they will do you no good lying in the bottom of the canoe. You should also pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and a light sweater or jacket for changing weather conditions. Also, carry a minimal amount of first aid products, at least a quart of bottled drinking water per person and light snacks.
- Batsto River, Hampton Furnace to Batsto
Put in off Glossy Spring Road in Hampton Furnace and take out 10 miles downstream at the Batsto Pond Dam. This is a remote, quiet stream within the Wharton State Forest. The paddle is characterized by swampy areas and cedar-lined banks.
- Mullica River From Atsion to Pleasant Mills
Put in at the boat access on Rte. 206 and take out 11 miles downstream at the CR 542 bridge near Batsto Village.
This is another flat-water route through the Wharton State Forest. The river is lined by thick white cedar forests and high sandy banks along flat, open terrain.
- West Branch of the Wading River from Speedwell to Wading River
Put in at the CR 563 bridge and take out 16 miles downriver at the Beaver Branch boat access site. This is one of the most popular paddles in the Wharton State Forest. The trip begins in mostly swampy terrain with a very narrow waterway. Farther downstream the river widens and takes your through magnificent cranberry bogs. This is also one of the favorite canoe trips that offers camping along the way.
Fishing Opportunities
Throughout the Pinelands, catfish and pickerel are the most dominant fish species and angling always adds to a peaceful canoe trip. Contact the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625, or call (609) 292-2965. The Division can also be reached via the Internet at
www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw.
For pickerel fishing, the fly-fisherman should be amply armed with a six-weight or lighter and an assortment of size eight to size two streamer flies, small popper bugs and frog imitations. For catfish, ultralight spinning gear is adequate and slow-moving bottom baits should help you locate the catfish, especially during rest stops.
If you're thinking of extending your visit to the region, then look into staying at one of the State Forests such as Wharton. This enables you to canoe for a couple of hours, relax at a campsite and journey through the Pinelands by foot in search of some of the more than 1,200 plant and animal species found in the region. Be sure to obtain a camping permit for overnight trips as you will need to show it at the canoe rental upon registration.
For more information about camping, you may contact the following State Forests: Bass River State Forest at (609) 296-1114, Belleplain State Forest at (609) 861-2404, Lebanon State Forest at (609) 726-1191 and Wharton State Forest at (609) 561-3262.
Batsto Village, Visitor Center & Nature Trail
A popular canoe trip in Wharton State Forest is to float the Batsto River, then visit Batsto Village Visitor Center and walk the nature trail.
Batsto is significant historically as the site of a former Pinelands bog iron and glass making industrial center (1766-1867.) Founded by Charles Read of Burlington, NJ, the Batsto Iron Works was an important supplier of munitions and other wartime products during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
From 1784 to 1876, Batsto was owned by William Richards and his descendents. For six decades the Batsto Furnace was noted for its pig iron and domestic products including iron water pipes, stoves and firebacks. Batsto's glasshouses (1846-1867) made flat glass used for windowpanes and gas lamps. Iron and glass goods were transported down the Mullica River by schooners to cities up and down the Atlantic coast.
Batsto was purchased by Joseph Wharton, a Philadelphia industrialist and financier, in 1876. Wharton turned Batsto into a "gentlemen's farm" by engaging in various agricultural pursuits including livestock breeding and cranberry cultivation at nearby Atsion. Wharton also continued commercial enterprises at the gristmill, sawmill and general store.
The State of New Jersey bought Batsto in 1954; Batsto Village is now listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
The Village consists of 33 historic buildings and structures. A Visitor Center contains an exhibit gallery and a Museum Shop, which offers a wide selection of items for both adults and children including books, pottery, woven goods, jewelry, toys, games, stationery, glass and T-shirts. A Nature Center offers exhibits and programs on the natural resources found in the Pine Barrens. A food concession operates daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends in May and September. A limited number of picnic tables are available.
Interpretive programs are offered Wednesday through Sunday, September through May, and daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Guided tours of the Mansion, audio/visual programs, and rotating exhibits are provided year-round. Reservations are required for group tours of the Mansion. Self-guided tours of the grounds, including the Batsto Pond Nature Trail, which leads visitors on a half-mile trail through several Pinelands habitats, are also available. Crafts are demonstrated Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Batsto Village is open daily, including Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. Batsto is closed all other holidays. There is an admission charge for the Mansion tour and a parking fee is in effect weekends and holidays, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Additional information on Batsto Village and its programs and facilities can be obtained by writing or calling the Pinelands Commission, P.O. Box Superintendent, Wharton State Forest, Batsto, RD #9, Hammonton, New Jersey 08037, telephone: (609) 561-3262.
The average price for renting a canoe is $28 and can go as high as $45. Group rates are available, so make sure you contact the canoe rentals and ask about them.
It's also a good idea to contact the rental agencies to find out about water levels in the river, current prices, and for reservations, especially if you are planning a weekend adventure.
Canoe Liveries and Rentals
Most of the canoe liveries are open through October and into November depending on weather conditions. The 7, 15 Springfield Road, New Lisbon, NJ 08064. Telephone (609) 894-7300 or visit the Pinelands website at
www.state.nj.us/pinelands.
Privately Owned Canoe & Kayak Liveries:
Adams Canoe Rental
1005 Atsion Rd.
Shamong, NJ 08088
(609) 268-0189
Al & Sam's Canoe & Boat Rentals
2626 West Weymouth Road
Newfield, NJ 08344
(609) 692-8440
Art's Canoe Rental
Cedar Creek Campground
1052 US Highway #9
Bayville, NJ 08527
(732) 269-1413
Bel Haven Canoes & Kayaks
1227 Route 542
Green Bank, NJ 08215
(609) 965-2205 /
(800) 445-0953
Clark's Canoe Rental
201 Hanover St.
Pemberton, NJ 08068
(609) 894-4448
The Forks Inn
4800 Pleasant Mills Rd., Sweetwater
Hammonton, NJ 08037
(609) 567-8889
Kayak King Rentals
P.O. Box 171, Rt. 679
New Gretna, NJ 08224
(609) 296-8002
Lenape Park
P.O. Box 998, Park Rd.
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 625-2021
Mick's Canoe Rental
Route 563, Jenkins
Chatsworth, NJ 08019
(609) 726-1380
Mullica River Boat Basin
1118 Route 542
Egg Harbor, NJ 08215
(609) 965-2120 or
(609) 965-BOAT
Ocean County Parks & Recreation
Wells Mills County Park
905 Wells Mills Road (Rt. 532)
Waretown, NJ 08758
(609) 971-3085
Paradise Lakes Campgrounds
P.O. Box 46, Route 206
Hammonton, NJ 08037
(609) 561-7095
Pine Barrens Canoe & Kayak Rental
3260 Route 563, Jenkins
Chatsworth, NJ 08019
(609) 726-1515
(800) 732-0793
Pineland Canoes, Inc.
26 Whitesville Rd., Rt. 527
Jackson, NJ 08527
(732) 364-0389
(800) 281-0383
Triple T Canoes, Inc.
1034 Locust Road
Beachwood, NJ 08722
(732) 349-9510
Winding River Campground
6752 Weymouth Rd.
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 625-3191
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All Photos by Stu Bristol
Copyright © 2000
by Stu Bristol. All rights reserved.
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