For residents, travelers, and kayakers, New Jersey Kayaking is an ideal way for spending your weekend or free time within the state. Moreover, you’ll also get to enjoy the scenic views of landscapes, vegetation, and wildlife at the good kayaking spots in New Jersey.
So, if you are looking to get some adrenaline pumping with white water kayaking New Jersey, read on to find the best spots.
Lake Hopatcong
As well as being the largest Lake in NJ, Lake Hopatcong is also one of the best New Jersey lakes for kayaking and canoeing. Ordinarily, kayaking on lakes is not as exciting as on rivers due to the calm waters. However, even if you are an experienced kayaker, you’ll enjoy the adventure on lake Hopatcong as the region is windy, resulting in unpredictable waves.
Beyond being an exciting kayaking spot in New Jersey, the lake has islands and coves you can explore. Another element to look forward to is the beautiful shoreline view. However, you should be keen on when you go kayaking as the lake can be crowded during the weekends and summer as it is a favorite spot for many.
Carnegie Lake
Make your way to Carnegie Lake for thrilling Kayaking Princeton, New Jersey. For a kayaking spot in New Jersey that offers a steep drop-off, head to the dam on the north side of the lake. However, be sure to observe the safety line boundary.
As you paddle your way through the lake, enjoy the wildlife as well, as the area is populated with geese, herons, bald eagles, and turtles.
Monksville Reservoir
Monksville Reservoir is another place that offers the best kayaking in northern New Jersey as it has calm and serene waters for a peaceful paddling experience. This makes it suitable for both experienced kayakers and beginners. From New York City, it’s only an hour away.
To add to its allure, the reservoir is surrounded by mountains, and you’ll come across an area with lots of trees to navigate as you kayak. The combination of quiet and picturesque views offers the best kayaking in New Jersey as you’ll leave there rejuvenated.
Maurice River
Flowing for fifty miles from Union Lake to the Delaware Bay, Maurice River is an exciting south New Jersey kayaking spot. If making it through the fifty miles seems like a big task, you can start anywhere as there are many kayak rentals along the river if you do not have your own kayak and life jackets.
Due to the cultural and recreational value, a section of the river is designated as Wild and Scenic. Being a wildlife refuge, it’s home to many endangered plant and animal species. As such, you should take all the necessary precautions to protect the environment.
Pine Barrens
Kayaking New Jersey Pine Barrens enables outdoor enthusiasts to explore the pinelands up-close. The area consists of expansive cedar swamps, pine forests, and at the heart of it all, the twistiest rivers, where you’ll be paddling through the pinelands.
Along with the gorgeous scenery consisting of huge oaks, cedars, and pines, there’s peace and quiet. Though there are a few kayak rentals, once you begin kayaking in New Jersey Pine Barrens, you may go for up to two days without seeing any signs of humanity.
Ocean City, New Jersey
If you are not one who fancies idling by the beach during the summer, kayaking in Ocean City, New Jersey, may be just what you need. As you rent equipment, you’ll have the chance to customize your kayaking adventure.
With Ocean City, New Jersey kayaking, there’s a variety of options suitable for kayakers of all skill levels. This includes bays and creeks where you enjoy captivating views. For inexperienced paddlers, there are relaxing areas with calm waters. However, if you want more exciting Ocean Kayaking New Jersey, you can explore the open waters.
Mullica River
If you are a skilled and experienced kayaker, you may wonder where to kayak in NJ. In this regard, one of the best places to go kayaking in New Jersey is the Mullica River. It’s suitable for long journeys, and there are many places where you can camp along the route.
While kayaking on the Mullica River New Jersey, there are several branches downstream that you can explore.
Wawayanda Lake
Kayaking in New Jersey is not just about steep drop-offs and rapid waters. At times it’s good to paddle across a place with quiet waters. For this, there’s no better place than Wawayanda lake. The lake itself is beautiful and is surrounded by an even more alluring shoreline.
Part of the excitement of kayaking in Wawayanda lake is the numerous islands to explore. Moreover, you can pack a lunch and a picnic as you rest on an island during your day trip.
Spruce Run
Albeit kayaking is exhilarating, you may want to combine it with other activities and water sports for your vacation. If so, Spruce Run is the place for you. Other activities you may enjoy are swimming, fishing, picnicking, boating, and camping.
Spruce Run is among the New Jersey kayaking places that have coves you can explore. Make sure to check the opening hours for the recreation area as they vary throughout the year.
Riverwinds Park
For animal lovers, Riverwinds Park offers the best kayaking in New Jersey. Some of the animals you will encounter include river otters and blue herons.
On arriving at the park, there is a lot of parking space from where there are walkways leading to the river. This kayaking route has plenty of creeks for kayakers to explore.
Split Rock Reservoir
Other activities that you can combine with your kayaking trip include hiking and fishing. This is what you get from Split Rock Reservoir. Beyond being a remarkable area to kayak, there are plenty of hills, cliffs, and islands you should explore on foot.
It’s also suitable if you want to refine your paddling techniques as there are areas as wide as four miles.
Whether you are looking for free kayaking in New Jersey or not, there are many places to choose from, each unique in its own right. Therefore, it’s not about where I can kayak in NJ, but which spot offers the range of features that appeal to you most.
Photo Credit: davedizz via Instagram
