Wharton State Forest float trip down the Batsto River
When I first started to research the New Jersey Pine Barrens and the Wharton State Forest in New Jersey, I was pleasantly intrigued by the blue lines marking creeks and the little launch site symbols on the Wharton State Forest map. My excitement grew even more when I discovered Pinelands Adventures and their shuttle service.
Talking with Rob Ferber at Pinelands Adventures, he helped me choose a section of river he thought I would enjoy. We settled on a six mile stretch of the Batsto from Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake.
Being able to use the shuttle service provided by Pinelands Adventures sure makes it easier for a solo paddler like myself to be able to float a section of river without having to worry about how I’m going to get back to my truck at the end of the float. They also offer guided trips and kayak rentals for those who want to learn more about the area while on the river or are in need of a boat.
Because of the sandy make up of the local soils, the aquifer that sits below the surface and the vast pine/cedar forest that surrounds the Batsto, it is one of the few rivers that is not fed from local runoff. The water is cold, clear and pure. The cedars add a dark taint to the water. I have floated similar rivers in both Maryland and South Carolina and find something soothing about the crisp clear dark tainted waters.
The fishing rod and small tackle bag sat in the bow of the NEXT canoe, but as I made my way twisting down the wildly meandering Batsto, I made few casts. Instead I took in the scenery. Wild blueberries line the banks between the stands of pine and cedar. The river bottom consisted of white sand. I was surprised to find such a pristine place hidden in a state most think of as one big suburb.
There was a nice current drawing me down creek. With the creek being narrow and twisty, I sometimes found myself back paddling to make the turns. No rocky rapids are found on the Batsto to concern yourself, however, the narrow twisty track through the woods will help you work on your kayak turning skills. The first five miles is a soothing shadowy paddle through the woods, then the world changed when I entered Batsto Lake. In the open sun, I paddled around the grasses and Lilly pads of the lake. A slight breeze pushed my canoe thankfully toward my take out location. I followed the open water path between the patches of grass and pads until reaching the orange ball marking the take out where the Pinelands Adventures van waited to pick me up.
One of the goals for this summer is to explore and float some different waters in close proximity of my home in Maryland. Wharton State Forest in New Jersey is between two and four hours from the Baltimore / Washington DC area depending on traffic and starting point. As I reviewed the map of the area, there are several other creeks and rivers to be explored and can’t wait to return and paddle a few more of these hidden gems.
Read more on our trip to the Pine Barrens
