Last week Lou Russo and Michele Pilenza talked about summer activities you need to do before the season is over.
It made me think to myself that I hadn’t done something I’ve done every year since 2023.
And that’s going kayaking through the Pinelands. This weekend, I finally made that happen.
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Kyle Clark / Townsquare MediaKyle Clark / Townsquare Media
Mick’s Canoe and Kayak Rental is the best spot to go if you’re looking for good kayaking in New Jersey. They offer cheap rentals, and bus you to and from your kayaking locations.
Their employees gave me a great tip this weekend too. If you want to have the river to yourself, go on weekdays or early morning on Sunday. They’re less crowded at those times, and having the river to yourself is unbeatable. I went at 9:30 a.m. this weekend, and was the second kayak group sent out.
Kyle Clark / Townsquare MediaKyle Clark / Townsquare Media
I did a three-hour rental, which is about a six-mile kayak ride. The beautiful foliage of the Pinelands is on full display. The waters of the Wading and Oswego rivers are shallow. So if you want to get out of your kayak or canoe and take a swim you can.
There are also plenty of beaches where you can stop, and eat lunch if you brought one.
Kyle Clark / Townsquare MediaKyle Clark / Townsquare Media
The route I took takes you through some campgrounds in Wharton State Forest, and because I went out early, there was the smell of bacon in the air because campers were cooking their breakfast outside. It was a really cool experience. For a state as built up and congested as New Jersey is, you’re in an untouched paradise with nothing but beautiful foliage and calm waters.
Great day trip just over the river from New Jersey
Gallery Credit: Dennis Malloy
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Gallery Credit: Dennis Malloy
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5’s Kyle Clark. Any opinions expressed are his own.
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