Maurice River - Willow Grove Lake to Almond Rd

Trip Overview

This was a four hour paddle through the southern pine barrens. Typical tea-colored waters, though fewer pine trees in favor of mixed deciduous forest. Put in below the dam at Willow Grove Lake. There is a small parking area directly across from Al and Sam's Kayaks with room for approximately 6 vehicles.

The first half hour or so was through fairly constricted waters with some tricky maneuvering around and over submerged trees. Several first-time paddlers had some difficulty, but managed.. even in a tandem kayak. After a bit the river opened out but there continued to be obstacles to navigate around. The river is tended - I'm assuming by Al and Sam - so many obstacles had been removed which otherwise would have required landing the boats. The water rarely got very deep. I imagine it would have been difficult if we hadn't gotten rain a few days before.

The river basically runs along Route 55 which could be heard at times. However, the vast majority of the trip is through sheltered woods, and no houses could be seen.

About 2/3 of the way through there is a nice spot on the right to stop for lunch. About 4/5 of the way there is an even more hospitable sandy beach.

Take out is out West Side Park on Almond road. Plenty of parking. However, the park gate closes at 6pm.