Mullica River in New Jersey

Trip Overview

Mullica River (Atison Lake to Pleasant Mills)

I decided to take this trip based on the previous report written by dbwesq in May 2012.

Myself and two friends (2 of us moderately experienced, the other not at all) put in at the kayak/canoe launch right next to Atison Lake on route 206 in Shamong NJ. (Our first thought was to put in at the boat launch in the lake, but a spill way dam prevents you from paddling into the river).

The first third of the trip is very narrow, winding, moving water. It is a lot of fun. You eventually open up into the "ponds" area. I can see this area being difficult to paddle during low water- a lot of grass and sand areas.

At about mile 5 or 6 we came to the Mullica River Wilderness camp. This time of the year it was empty. We stopped for a relaxing lunch.

After the ponds area and the wilderness camp, the river became narrow and winding again. During the last mile we started to see groups of people paddling and sitting on beaches enjoying the beautiful weather.

We paddled the 12.4 miles (including 20 min or so for lunch) in five hours. It was a lot of fun. I would definitely do it again whenever I am looking for a relatively easy, long trip.

Weather:
It was 80 and Sunny (first absolutely beautiful kayaking day after a BRUTALLY LONG winter). The water was cool and refreshing. We launched around 10:30 AM. Water level was good. Low enough we could fit under ALL of the fallen trees, high enough to keep up moving and not stuck on sand.

Accommodations:

Atison Rec area has bathrooms- there is a parking fee here.

There is camping along the route.


Some parking room at launch/take out points for free.

Directions:

Put in point:

down the road just a bit from the Atsion Lake Rec Area (714 Rt. 206 Shamong, NJ 08088)

Take out:
Hwy 542 in Hammonton, NJ (White Horse Pike to Pleasant Mills Rd (542) between The Forks road and Batsto Washington rd.