10 Best Places To Kayak In New Jersey

NEW JERSEY — It's summer and it's time to get outdoors. Patch rounded up the ten best kayaking spots in the state of New Jersey, from the Pine Barrens to the New York state line. For those who don't have their own, many of the spots we picked offer kayak/canoe/paddle board rentals and guided tours.

We also factored in Mother Nature, because — as any true outdoor enthusiast knows — lakes, rivers and streams are simply not going to be the same 365 days a year. Some of these kayaking trips, such as the Black River, are really best done in the spring or fall when the water is high.

Still, most of these kayaking spots can be enjoyed year-round. Here's our 10 best:

(A word: Anyone on any sort of boat, canoe, paddle board or kayak should always wear a life jacket, no matter how strong of a swimmer they think they are. We Patch reporters have had to write about enough tragic drownings over the years to know that drowning and water accidents can happen to anyone, at any time.)

March or early spring: Relax on the Rahway River through Cranford (Union County)

Kick off the kayaking season right! This is a paddle that offers the best of New Jersey: It starts off wild and woolly in Lenape Park, where there are bears and bald eagles, and finishes sophisticated and urbane, meandering past well-manicured lawns in the town of Cranford. Look for ducks and other fauna, such as locals out gardening or having a glass of wine on their riverfront patios. The river is deep through Cranford and there are no rocks or shallow spots to look out for. Finish with a late lunch at any of Cranford's splendid restaurants. Bring your own kayak or rent from the Cranford Canoe Club; we highly recommend: http://www.cranfordcanoeclub.c...

Launch point 1: For those looking for a bit more rugged adventure, launch at Lenape Park entrance off Kenilworth Blvd. (There is a parking lot; launch where the river widens to form a small pond.) Head in the direction the water flows, under the bridge. From there, let the current carry you through Nomaheghan Park and into Cranford beyond. There is a small chance you may have to get out and portage (carry the kayak) over a downed tree, as the river is not always well maintained in this area. But the sounds and sights of the woods are glorious in early spring and it's worth the effort. Lenape Park/Nomahegan Park are quite wild; bear, coyotes and bald eagles have been spotted. Keep a lookout.

Launch point 2: For those seeking more suburban splendor and less wilderness, launch in the town of Cranford proper, at either Hampton Park or rent from the Cranford Canoe Club.

Pull out: Sperry Park, at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Union Avenue, just before the waterfall. Total trip time: 2 hours if you launch from Lenape Park; 1 hour if you launch in town.

April: Get wild down the Black River (Morris County)

Wait for a few days of that good old April rain and then launch your kayak in the beautiful Black River. The Black River (you'll see why it gets its name, as the water is very dark) winds through one of the most beautiful slices of New Jersey: Long Valley, Chester Township and Hacklebarney State Park. This kayak is best done in spring when the water is still high from winter snow melts or heavy rain. In summer, the river gets too low. Bring a map of the area and use caution to stay on the main river, as there are many offshoots when the water is high; you can easily get lost. There are no rentals on the Black River; you'll have to bring your own craft. In some places there are true white water rapids in the early spring, so be careful.

Launch points: The Black River starts in Randolph, but one good spot to launch is Midland Park in Succasunna. From there, head south through the Black River Wildlife Management Area, where it gets marshy and good for bird watching. If you keep going long enough (four hours+) you'll head into Hacklebarney State Park. This is truly getting into the wilds of New Jersey; prepare to lose cell phone reception and you may see bears.

Total time: 2-6 hours depending how much of the river you do.

May: Splash around Lake Lefferts in Matawan (Monmouth County)

Spend a relaxing morning or afternoon exploring Lake Lefferts, a freshwater lake in Matawan. (It's protected from the saltwater marshes just beyond by a dam.) Because the lake is only about 12-15 feet deep, by mid-May it's clear blue waters are warmed by the sun and it's actually quite comfortable for a refreshing dip. (Swimming is technically prohibited, but it doesn't seem to be too seriously enforced.) The lake is stocked and it's popular for fishing.

Launch: There is a public kayak launch, dock and parking lot off Ravine Drive at Lake Lefferts Lakefront Park. There are also public kayak rentals there for $15 a day. Lake Lefferts is beautiful and clean in early summer for a fun day splashing around.

Total time: 1-3 hours, depending how much of the lake you explore.

June: Kayak with dolphins in Blackberry Bay (Monmouth County)

The month of June brings us back to Monmouth County, and we almost feel bad sharing this true locals' New Jersey secret: Head out to Blackberry Bay in early- to mid-June and it's said you can actually kayak with dolphins. We've personally never seen them, but we've been told they are only there in early summer. After that, the water gets too warm. Then entire Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers are beautiful for kayaking. Just watch out for motorboats especially in summer, as the area can get quite congested.

Launch point: Blackberry Bay Park in Oceanport. Time: 1-2 hours or you can spend a whole day exploring the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers by kayak.

July: Get thee to the Gap (Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides)

The Delaware Water Gap is renowned for kayaking and for good reason: The combination of steep Allegheny Mountains tumbling into the water and deep woods is peaceful and relaxing. This kayak can be done really any season, from March to December, but we chose July just because this is also an ideal time to jump out for a swim. The Delaware Water Gap is also stunning in the autumn when the leaves change. There are several beaches, run by the state park service, on both the PA and NJ sides of the river. There is a strong current going downstream however, and the river gets deep in the middle, so those who are not strong swimmers should always wear a life jacket while swimming. Every summer, there are several drownings in the Delaware River; don't be one of them. There are also amazing waterfalls and waterfall hikes in this area: See Dingmans Falls, Raymondskill Falls, Hackers Falls or Buttermilk Falls and then kayak the river in the afternoon. One could easily spend a few days exploring the Delaware Water Gap; it's a good place for a long weekend trip.

Launch: Launch at either Poxono Boat Launch (Old Mine Rd, Hardwick Township, NJ) or Smithfield Beach, PA on the Pennsylvania side and head down river. If you don't own your own kayak, or want an assured car to pick you up, we recommend Edge of the Woods Outfitters (town of Delaware Water Gap, PA) or further north, Kittatinny Canoes (Milford, PA) for organized river trips: https://www.watergapadventure.... or https://kittatinny.com/

August: New York City skyline kayaking in Hoboken/Jersey City (Hudson County)

In a list of best New Jersey kayaking spots, how can we not include kayaking in front of the Manhattan skyline? There are now several places to rent or launch kayaks on the Hoboken and Jersey City waterfronts. When you rent, you will not be allowed to enter the main part of the Hudson River and trust us, you won't want to. The current in the Hudson is incredibly strong and there are cruise ships, tug boats and ferries going in and out of Manhattan. Stick close to shore on the Jersey side and safely enjoy waterfront views of the world's most famous city.

Launch: Rent kayaks and even stand-up paddle boards at Resilience Paddle Sports (1301 Sinatra Dr N, Hoboken, NJ 07030) https://resilienceadventures.o... or launch your own at Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse: https://sites.google.com/hobok... Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse also has sea kayaks you can take out for free. Jersey City also has kayak rentals and a launch site at Urban Paddle Kayak Tours & Rentals, at 11 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302: https://www.urban-paddle.com/

September: Paddle and swim in the Mullica River (Burlington County)

We cannot leave South Jersey off our list, as the New Jersey Pine Barrens offer some of the most beautiful kayaking in the state. However, we included the Mullica River for the month of September as it's still warm enough for a swim. The Mullica River is twisty and narrow in some parts and then widens out along tall, sandy banks, with good swim spots for kids and adults alike. The Wading River, a tributary of the Mullica, is also beautiful and good for kayaking with small children as it's mostly shallow. Bring your own boat or there are also a range of canoe and kayak rentals along the Mullica: We recommend Pinelands Adventures https://www.pinelandsadventure... or Micks Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental: https://www.mickscanoerental.c...

Launch: Lock's Bridge is a well-known Mullica River kayak launch site, then head eight miles down river to a take-out at Pleasant Mills.

Total time: About five hours

October/November: Serene nature relaxation at Splitrock Reservoir (Morris County)

Splitrock is known as a true gem of New Jersey kayaking. It's beautiful anytime of the year, but supposed to be particularly stunning in the fall months when the leaves start to change. The best thing about this 625-acre reservoir is that no motor boats are allowed, so it's extremely quiet; you may actually forget you are in New Jersey. Look for boulders, cliffs plunging into the water and hidden coves. There are also the many hiking trails of Farny State Park to explore. As it is a reservoir, be advised there is no swimming allowed here, however tempting it may be.

Launch point: There is a public parking lot on Split Rock Road in Rockaway Township. 420 Splitrock Road Rockaway, NJ 07866

Good New Jersey kayaking any time of the year:

The Musconetcong River (Warren and Morris counties): This river starts at Lake Hopatcong and flows south for 45 miles into the Delaware River. Pick any launch site long the river and sit back and enjoy the ride. You will be kayaking through mountains and forests of western New Jersey. Again, expect to lose cell phone reception and possibly see black bears. Keep an eye out for the Musconetcong River Mantis Man.

Rancocas Creek (Burlington County)

Spend a fun day following the Rancocas State Park BlueTrail or Canoe Trail. Paddle down Rancocas Creek as it starts in the Pine Barrens, heads west and eventually flows into the Delaware River. A good launch site is at 601 Pemberton Browns Mills Rd in Pemberton, NJ 08068. You can also rent kayaks or canoes from Clark's Canoe Rental. Learn more: http://www.co.burlington.nj.us...

NOT for beginners: See white water rapids on the Black River between Chester and Pottersville:

Did we miss a great New Jersey kayaking spot? Let me know: Carly.baldwin@patch.com Sign up to get Patch emails: https://patch.com/subscribe