Kayaking New Jersey
It is a bit of a local secret, but New Jersey, which is the most densely populated state in the nation, is also one of the most scenic – if you know where to go. The many small rivers and lakes in the state are especially beautiful. This website is a celebration of these waters.
This website is not a guide! It is more of an anti-guide. The rivers and lakes shown are beautiful. But they are either hard to access, or (for the rivers) often impossible to navigate on account of the numerous trees obstructing the waterway. Plus, there is no official website to guide an intrepid kayaker. None of this need be. More than a billion dollars has been spent cleaning up these rivers and lakes, as they are the primary source of drinking water for millions of nearby residents. They are clean, pretty, and largely safe, but they are also unnecessarily difficult to enjoy. If would be good both for the environment, and for the people of New Jersey, if this situation changed. Local residents should be able to appreciate their beauty.
Waters Documented
Black Brook: link
Black River: link
Cranberry Lake: link
Musconetcong River: link
Passaic River: link
Raritan River: link
Rockaway River: link
Splitrock Reservoir: link
Wallkill River: link
References
There is no official guide that describes these rivers and lakes. There is also no map that lists all of the available launch sites. Nor is there a map that identifies those sections that are the most suitable for families with children. There are some kayaking guide books, but they are all old. Some good books are:
Exploring the Little Rivers of New Jersey, by James & Margaret Cawley: link
Garden State Canoeing, by Edward Gertler: link
Quiet Water New Jersey, by Kathy Kenly: link
Feedback
Feedback is welcome / Graeme Birchall
August/2025