New Jersey Kayaking

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 many of them are hard to access, or (for the rivers) difficult to navigate on account of the numerous trees obstructing the waterway. None of this need be. Billions of dollars have been spent cleaning up these rivers and lakes, as they are the primary source of drinking water for many New Jersey residents. If would be good for the environment, and also for the people of New Jersey, if local residents could appreciate their beauty.

Lakes

  • Allamunchy Pond: link

  • Cranberry Lake: link

  • Ghost Lake: link

  • Green Turtle Pond: link

  • Jefferson Lake: link

  • Lake Aeroflex: link

  • Lake Ashore: link

  • Lake Musconetcong: link

  • Lake Ocquittunk: link

  • Little Swartswood Lake: link

  • Merrill Creek Reservoir: link

  • Monksville Reservoir: link

  • Mountain Lake: link

  • Oxford Furnace Lake: link

  • Paulinskill Lake: link

  • Sawmill Lake: link

  • Shepherd Lake: link

  • Silver Lake: link

  • Splitrock Reservoir: link

  • Steenykill Lake: link

  • Swartswood Lake: link

  • Twin Lakes: link

  • Wawayanda Lake: link

  • White Lake: link

Rivers

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

  • NJ Lakes, Survey Maps: link

Feedback

Feedback is welcome / Graeme Birchall
September / 2025