Mullica River – 8-Hour Paddle – For Experienced Paddlers
The Mullica River canoe and kayak trail is a favorite for paddlers looking for a longer journey through Wharton State Forest.
Paddling is a truly incredible experience on the Mullica River!
Beginning at the Route 206 put-in by the Atsion Lake spillway, this trip winds 11 miles through the heart of Wharton State Forest to the take-out at Pleasant Mills. You’ll move through narrow passages surrounded by tall cedar stands, navigate twists and turns before the river opens to wider areas fringed with beautiful white and yellow flowers of the water lily and purple flowers of pickerel weed. Many times, you will find yourself surround by silence with only the buzz and hum of nature to accompany you on your journey! This trip is recommended only for experienced paddlers. Trip length: 11 miles
Paddlers on this trip begin at Atsion Lake dam and end at Pleasant Mills, which for many, is an all-day excursion. For that reason, if you are uncertain of your limits or ability, please consider the 4-Hour on the Batsto River the 5-Hour on the Mullica River. We want everyone to be safe and have fun!
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In Detail
Throughout the season, you have the chance to see a variety of flowering plants. In early spring, the white and purple Lance Leaved Violet begins to show itself along the banks. The yellow spike of golden club emerges from the surface of slow moving areas of the river to indicate the coming season. Deeper into the forest, you may see Sand Myrtle and Pixie in the dryer upland areas. Moving into May, the star-flower (Trientalis borealis), begins to show itself in the swamps and low lying areas adjacent to the river. Pink Lady Slipper orchid (Cypripedium acaule) also begins to bloom in May and early June, producing a great flower akin to a small shoe. Slender Blue Flag (Iris prismatica), produce a large and showy blue flower and is very common along the banks of the Pinelands Rivers. In mid- June, Pickerel Weed will begin to bloom in shallow, protected waters in the river bed and Teaberry (Gaultheria Procumbens) flowers on the upland areas adjacent to the river before producing its tasty berry later on in the season.
If staying overnight in one of the area campsites, one will certainly be greeted with the sounds of evening forest in the Pines. Spring Peepers, Carpenter Frogs, Owls, and Whippoorwills. At night and during early morning hours, you may also hear the calls of Eastern Coyotes communicating with one another. With a bit of forethought a camper can gather many blueberries during late June, July, and early August from the edges of the water, saving them for morning pancakes or just a quick snack along the way. In the fall cranberries ripen along the riverbanks, serving the same purpose for snacking and pancakes, albeit with a flavor more of the sour and tart variety.
Trip begins at Pinelands Adventures headquarters: 1005 Atsion Rd; Shamong, NJ; 08088 Questions? Email Us !