There are over a million acres of pine-oak forest to explore
here, and plenty of kayaking and canoeing opportunities.
In the springtime, you’ll want to dress appropriately, as the
temperatures range in the 50s and 60s here. Water tem-
peratures may be on the colder side as well (between 45-
80 degrees), so if you’re worried about tipping, it is
suggested that you bring a dry-bag of extra clothes.
The Batsto River is great fun for all experience levels. A trip
from Quaker Bridge to the lake at Batsto Village will take
about 4 hours. There will be some twists and turns along
the way, making for an interesting ride. You can rent a kayak
or canoe, or bring your own. Pinelands Adventures offers
services for both options.
A bit of a warmer kayaking or canoeing experience will
lead you to the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
Loxahatchee is nearly 150,000 acres in area and is located
in Palm Beach County, Florida. Parts of the northernmost
Did You
Know?
Denali
National
Park
remnant of the Everglades can be found here. Cypress
swamps, wet prairies, and sawgrass marsh habitats make
for a unique ecosystem where a large variety of wildlife
thrive. Be prepared for the spring season to bring the bel-
lowing of the American Alligator, along with blue herons,
glossy ibises, racoons, otters, turtles, and more.
The canoe trail is 5 ½ miles long and will take you deep
into the refuge. At the halfway point, there is a platform
where you can get out of your canoe to observe the
land and rest if needed. The trail is easy and calming,
and teeming with wildlife, so be prepared to float along
and snap a picture or two. The refuge provides canoe
and kayak rentals for the day, or you are welcome to
bring your own and launch for just $5. This trail is best
in early morning or afternoon, but once a month on the
night of the full moon, the refuge offers a special Moon-
light Paddle Tour. Reserve your spot today for a special
treat!
The New Jersey Pinelands
National Reserve was established
by congress in 1978 and is the
nation’s first national reserve.