If you’re feeling stressed out and dreaming of a vacation but can’t get away for long, there’s a peaceful day on the water waiting for you in southern New Jersey. A kayak or float trip down the Egg Harbor River is just what you need!

The winding Egg Harbor River cuts through Atlantic County and is almost entirely in the Pinelands National Reserve.
Google Local / Patricia Holden
For 55 miles, the river meanders through the pines, picking up waters from 17 different tributaries before widening into a bay and meeting the Atlantic Ocean.
AllTrails / Chris Safino
The entire Great Egg Harbor River system covers 129 miles worth of waterways, and it's technically a designated National Park Service site.
About 10 miles of the river is easy to navigate by canoe, kayak, or float tube. Nature lovers head here in flocks to look for birds. In fact, it's one of the top 10 spots for birding in the country according to the NPS.
AllTrails / Chris Safino
Winding River Campground hosts kayak and float trips, where you can drop in, paddle for hours, and then have them pick you up and drive you back to your car. Of course, you can also shuttle yourself if you're in a two-car group!

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Along the way, paddlers pass the historic Weymouth Furnace. This riverside ironworks is crumbling down now, but it was once a lively manufacturing spot in the heart of the Pines.
Google Local / Ant Hartman
The Weymouth Furnance area is a great area to stop for a picnic halfway through your paddling day. There's a rope swing just upstream of the picnic area if you want to jump in and cool off. Be aware that the current leading up to the picnic area is strong and can be dangerous even for experienced swimmers, so stick to the shallower spot near the swing if you're swimming around.
The river itself is an easy spot for even the newest paddlers. The gentle current keeps you moving, and the only major obstacles are trees that are fun to work your way around.
AllTrails / Chris Safino
Come enjoy the water down in the pines! After all, you deserve a relaxing day in the woods.
AllTrails / Chris Safino

 

Visit the National Parks website to learn more about the Great Egg Harbor River, and check out Winding River Campground – a great riverside spot to camp or book an easy paddle trip down the river.

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Great Egg Harbor River, Corbin City, NJ 08234, USA