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We have not paddled this part of the river, but on occasion we've seen folks putting in.
There is a benchmark near by gz. On the other side of the bridge, the river flows through an old cranberry bog. There is also a gauge station there.
The Great Egg Harbor River is the longest navigable river in the Pine Barrens and is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers. “The Great Egg Harbor River begins in suburban towns and meanders for 59 miles, draining 304 square miles of pristine wetlands in the heart of New Jersey's Pinelands Reserve on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Dissolved iron and tannin, a product of fallen leaves and cedar roots, produce the river's tea-colored "cedar water" along much of its length. The freshwater and tidal wetlands serve as resting, feeding, and breeding areas for waterfowl throughout the year amid undisturbed forests and swamp areas.
The watershed has been occupied since pre-historic times, lived upon traditionally by the Lenape Indians before occupations by Europeans in the early 1700s. The lands contained all the necessary materials for shipbuilding, and in the Revolutionary War its "bog iron" made cannon balls while its hidden coves sheltered privateers. Blast furnaces, sawmills, glass factories, and brick and tile works followed until the Industrial Revolution drew its people away.
Today, the development of the area's prime agricultural land has contributed greatly to the cultural diversity of the area”
The River starts as a “trickle” of water in the town of Berlin. As the river makes its way to the Great Egg Harbor Bay, it passes through swamps of Atlantic White Cedar, pine, maple and oak. The upper part of the river, much of which meanders through the Winslow WMA, is the “wildest” part of the river. It is strewn with blow downs and over hung with briars but can be paddled. New Brooklyn Lake is included in this part of the river.
At one time, near the Blue Hole, there was a dam used to harness the water for Inskip’s saw mill. The mill made cedar siding and shakes from the local white cedar. There are the remains of a small bridge near the site that was washed out long ago.
There are various branches that feed into the EHR. Most now have lakes along them created by damming the streams for cranberry bogs. Timber Lakes, Victory Lakes, Cedar Lake, Penny Pot Lake and the lakes in Collings Lakes were all cranberry bogs in the late 1800’s early 1900’s.
At Penny Pot is a small park where you can put in to paddle the middle section of the river. From here, the river flows down to Weymouth Furnace. This is a popular put in/take out, picnic area and can be very busy during the summer. From Weymouth Furnace to Lake Lenape in Mays Landing the river winds through high banks lined with pines and oaks, and through swamps. The river is swift and can be tricky where Deep Run meets the EHR. Lake Lenape in Mays Landing is the largest lake in this water shed. It was formed by damming the river in 1847. Prior to the dam, the area that is the lake was an apple orchard. The lake is a favorite spot for fisherman.
Wildlife along the river includes wood ducks, mallards, black ducks and Canadian geese. Beaver, otters and musk rats can be seen. Deer, bobcat, fox, coyote and the occasional black bear roam the surrounding forest. We have heard bull frogs, carpenter frogs, tree frogs and peepers in its swamps. Bald Eagles and various raptors are local to the area. Even a Peregrine Falcon has been spotted.
Growing up in the water shed and along one of its lakes, I have come to appreciate all the river has to offer. I have paddled with my husband from Penny Pot to Lake Lenape. It’s an enjoyable trip (though strenuous on the Lake).
We are called to be good stewards of the riches we have been given, and the river is one of them...Please as you use the river, leave no trace of you being there. Please if possible, CITO after those who are careless.
Please return the container as found and do not over tighten to make it easier for the next cacher.
And as always, thanks for caching with me!!