Few weeks ago, I finally got to canoe the forks of the Rancocas.
Put in above the dam at Iron Works Park, which required a nearly immediate portage, but allowed me to check out a creepy tree and the dam.
Next stretch was through Mt. Holly, passing under the various bridges, and giving me a chance to look UP at the town.
For the next stretch, it alternated between more woodsie areas and folks backyards. We saw a bald eagle in flight on this stretch, which was a major highlight of the run.
Then, we entered Rancocas State Park, which runs on both sides of the river for a ways. Took a break on the last bit of solid land before the North Branch ended.
After our break, we headed up to the forks, about 6 1/2 miles (and two hours) from where we started in Mount Holly. We made the turn to head up the South Branch of Rancocas Creek. There was really good flow on this creek, so we made progress only by great effort (but I wouldn't trade in my canoe for a kayak anyway
). Took a break near some old docks.
Rounding the forks:
From there, it wasn't much further until we hit our take out point, roughly eight miles from where we started. FUN trip, even if my arms were sore the next day.
Full report with pictures -
https://southjerseytrails.org/2016/...ddle-rancocas-creek-mt-holly-to-hainsport-nj/
Put in above the dam at Iron Works Park, which required a nearly immediate portage, but allowed me to check out a creepy tree and the dam.
Next stretch was through Mt. Holly, passing under the various bridges, and giving me a chance to look UP at the town.
For the next stretch, it alternated between more woodsie areas and folks backyards. We saw a bald eagle in flight on this stretch, which was a major highlight of the run.
Then, we entered Rancocas State Park, which runs on both sides of the river for a ways. Took a break on the last bit of solid land before the North Branch ended.
After our break, we headed up to the forks, about 6 1/2 miles (and two hours) from where we started in Mount Holly. We made the turn to head up the South Branch of Rancocas Creek. There was really good flow on this creek, so we made progress only by great effort (but I wouldn't trade in my canoe for a kayak anyway
). Took a break near some old docks.Rounding the forks:
From there, it wasn't much further until we hit our take out point, roughly eight miles from where we started. FUN trip, even if my arms were sore the next day.
Full report with pictures -
https://southjerseytrails.org/2016/...ddle-rancocas-creek-mt-holly-to-hainsport-nj/
