Hello, this is a nice forum. I am from out of state and have been coming to the Pine Barrens to canoe about once a year for the last five years. Our trip is usually during the first two weeks in October.
We are trying to get enough information about road and river conditions after the hurricane to make a decision whether to cancel the trip this year. Several of us have to drive 7-8 hours from western PA. We normally allow for four days of paddling, ideally without repeating any section.
Can anyone provide updates on road access to set up car shuttles for these sections: Upper Batsto from Hampton Furnace to Quaker Bridge (does the washout mentioned above prohibit access from Atsion side?); Quaker Bridge to Batsto Village (I know there is a bridge washout near the Village... any timeline for repair?); and Mullica from Atsion to near Batsto Village, including any alternative takeouts upstream from Batsto Village. Also, any info about trees down in the rivers (more than usual)? If these rivers are "no can do", it would be disappointing, but better to find out now.
We have not paddled the Mullica above Atsion Lake, is it a good alternative? We tend to skip the Wading but Oswego is a favorite, if not drained for cranberry harvest (confirm?).
Thanks!