On the back side of Friendship Bogs along the Tulp someone built a bridge across the Tulp. When I went between the two place I used it a few times.
PBX guys, I need a way into the bog
- Thread starter Jon Holcombe
- Start date
That is a serious bridge. With a handrail too. Someone put some real effort and got very wet and dirty to build that. I thought maybe I could just buy a pair of hip waders, but it seems I have to start thinking like a beaver. I also didn't realize the Friendship Bogs had a backdoor to the Tulpehocken. My son and I tried to explore the Tulpehocken, coming up from Hawkins Lowland Rd, but were immediately turned back because we were wearing Merrel's. I got the Grange boots on your recommendation (and they are perfect), and I am going to start researching waders now.
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I don't condone cutting trees in a state forest. I never thought that was a smart idea. Look for dead stuff.
I would agree with Bob. With PBX we often pull dead trees over to form a bridge. I have done it alone also. It is actually a lot less work. I think you really ought to get some hip waders, especially if you plan to spend more time in these bogs. I know that I go through hip waders quickly so I always buy them cheap instead of destroying an expensive pair each time. Hip waders aren't as cumbersome as you might expect and allow a great deal of freedom in wet environments. Dick's sporting goods occassionally has a bin filled with clearence waders. often in the $20 to $30 range. You want to get the smooth rubber waders as chiggers and ticks have a hard time climbing them. The fabric type are to too easy for ticks and chiggers to climb. Also, I recommend a 5' to 6' walking stick (make it out of maple...trust me) this allows you to keep you balance when crossing those dead logs over the rivers and in the bogs in general. Good luck. Looking forward to more photos.
Jon you can get to those bogs much easier from the west if your speaking of the big bogs at the southern end .You can drive in from Friendship road here. http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.77026506033873&lng=-74.61020785968782&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx=
You can drive this far and after that it gets tight. http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.75428177717457&lng=-74.60299808185579&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx= By the way it is very sandy. You can possibly drive this far at least the last time I was there but it's tight. http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=...-74.60097569625856&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx=.Then walk a fairly good trail down the west side all the way to here no problem. http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.74468425200779&lng=-74.60095423858644&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx= I did this two years ago.Now going along the southern edge is a different matter.It can be done but you will be forced into the water at different points and this time of year you will probably be crashing through thin ice,not very safe.
You can drive this far and after that it gets tight. http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.75428177717457&lng=-74.60299808185579&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx= By the way it is very sandy. You can possibly drive this far at least the last time I was there but it's tight. http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=...-74.60097569625856&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx=.Then walk a fairly good trail down the west side all the way to here no problem. http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.74468425200779&lng=-74.60095423858644&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx= I did this two years ago.Now going along the southern edge is a different matter.It can be done but you will be forced into the water at different points and this time of year you will probably be crashing through thin ice,not very safe.
I appreciate it Bob, Woodjin and Ben. I promise not to cut down a single tree. In fact, if I see one that looks lonely, I intend to hug it. Just kidding, I'm devising a strategy on the fly and it's clear that dragging is good, cutting is bad.
That is excellent information MM, thanks. I had no idea that the bogs could be accessed from that direction. In fact, I am going out today, and I will try that route. Driving and walking sounds better and easier than bridge building, but maybe I can put a couple of bridges or boards together at home and place them strategically.
Also, when buying waders make sure they do not have a snap on the inside crouch. If they do they will hit together as you walk. I had to put duct tape across both of mine to stop this and eventually on a hike the tape wore out and I was again struggling to walk.
Be very careful driving the road that manumuskin recommends. Stay on the road and do not stray off of it especially in the summer. That would be this road.
http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.75428177717457&lng=-74.60299808185579&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx=
http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.75428177717457&lng=-74.60299808185579&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx=
I tried to get down that road today, but it got narrow very quickly, and with the snow, downed limbs, etc, I decided to head to the south bogs instead. I will try again when things dry out.
The road I shown coming in on the west again is very sandy.As a hiut sand compacts when wet and is easier driving when wet.As it dries the air between the grains is what makes it soft.After all sand is crushed rock basically. If you have foru wheel it is no problem back there,If not be careful.
Thanks MM. I have AWD Highlander so I need to be careful on soft, narrow roads. I've already scratched the sides in the woods, and I have to distract my wife when she gets into the car so I won't get a tongue lashing.
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Lol, Jon, this is the exact reason that I bought a beater Wrangler. I didn't want my wife to see the "piney pinstripes" that were accumulating on my 2013 Cherokee.
SC, a beater "Pine Mobile" sounds like a good idea. Maybe you could come to my house and stand next to me when I tell my wife that I want to buy another car.Lol, Jon, this is the exact reason that I bought a beater Wrangler. I didn't want my wife to see the "piney pinstripes" that were accumulating on my 2013 Cherokee.
Is there something wrong with Piney pinstripes? Each one has a story behind it.
My car really has them. Everyone is always asking me what happened. And as I said before the man at the tire store named the color of my car "scratch black." It is in their computer as that.