Maurice River, NJ

The Maurice River is a winding, slow moving, narrow river much like the Batsto or Wading Rivers are in the summer. There is lots of tree cover and beautiful scenery. This river works best with a recreational boat less than 13 feet long. A longer boat will be more work on this winding river. It is appropriate for all levels of paddlers who have completed the moving water course this spring.

We will meet at 9:30 am at the put-in. There is a shuttle.

You will need sunscreen, PFD, water, a snack or lunch for our brief stop along the river. We should be loaded up and back on the road by 3:30 pm.

DIRECTIONS:

Go across the twin bridges 295 to NJ.

Follow the signs to Route 40 Atlantic City and take the route 40 exit about 2 miles from the bridge.

Take Route 40 thru Woodstown and Elmer.

Stay on Rte 40 and cross Rte 55 staying on 40. Go ½ mile past 55 to Delsea Drive – Rte 47. Go Right on Delsea Drive – Rte 47. You will be heading south.

Go 2 miles to Weymouth Road and go Right.

Drive about 1 mile to a small parking area on the left just before the lake (on the right), across from Al and Sam’s Canoe and Kayak.

After everyone has their boats unloaded we will drive back on Weymouth to Mill, turn right and go about 4 miles south to Almond, go right and we’ll park on the side of the road by the river where we will take-out. The drivers will return with one or two appointed shuttle drivers back to the put-in to start our adventure.

General Information:
Recreational: the Maurice (pronounced ‘More-iss’) River is a twisty path through beautiful pine woods that’s actually only a couple blocks from a bustling New Jersey thruway. Once on it, you’re in another world.

Difficulty & Must Haves:
It tends to be narrow, so your paddling skills will be tested. The most difficult part used to be just getting your boat to the put-in. We would have to stop on a blind curve of a busy road, throw our boats and gear over a guard rail and hope we weren’t smashed by a Jersey driver. The county has since widened the shoulder a bit, so it’s a little safer. The water moves quickly, and there are always fallen trees. Short boats (12 ft or less) are the rule, as in all Pine Barrens paddles. No helmets or skirts required. There are low trees that will limit bigger canoes.

Nice to Have & Human Interest:
We like the Maurice because it is relatively close to Delaware and a lot of fun to paddle. Lunch is at the bridge at Garden Road. The paddle is usually followed by a trip to Mood’s Farm Market for pick your own fruit (in season).

Additional Notes & Shuttle Info:
No porta-potty at either the put-in, lunch, or take-out. Very easy shuttle. Shuttle: 39°29’48.3″N 75°04’33.5″W https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zjduWflhNnK4.kMssF0xpR9aA