Crosswicks Creek

Map(s)

Road map (1090x788). 367K size. The dashed yellow line is the log of a ACA trip, from 13-May-2000.

Scenery

To the right of the launch area is the marina.  Straight ahead, is route 295, towering over the entrance of Crosswicks Creek into the Delaware River.  Tidal forces are very strong on the Crosswicks; this is especially true around the train bridge, just to the east of the marina.  Since the train bridge has been rebuilt, the current going through on the return trip has become nastier!  (In late Dec 2002, I underestimated the force of the current & nearly got slammed against the bridge.)  When making this trip, time it such that you are furthest inland at high tide.  If you do not, expect to get stuck in the mud.  In 3 trips, I have never made it east of route 130.  (And on the 10-Nov-2001 trip, I could not get that far, due to a strainer blocking the creek.)  Play it safe & follow the path marked in yellow on the map.

The creek is mostly marsh land, starting with the area east of the train bridge.  After you cross under route 206, it changes from a marsh to a stream.  The marsh area is easy to get lost in; there is lots of pathways to explore.  When timed with the tide, it is a very pleasant trip.

Because of the strength of the current, cross under the train bridge at a perpendicular approach, when returning.  If you do not, you could be deflected by the current into the marina.

Plan to eat lunch just to the west of route 130.  But if you make the trip in the warmer months, douse yourself in deet or citronella.  The mosquitoes were not a problem in May or November, but June was a problem.  The instant that you hit land, it will be feeding time for the biting insects.

As an alternate trip, turn left into Watson Creek, at 40 10'31.4"N, 74 42'47.1"W.  After 1 1/2 mi, you will come to Roebling Memorial Park, in Trenton.  Along the way, you will cross under rts. 295 & 29, and their interconnecting ramps.  At N40 10'46.4" W74 43'11.4", there is a strainer; when coming from Bordentown, go to the extreme left to get around it.  There are picnic benches in the park to eat lunch, but no rest rooms.  This alternative is 4 mi shorter (round trip), than taking the Crossswicks Creek out to rt. 130; factor the tide changes accordingly.  Thanks to Mickey Coen, of the Ocean County Parks Dept. for showing me this alternative route.

Fees

None.

Directions

Take route 295 to exit 57A. This is route 130 north. Get into the left lane and make a left at the first light. This is Farnsworth Avenue. Go 0.7 mi, then make a left into Park Street. Take Park Street to the end. This will put you near the boat launch area.

Park near one of the benches.

Parking

I have never had a problem parking in the gravel parking lot. But aim for a prime spot near one of the benches, to shorten the trip to the launch area.

Distance to the Launch Area

The parking area is close to the launch area. Low tide increases the distance significantly.

Restrooms

Port-a-johns to the right of the boat ramp.

Status of Launch Area

Course gravel, but mostly stones. Use the area to the left of the boat ramp.

Wind Conditions

The marsh and launch areas are the most open, thus the most prone to wind. Not much to worry about; Lake Mercer is much more of a problem.

Power Boats

Once you are to the east of the railroad bridge, the power boat & jet ski traffic drops off, but they are still there! (Beware, on a trip in May 2002, a canoer was purposely soaked by a jet skier, east of the railroad bridge.) They are in abundance near the launch area.

Foliage

Do not know. I have not been here in the fall.

Rolling Practice?

Avoid it; too murky.