Lower Mullica River

Map(s)

Overview map (1481x1023), 426K size.

Scenery

From the Pine Barrens & cedar water, to marsh grasses & brackish water.  This area witnesses the transition of the Mullica River from a twisty, curvy stream, to a tidal river.  The Mullica starts at Cooper Road, in West Berlin (Camden County), and most of the time defines the border between Burlington County and Camden & Atlantic counties.  Even if a sea kayak could go upstream beyond the Crowley's Landing area, it would be stopped by the dam at Atsion Lake.

Heading east (downstream), I estimate 16 to 18 miles to reach Great Bay.  Going west (upstream), you can travel at least 3 mi (maybe more), before it becomes too difficult to overcome the current.  Traveling about 2.3 miles, brings you to the fork w. the Batsto River.  Going 1/2 mi upstream on the Batsto leads to a nice lunch spot.

Hiking through the Pine Barrens in the summer, is as good as calling out, 'All biting bugs! Lunch is being served'.  Did not have that problem on the Batsto River.

Going 6 mi downstream, you see the marshy Hog Islands.  Across the river, on the southern side of the islands, is Clarks Landing; nice lunch spot.  Round trip to Clarks Landing is 12 1/2 mi, by time your trip with the tides.

High & low tide differ by 3 feet; enough to create a noticible current.  More important than the current is how much water is available to float your boat.  During low tide, you need to stay in the channel and watch for obstacles (e.g. submerged logs).  The good thing about low tide is that it exposes a beach near the boat ramp, which is easier for gel coat boats to launch from & land on.

Fees

$10 per car for power boats & personal water craft. Free for kayaks and canoes.

Directions

Take route 206 south to route to route 613 (a.k.a. Middle Road), which branches off at a 45 degree angle, to the left. This branch is 14.6 mi south of the Red Lion Circle. Make a left onto S. Myrtle St, which shortly becomes route 693. Take route 693 to the end & turn left onto route 542.

Take route 542 6.3 miles to the Crowleys Landing entrance, on your right.

Parking

On a grass field & near the restrooms.

Distance to the Launch Area

With the boat ramp Nazi, it is a few car lengths. Otherwise, drop your boat near the ramp, but not such that you are obstructing other boaters.

Restrooms

Decent, but seasonal. Have seen them open as late an early Oct weekend, and as early as mid-May on week days.

Status of Launch Area

During low tide, it is gravelly and sandy. Otherwise, share the concreate ramp with the power boats.

Wind Conditions

Downstream, the winds can be vicious. Upstream, they are an annoyance.

Power Boats

The sky is limit, but they have to behave near Crowleys Landing, and upstream.

Foliage

Spectacular upstream, boring downstream.

Rolling Practice?

So-so. Totally forget about it during low tide.