Metedeconk River

Map(s)

Road map (1200x725). 327K size.

Scenery

The Metedeconk divides into 2 sections: Upper & Lower, and is tidal.  Paddling west of Forge Pond, the river twists & turns, and eventually splits between the North & South branches.  At the end of the wet spring of 2000, I was able to traverse 350 feet of the North branch, and 550 feet of the South branch.  (The river was too narrow for my sea kayak; but my Feathercraft K-Light would have penetrated another 800 feet to the Garden State Parkway on the South Branch.)  Very interesting scenery that becomes darker, the further west that you paddle.  This area is the northern edge of the Pine Barrens.

Forge Pond is deeper near the launch area, and becomes shallow further from shore.  Do not fall out in this area, because the mud is VERY thick.  Also, watch out for the swans; they attack paddlers.  Forge Pond is the test paddle area for Jersey Paddler.

To reach the Lower Metedeconk, go east of Forge Pond, paddling under route 70; if there has been lots of recent rain, you might have to duck to get under the bridge.  There will be one of many marinas to your right, followed by marshes.  In contrast to the upper section, the lower section is wavey and frequented by power boats, jet skis, and sailboats during the warmer months.  Be considerate, stay out of the channel.

The wave action is affected mostly by powerboats, followed by easterly or westerly winds.  On a calm day, one or two yahoos on a powerboat is enough to stir things up!

Windward Beach is a nice stopover, but stay to the east of the swimming area.  This area is protected somewhat from the waves, so it makes reentry into the water easy.

To date, I have barely made beyond Cranberry Cove.  As with Toms River and the Manasquan River, powerboat traffic becomes hectic.  When venturing into the lower section, do so with a group, or at least one other person; more eyes for tracking the powered craft & greater visibility.  Also, watch out for jellyfish; in July 2004, they were plentiful.  (Hopefully, this is a temporary situation.  Those nasty swans are bad enough.)  In early June 2009, no signs of jellyfish.

Fees

None.

Directions

Take route 195 to the Garden State Parkway, south. (You will be on route 34 for a fraction of a mile.) Take the Parkway to exit 91. At end of the exit ramp, cross Burnt Tavern Road, going straight on Lane Mill Road. Take Lane Mill Road to route 88. (There is a traffic light at this intersection, and a bowling alley on the left.) Make a left into route 88. Take route 88 to route 70, making a right. After 1/5 mile after entering route 70, make a right into the Forge Pond parking lot. (I do not remember this turn being marked, but just after it is a small cement bridge, which crosses over the Metedeconk.)

Follow the dirt road to the end and park out of the way of anyone else entering, or exiting, the parking area. This area is used by Jersey Paddler and fisherman.

Parking

Limited, but I have never had a problem. Try to leave room for Jersey Paddler's boat trailer to park & turn around.

There is another parking area, south of the river. It has a boat ramp which is used by fishing boats & jet skis. This area is a better launch area in the colder months, since it takes longer to become ice-encrusted.

Distance to the Launch Area

The parking area is close to the launch area. Just be careful of the tree roots, when carrying your boat to the water.

Restrooms

None, but there are some decent trees around.

On the north shore of the lower section, is Windward Beach, a public park. It has real restrooms, but I have never investigated using it as a launch area. Part of the problem is the long distance from the parking lot to the launch area; a kayak cart would be a must.

Status of Launch Area

Not the super soft sand of Lake Lenape, but the next best thing. A path has been cut to the sandy area, on the NW section of the pond. This has created a second launch area, which is friendly to gelcoats. Forge Pond is shallow & calm enough that you can easily move your boat out of the way of other members of your group. Recently, there has been an explosion of chipmunks.

Wind Conditions

Forge Pond and the Upper section have never been a problem. The Lower section is another matter altogether. This part of the river is wide and can get nasty. But surprisingly, on a trip back on 28-Oct-2001, the winds were meaner near the marinas along route 70; they were a non-issue out near Eagle Point. Go figure.

Power Boats

On Forge Pond, and the Upper section, you may see fishing boats. The Lower section has EVERYTHING: Jet skis, sailboats, and huge powerboats. Kayakers, wear your sprayskirts & stay between the shore and boat channel in the center. The rebounding waves coming back from the piers are no fun, but neither are the wakes from the powerboats. Canoers & recreational kayaks, stay out of the Lower section.

Foliage

Nice in the Upper section; nothing worth mentioning in the Lower section.

Rolling Practice?

Too murky for my taste; besides, that thick mud should be avoided.