Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River

Things To Do Near Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River

Paddling and bird-watching are the two most popular activities on the Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River. Hiking trails are limited, but you'll find a few options within driving distance. Wherever you go along the river, you're never far from creature comforts and excellent RV camping.

Hiking Trails

• Estell Manor Park Swamp Trail Boardwalk

  Hike through the trees on the Estell Manor Park Swamp Trail Boardwalk. The entire route is made from wood, so it's accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. As you walk along the elevated path, you'll cross over streams, hike through a cedar swamp, and explore a coastal forest. If you're interested in extending your hike, look out for the signs for the Oak Ridge Trail; a short connector links the two routes.

  Location

  109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

  Length

  1.8 Miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve Woods Trail

  Explore the New Jersey wilderness on the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve Woods Trail. Stretching for three miles through the forest, the trail meanders through the forest and past a lovely pond. If you're interested in boating, bring a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak, and end your hike with a float on Eagle Lake. The reserve also has a variety of shorter loops, so it's easy to create a hike that suits your ability and preferences.

  Location

  317 Zion Rd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

  Length

  3 Miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Tom's Pond Trail

  Tom's Pond Trail is a fast, easy hike that's great for families with kids; the path is flat and covered with packed dirt or sand. You'll start at the historic Batsto Village — which is also well worth a visit — and enter the forest. From there, it travels through a white cedar swamp and along the Mullica River. The trail connects to a variety of other local hiking trails, giving you plenty of opportunities to extend your hike.

  Location

  31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

  Length

  2.7 Miles Round Trip

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Estell Manor Park

  A popular spot for local families, Estell Manor Park is a beautiful place to experience the wilderness of New Jersey. Start your visit at the park's excellent Warren E. Fox Nature Center; it orients you to the local flora and fauna, so you'll be prepared to spot different species as you enjoy the park's trail network. This area is stunning in the fall when the leaves change color. In the winter, local cross-country skiers take advantage of the snow on the trails.

  Location

  109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

• Lake Lenape

  The Great Egg Harbor River turns into Lake Lenape near Mays Landing. You can access the lake from two different parks: Lake Lenape Park West and Lake Lenape Park East. If you're interested in boating, head to Lake Lenape Park West; it's also a great spot for fishing, walking, and bird-watching. Lake Lenape Park East offers a more serene experience.

  Location

  753 Park Rd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

• Beesley's Point Beach

  Head to Beesley's Point Beach to see the Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River as it widens into the harbor near the Atlantic Ocean. From this small beach, you can see across the enormous river and check out the impressive Great Egg Harbor Bridge. During the summer months, bring your beach gear and enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming; you can also rent Jet Skis and other watersports equipment.

  Location

  9 Harbor Rd, Marmora, NJ 08223

Museums

• Atlantic County Veterans Museum

  The small, well-run Atlantic County Veterans Museum is devoted to local veterans. Using a series of fascinating artifacts, uniforms, photos, and newspaper clippings, it follows the progression of wars since the inception of the United States. The museum is set inside a historic mansion; the beautiful Colonial Revival architecture alone is worth a visit.

  Location

  189 Route 50 South, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

• Somers Point Historical Museum

  Explore the history of the New Jersey coastal area at the Somers Point Historical Museum. This small, friendly spot includes a variety of memorabilia about the local communities. See historical photos, learn about the boat-building tradition, and discover how transportation has changed over the centuries.

  Location

  745 Shore Rd, Somers Point, NJ 08244

• Linwood Maritime Museum

  If you're interested in New Jersey's seafaring history, don't miss a stop at the Linwood Maritime Museum. Run by the Linwood Historical Society, this spot is dedicated to the ships and sailors that have passed through the area near Great Egg Harbor. Walk through a recreation of a shipwright's workshop, see historic maritime equipment, and check out many different model ships.

  Location

  301 Davis Ave, Linwood, NJ 08221

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Salty Seahorse

  Specializing in artisan gifts and jewelry, the Salty Seahorse is a beautiful place to find a souvenir or a piece of home decor. The selection is eclectic and ever-changing, so browsing is a joy.

  Location

  714 Asbury Ave Suite A, Ocean City, NJ 08226

• Fisherman's Cove

  Located near the beach at the end of the Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River, Fisherman's Cove is a fun place to shop for ocean-themed gifts. Don't miss the fantastic selection of shells.

  Location

  1300 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226

• Freddy J's Bar & Kitchen

  If you're visiting Lake Lenape or exploring the length of the Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River, stop at Freddy J's Bar & Kitchen for a delicious meal. Start with caramelized brussels sprouts and move on to decadent dishes like short rib mac and cheese or BBQ meatloaf.

  Location

  5698 Somers Point Rd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

• Tuckahoe Inn

  Dine with a view of the Great Egg Harbor Bay at the Tuckahoe Inn restaurant. Relaxed and family-friendly, this spot serves fresh seafood and fantastic desserts.

  Location

  1 Harbor Rd, Marmora, NJ 08223

How To Get To Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River

The Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River starts in Berlin, New Jersey, and runs all the way to Ocean City; there are many ways to access the river on both sides. The Atlantic City Expressway allows fast access to the western side of the river while NJ-50 is a good way to get to the parks on the eastern edge.

Address

Route 50, Estell Manor, NJ 08330

Fee: Entry Fee (per vehicle)

There is no entry fee.

With its gentle hikes and exceptional paddling opportunities, the Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River is the perfect place to get out of the city and into nature. If you're planning to stay at one of the excellent campgrounds near the river, consider renting an RV; it's an easy way to create a home away from home year-round.