Written by Arati Patel – @aratip05
When September begins, it feels as if the summer has come to an end. However, we still have a few more weeks of summer left, and it’s not too late to get out there and enjoy the water. Kayaking is one of the best ways to enjoy New Jersey’s rivers, lakes, and reservoirs and bring some peace and nature to your life. We rounded up a list of the best kayaking spots here in our beloved state of New Jersey for you. Whether you want to kayak with the New York City skyline as your backdrop or get lost within New Jersey’s dense forests, we got you covered. We hope you enjoy soaking in the last few weeks of summer by checking out one of these kayaking spots below. Happy Kayaking!
Cranford Canoe Club
250 Springfield Avenue, Cranford
Cranford Canoe Club provides the accessibility to kayak along the beautiful Rahway River. This scenic river is the perfect trip if you want to escape into nature. Don’t forget to check out their calendar page for the latest events. This year, they are hosting the Cranford River Carnival on Saturday, September 18th from 1PM to 5PM.
Griggstown Canoe and Kayak
1076 Canal Rd, Princeton
If you’re looking for some history along your kayaking adventure, we recommend you check out Griggstown Canoe and Kayak for a rental and then head on over to the D&R Canal. Originally built to transport goods and materials between New York and Pennsylvania in the 1830s, this beautiful canal is now used for recreation and water supply. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you should try one of the Millstone River D&R Canal Loops.
Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse
Maxwell Place Park, 11th St & Sinatra Dr, Hoboken
Located in Maxwell Place Park on the Hoboken waterfront, the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse is an all-volunteer-based non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide free water sports programs and access to local waterways for all to enjoy. From free paddle days to beach clean-ups, you can have fun while also helping the community. It’s a win-win!
Flatwater Paddle Co. – Monksville Reservoir
1081 Greenwood Lake Turnpike, Ringwood
The beautiful Monksville Reservoir, located within the Long Pond Ironworks State Park, is an excellent escape from the city. With a total surface area of 505 acres, you’ll enjoy a day soaking in nature surrounded by the dense forests of the New Jersey Highlands. You can book kayak rentals and, if interested, paddle boarding as well here. They also offer kayaking in various other locations in New Jersey!
Laurel Hill Paddling Center
Laurel Hill County Park, 1005 New County Rd, Secaucus
Enjoy exploring the Hackensack River, the Meadowlands and Overpeck Lake at your own pace, or you can join a guided tour. All fees for kayak rentals go towards helping to support the ongoing mission of the Hackensack Riverkeeper. There are single and tandem kayaks available, as well as canoes.
Pineland Adventures
1005 Atsion Road, Shamong
Are you interested in making a trip down to South Jersey? Pinelands Adventures is one of the premier kayaking and canoeing places in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. Kayak through the beautiful streams while enjoying the greenery of the Pine Barrens. There are 2–8-hour self-guided trips daily until October. As you’re kayaking, you will be supporting the conservation efforts of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance.
Resilience Paddle Sports & Pier 13 Boating Club
1301 Sinatra Dr. N, Hoboken
At Resilience Paddle Sports, they believe that outdoor activities empower and can build personal resilience and awareness for the natural world. They offer paddling, kayaking, and youth programs. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline during your kayaking adventure.
Urban Paddle
11 Marin Blvd, Jersey City
Urban Paddle has several locations to enjoy kayaking and have a unique experience. If you prefer soaking in the views of the Statue of Liberty, you can head on over to their Liberty Harbor Marina location. Recently, they expanded their kayak rentals to Lincoln Park in Jersey City and James J. Braddock Park in North Bergen. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, they even offer LED night kayak tours! A kayaking experience you won’t want to miss trying.
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