NJ > Hawkins Bridge > November 24th - 26th, 2017 > 6th Annual NJ Thanksgiving Weekend Hang

[SilvrSurfr]

2 dumb questions --- for now anyway ----

1) What's the bug (specifically tick) situation like up there now that we've had a bit of a cold snap on some evenings? Do I need to retreat my stuff with Permethrin before I go (if I can go) if clothing and such has been washed 6 - 8 times?

2) Where exactly is Hawkins Bridge Campground? When I plug the name into Google maps it's in Wharton State Forest and there's a different campground name. Just trying to figure out some logistics and timing --- again, if it turns out I'm able to go.

I should have a better idea whether I'm attending by the end of the day tomorrow....

I wouldn't worry about ticks.

As far as directions, you must be looking at Godfrey Bridge, which is on the way to Hawkins Bridge. Anyway, you can turn right off 679 - there are signs to Godfrey and Hawkins. You can also take Carranza Road south, but I've never been that way and can't vouch for the road.

[TheMushroom]

I think this is the spot, but it was just labeled as Wharton State Park camping site... 39.712533,-74.565296

[TheMushroom]

I've paddled the Wading River but started at Hawkins Bridge then went down to Bodine Camp (about 9 to 11 miles, as I recall). It was in March and cold as hell. We tipped our canoe and went into the river. Then it started snowing. I don't have fond memories of that trip.

Thanks Surfr - do you think it would be a enjoyable paddle for people that don't tend to fall out of their boat? Is it a tough paddle upstream?

[silentorpheus]

I think this is the spot, but it was just labeled as Wharton State Park camping site... 39.712533,-74.565296

Yep, that's it. Maps says it's 6.3 miles from the Carranza Memorial, if you come from that direction. So I was close.

[silentorpheus]

Thanks Surfr - do you think it would be a enjoyable paddle for people that don't tend to fall out of their boat? Is it a tough paddle upstream?

I think that's kind of like asking a deaf person whether or not they like a particular song ...

[TheMushroom]

I think that's kind of like asking a deaf person whether or not they like a particular song ...

Well that just cost me a mouth full of coffee and a bunch of paper towels...

[SilvrSurfr]

Thanks Surfr - do you think it would be a enjoyable paddle for people that don't tend to fall out of their boat? Is it a tough paddle upstream?

I have never tried paddling upstream - I know it's difficult in a canoe but may be easier in a kayak.

[Ratdog]

Canoeing upstream is doable but a double bladed paddle makes life easier, much easier. Kayaking should be easy enough though downstream makes life easier and plenty of easy shuttle options. But I hear ya, if you just want to put in and paddle, yep, you can do it.

Bugs are significantly less bothersome now and there isn’t much undergrowth you will have to navigate in this campground. A quick spray with permethrin is prudent even in the dead of Winter but I wouldn’t go to the trouble of soaking anything. I’ll be using my stuff that was sprayed a couple months ago.

There is loads of hiking in the area, tons of game trails, old jeep trails and the like. But if you want a blazed trail, then it’s a quick shuttle ride to the BT.

[TheMushroom]

Canoeing upstream is doable but a double bladed paddle makes life easier, much easier. Kayaking should be easy enough though downstream makes life easier and plenty of easy shuttle options. But I hear ya, if you just want to put in and paddle, yep, you can do it.

There is loads of hiking in the area, tons of game trails, old jeep trails and the like. But if you want a blazed trail, then it’s a quick shuttle ride to the BT.

We don't need no stinking blazes - thanks Ratdog.

[The Tree Frog]

I thought I remember someone saying the bridge was out. So, you may not be able to drive from Carranza to the site. Maybe a call to the ranger office is in need.