About
Mullica River, New Jersey — 1670s-1770s Dutch Swedish, 1840s-1880s Logging, 1992 Wild/Scenic 50-mi Pine Barrens. From the cedar swamps of Wharton State Forest through 51 miles of the Pinelands National Reserve, the Mullica flows dark tea-colored water at an average 280 CFS through Burlington and Atlantic counties. The upper section from Atsion to Pleasant Mills runs Class I through classic cedar swamp terrain — narrow channels, overhanging branches, and the acidic water that stains everything amber. Below Pleasant Mills, the river opens into a tidal estuary system flowing toward Great Bay. At optimal flows between 100–600 CFS, the Mullica rewards paddlers who appreciate the subtle beauty of Pine Barrens ecology rather than whitewater thrills. Two established outfitters, Pinelands Adventures and Mick-a-Do Canoe Rental, serve the corridor. Protected under New Jersey's Wild & Scenic designation and embedded within the larger Pinelands Reserve, this remains one of the state's most undeveloped waterways. USGS gauge 01409400 tracks flows through the system.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.