Explore Medford’s Canoe Trail
Posted March 7, 2008 | link
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The upper end of the trail is adjacent to the historic Medford village with its shops, restaurants and grand old homes.
The trail head in Medford Park is accessible from Gill Road off Allen Avenue. The most convenient access point is in the Park at the foot of Coates Street where a playground, picnic facilities and parking close to the launch site are available. The trail ends at a landing at Kirby’s Mill on Church Road. From there, the Rancocas continues on its scenic, meandering journey through Burlington County to its juncture with the Delaware River. The stream is navigable from Lumberton to the Delaware River, however the stretch between Kirby’s Mill and Lumberton is currently blocked in a number of places by fallen trees that require difficult portages or liftovers.
In good weather, with average stream conditions, Kirby’s Mill can be reached from the park area in about an hour. One-way downstream trips are an easy way to enjoy an outing on the water. The return trip, against the current, takes about an hour and a half. A round trip, starting at Kirby’s Mill or at the park, makes a pleasant half-day outing. When planning an outing, paddlers must take into account their own abilities and weather forecasts. Thunderstorms and heavy rains can cause strong currents and dangerous stream conditions that make trips inadvisable. Enjoy the journey.
First there was the Rancocas River, then came Medford. In the earliest days, native Americans found food, water and shelter along the banks of the Rancocas and used the river as their highway. In the 17th century, settlers made their way up the Rancocas. They cleared land, developed farms, harvested lumber, built mills and later developed iron and glass industries. The river served them as a conduit for trade and commerce. In the 19th century, railroads took over this function. Now the stream became an important source of recreation. The early settlement along the banks of the Rancocas became Medford and still exists as the Historic Medford Village along Main Street at the upper end of the Medford Canoe Trail. The village offers canoe trail users restaurants, accommodations and shopping, as well as historic sightseeing.
The Medford Canoe Trail Committee (MCTC) was organized to open the river to recreation again. The goal of this committee is to make usable a two and one half mile stretch of the Rancocas starting in Medford Park near the public library and ending at Kirby’s Mill. REI Inc. has donated $4,500 for brochures and for information kiosks. Obstructions have been cleared and launch sites are being improved to allow paddlers of all ages to experience the pleasures of this beautiful stream that is so close to our homes.
The committee is grateful for the efforts by the Medford’s Town Council, Town Manager Michael J. Achey, Public Works Director George Snyder and the members of the Public Works and Recreation Departments for help in completing the trail. We also acknowledge the advice, guidance and hands-on efforts of members of our community, the Rancocas Conservancy, the Burlington Cty. Parks Department, the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, Camp Dark Waters and the Medford Historical Society.
MEDFORD CANOE TRAIL COMMITTEE
Chairman: Bernard C. Mayer
Members: Beth Richmond, Philip DiMartino, Becca Gutwirth, Robert Hofstrom, Peter Rocco, Patricia Rosvold, Kevin Sparkman, Dottie Spellman, Larry Spellman, Gwen Sparkman (Website)
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
The trailhead in Medford Park is accessible from Gill Road (see map) off Allen Avenue. The most convenient access point is in the Park at the foot of Coates Street where a playground, picnic facilities and parking close to the launch site are available. The trail ends at a landing at Kirby’s Mill on Church Road (see map). From there, the Rancocas continues on its scenic way to its juncture with the Delaware River. Although the stream is navigable from Lumberton to the Delaware River, the stretch from Kirby’s Mill to Lumberton is currently blocked by a logjam.
In good weather, with average stream conditions, Kirby’s Mill can be reached from the park area in about an hour. One-way downstream trips are an easy way to enjoy an outing on the water. The return trip, against the current, takes about an hour and a half. A round trip, starting at Kirby’s Mill or at the park, makes a pleasant half-day outing. When planning an outing, paddlers must take into account their own abilities and weather forecasts. Thunderstorms and heavy rains can cause strong currents and dangerous stream conditions that make trips inadvisable. Enjoy the water but be careful.
DIRECTIONS:
Gill Road Launch Site
From Intersection of Route 70 and Main Street (Route 541): Head South on Main Street. Turn right at Library onto Allen Avenue. Turn left at Gill Road. Park in designated parking area.
Alternative Parking: Continue on Main Street past Library. Cross Bridge. Immediately bear right at Mill Street intersection. Turn right at Bunning Field. Park in designated parking areas.
Coates Street Launch Site
From Intersection of Route 70 and Main Street (Route 541): Head South on Main Street. Turn left at first traffic light onto Bank Street. Turn right at McClain Avenue. Turn left at Coates Street and continue into Medford Park. Park on grass on both sides of dirt road leading to launch site.
TIPS & SUGGESTIONS
Check the weather forecast. Getting caught on the water in a thunderstorm can be dangerous!
Leave all valuables (cameras, jewelry, money, etc.) at home or locked in the trunk of your car.
Use neck strap to prevent losing eyeglasses.
Use waterproof bags for car keys, cell phones, food or extra clothing, and SECURE in canoe.
Wear old sneakers or river shoes.
If you tip, stay upstream of canoe.
ITEMS TO BRING
* Sunscreen
* Insect Repellant
* Sunglasses w/strap
* Old sneakers/water shoes
* Water-tight bags for keys, cell phones, etc.
* Change of clothing
* Length of rope to secure supplies