Day-Tripping to the Maurice River
Enjoy Natural Beauty, Wildlife, and Outdoor Adventure
By Maura Mergenthaler, PDE Science Intern
Flowing through Salem and Cumberland counties in southern New Jersey, the Maurice River is a crucial link between the Pinelands National Reserve and the Delaware Bay, bringing clean water and diverse habitats to the Delaware Estuary and supporting its overall health and biodiversity.
Along the river’s 50-mile stretch, there’s a range of habitats, such as wetlands, forests, and the largest freshwater tidal shallow marshes in New Jersey — home to numerous threatened and endangered species, including the federally-threatened swamp pink. Atlantic sturgeon swim in these waters. The Pine Barrens treefrog, horseshoe crabs, and the grasshopper sparrow also make their homes in or near the Maurice, not to mention that the river’s corridor is a vital stopover for migratory birds such as osprey, black ducks, and warblers.
Designated as a Wild and Scenic River, the Maurice is culturally important to the communities along its banks. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails and pack a picnic or mountain bike at the Maurice River Bluffs Nature Preserve in Millville. For those wanting to get on the water, the Maurice River Cruises offers pontoon rides with views of the river, wildlife, and historic sites.
Things to Do
There are plenty of stops worth making. The Millville Waterfalls on Sharp Street, where Union Lake becomes the Maurice River, is a scenic spot. Outside Port Norris, the Bayshore Center at Bivalve is open from May to October and offers museum exhibits and environmental education programs for kids and adults alike. Be sure to check out their historic oyster shipping sheds and immerse yourself in the booming 1920s oyster industry. In Mauricetown, the Old Mauricetown Bridge on Highland Street is a popular fishing and scenic overlook, and the Mauricetown Historical Society offers a window into the town’s past and the river’s history.
If you go – please be sure to call ahead to confirm availability for the cruises or museums, as many locations are seasonal or only open certain days of the week!
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