Garden State Canoeing

Not only does the author provide an assortment of lesser and well known canoe-able rivers, but also presents it in an entertaining fashion. I attribute this book to have doubled my paddling enjoyment through all of the wonderful places I've been directed to by this book. Having had my copy for a number of years, I sometimes enjoy just reading it for the entertainment value in addition to being a guidebook.

Ed Gertler has been down every mile of every New Jersey river, and if I did that, I would insist on sharing every bit of knowledge, tips, joy and suffering that entailed. He does. Minor errors in maps and details are not fatal. This is an unprecedented and fabulously useful guide for people who actually want to get into their kayaks and canoes and head down a river. It provides thorough information on where to start, what to expect, how long it will take, what you will see. (Kayakers note: his average times are a bit slow). While I have no particular interest in paddling past the refineries along the Hackensack River, this book has opened my eyes and ambitions to many small, delightful rivers and creeks throughout New Jersey, and I plan to travel many of them. Because of this book.