The critters that live in and around the Great Egg Harbor River are like a Who’s Who of the endangered natural world. So it's no surprise that it was declared a National Wild and Scenic River in 1992.

All along the 129-mile long "Great Egg," as it is known in these parts, you’ll find peregrine falcon, bald eagle, piping plover American black duck, brant, American wigeon and other birds and wildlife that are on the Federal and New Jersey endangered species list. In all, there 41 species of fish and 87 species of birds that call the river home. And during migration season, more than 12,000 waterfowl have been spotted on their way to warmer climates.

But critters aren’t the only ones who flock to the Great Egg Harbor River. The longest navigable river in the famous New Jersey Pinelands, it's a popular with experienced canoers and kayakers who like the challenge of its upper sections, as well as greenhorns who like the milder currents farther downriver.

Anglers have lots of spots where they can sink their lines, but you’ll need a valid fishing license which you can get through the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife. But once you get that squared away, you are good to go. Throughout the year, there are numerous bass fishing clubs who challenge one another to snag the biggest and best fish.

As you explore the towns and villages that border the Great Egg Harbor River, you can get a sense of the important role it has played in the region’s development. Hundreds of years before the European settlers arrived in the 1700s, the Lenni Lenape thrived here and occasionally you can still find an arrowhead or other tribal artifacts. Later, the cedar trees along the River were important in developing the region’s lumber industry. During the Revolutionary War its "bog iron" made cannon balls, while its hidden coves sheltered privateers.The River also supported farming, bog ore and iron mining, paper-making and other industries along the river towns.