Big Timber Creek (buoy "2": 39°53.2'N, 74°08.1'W)

The entrance to Big Timber Creek (buoy "2": 39°53.2'N, 74°08.1'W) is at the south end of the Gloucester City (NJ) industrial waterfront, at Horseshoe Bend. Buoy "2" sort of lines up with the Horseshoe Bend range lights. The entrance channel through the shallows is well marked with paired buoys as far as the approach to the first set of bridges. Where the channel makes a major turn south, there is a small park with a gravel ramp, beach and playground. The adjacent community is Brooklawn Park. The Little Timber Creek comes in from the north at this location and there are several boats docked up inside of it. However, the water depth quickly runs out and there is hardly clearance for a dinghy at the first bridge.

About a mile up from entrance buoy "2" are the first set of bridges. There are three bridges within a couple of hundred feet of each other; a highway bridge, then a railroad, and another highway bridge. Clearance is charted at 14 feet. All the facilities on Big Timber Creek are located upstream of these bridges. Docks line both sides of the creek above the bridges, but most are marked "private".

Immediately on the right is the defunct Westville Boat Landing. On the left are docks that give access to O'Brien Sails. The small West Creek Marina is located on the tip of the peninsula on the right. Beyond that, on the left, is the William Hargrove Marina, a very modern operation with slips, services, a paved ramp, and rack storage for small power boats. There are a couple of diner restaurants within walking distance of these areas.

The channel turns sharply around the peninsula and follows the south shore. The town of Westville fronts along here and waterfront houses and docks line the bank. About half way along there is a landing for the Westville Power Boat Association. This is a private club for members only, but they are affiliated with the Delaware River Yachtsman's League.

At the east end of town is a working boatyard with limited dockage. They have a heavy-duty crane and storage space for many boats. There is also a repair shed. When we were there (April 02), there were a lot of boats, including sailboats, being fitted out for the season. Up on the frontage road, Flotilla 32 is the yard's next door neighbor. Across the road is a large park with playing fields for various sports.

According to local information, 5 feet depth can be carried upstream as far as Runnemede (about 3 miles). Bridge clearances are less than 8 feet.

Big Timber Creek can be an interesting side trip, just watch your depths and clearances.