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Clyde River (New York) facts for kids

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Clyde River
FTCCanalLock27.jpg
The Clyde River begins at Erie Canal Lock #27 in Lyons, New York. This view is looking upstream towards the lock.
Country United States
State New York
Region Finger Lakes
Physical characteristics
Main source Confluence of the Canandaigua Outlet, Ganargua Creek and Erie Canal at Lock #27
Lyons, Wayne County, New York, United States
385 ft (117 m)
43°03′43.08″N 76°59′45.92″W / 43.0619667°N 76.9960889°W / 43.0619667; -76.9960889
River mouth Seneca River
Tyre, Seneca County, New York, United States
374 ft (114 m)
42°59′57.69″N 76°43′50.88″W / 42.9993583°N 76.7308000°W / 42.9993583; -76.7308000
Length 27 mi (43 km)
Basin features
Basin size 191 sq mi (490 km2)
Tributaries
  • Left:
    Black Brook (into Erie Canal), Melvin Brook (into Erie Canal)
  • Right:
    Pond Brook, White Brook

The Clyde River is an important river in New York. It flows into the Seneca River in Seneca County, New York. It starts near Lyons in Wayne County. The river winds about 27 miles (43 kilometers) from west to east. It ends by joining the Seneca River in Tyre. This is near the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

A big part of the original river now forms a section of the famous Erie Canal. Many smaller streams flow into the Clyde River along its path. The Clyde River is part of a larger water system. This system includes the Seneca River and the Oswego River. Finally, the Oswego River flows into Lake Ontario. The Clyde River is a great place for fishing. It is also popular for flatwater canoeing and kayaking.

Where Does the Clyde River Flow?

The Clyde River officially begins in Lyons. This is in Wayne County. It starts where the Canandaigua Outlet and the Erie Canal meet. This spot is just east of Lock #27 on the canal. The nearby Ganargua Creek also adds water to the Clyde River. It flows into the Erie Canal a little west of the lock.

From its start, the Clyde River often runs right next to the Erie Canal. Sometimes it even shares the same path. It flows through the towns of Lyons and Galen. It also passes through the village of Clyde. The river continues all the way to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Here, it meets the Seneca River in Tyre.

There are some interesting parts of the river that branch off the Erie Canal. One winding section goes northeast along River Road. It passes through the Marengo Marsh. This is between the community of Marengo and the village of Clyde. This part of the Clyde River has a very slow current. Because of this, it's a perfect spot for flatwater canoeing and kayaking. Sometimes, paddlers use both the Erie Canal and the river. They make a loop between Lyons and Clyde. Another section of the Clyde River runs southeast. It goes on and off the canal below Lock #26. This is from Bentley Road in Galen. It leads to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. This area is near NY Route 89 in Tyre.

Rivers and Streams That Feed the Clyde

Six main streams feed the Clyde River. These are part of its watershed. Other smaller waterways also flow directly into it. The first two are the Canandaigua Outlet and Ganargua Creek. They join the Erie Canal to form the Clyde River in Lyons.

Further down the river, on the right side, are Pond Brook and White Brook. Pond Brook flows through Junius in Seneca County. It also goes through Galen in Wayne County. White Brook winds through the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Tyre.

On the left side is Black Brook. This stream actually flows into the Erie Canal. It travels through the towns of Lyons, Rose, and Galen. Melvin Brook is also nearby, just west of Clyde. It used to flow into an older part of the Erie Canal. It is still part of the Clyde River's watershed.

A Look Back in Time: History of the River

People have used the Clyde River for a very long time. Its use goes back to before the colonial period. Before the Erie Canal was built in 1817, the Canandaigua Outlet and Ganargua Creek met in Lyons. This meeting point formed the Clyde River.

Fun Places to Visit Along the River

There are several interesting places along the Clyde River. One is the Marengo Marsh in the town of Galen. Another is the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in the town of Tyre. These are great spots for nature lovers.

There are also two parks close to the Clyde River and Erie Canal. Both are in the town of Galen. These are Lock Berlin Park and Black Brook Park. You can find Black Brook Park off NY Route 31 west of Clyde. There are also nature and hiking trails in the area. These offer great chances to explore the outdoors.

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