Connetquot River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Connetquot River |
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Headwaters of the Connetquot River
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lakeland County Park, Islandia, New York 50 feet (15 m) |
| River mouth | Nicholls Bay on the Great South Bay 0 ft (0 m) 40°43′22″N 73°07′41″W / 40.72278°N 73.12806°W |
| Length | 6 mi (10 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 4,500 acres (7 sq mi) |
The Connetquot River is a special waterway on Long Island, New York. It is also known as the Great River. This river is about 6 miles (9.7 km) long. It flows through Islip.
The Connetquot River is one of the four longest rivers on Long Island. The state of New York has recognized it as a Wild, Scenic and Recreational River. This means it is a protected natural area. Many people enjoy fly fishing here. They especially like to catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
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Discovering the Connetquot River
The Connetquot River starts from natural springs. These springs are found in Lakeland County Park in Islandia. At its beginning, it is called Connetquot Brook. This part is north of the Long Island Expressway.
The upper part of the river is entirely within the Connetquot River State Park Preserve. This park helps protect the river and its surroundings. As the river flows south, it becomes an estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea. Here, fresh water mixes with salty ocean water. This part, south of Sunrise Highway at Oakdale, is officially called the Connetquot River.
What Does "Connetquot" Mean?
The name "Connetquot" comes from the Secatogue tribe. They were a Native American group. In their language, "Connetquot" means "Great River." This name perfectly describes this important waterway.
A Unique Natural Area
The entire area around the Connetquot River is very special. It is the largest undeveloped natural space in Suffolk County. This means it is mostly untouched by buildings and roads. The river gets all its water from groundwater springs. Groundwater is water stored underground. Unlike many rivers, the Connetquot River does not start from a lake. This makes it unique among Long Island's rivers.
Crossing the Connetquot River
Many roads and paths cross over the Connetquot River. These crossings help people travel around the area. Some bridges are for cars, like those on the Long Island Expressway and Sunrise Highway. Other bridges are for trains, such as the Long Island Rail Road. There are also footbridges for hikers. These allow people to explore the beautiful Connetquot River State Park Preserve.]
