Cross River (New York) facts for kids

The Cross River is a short river located in southern New York state. It starts in the hamlet of Cross River, which is part of the town of Lewisboro. This river is an important part of the water system that supplies drinking water to New York City. It also offers a great place for fishing.

The Cross River: A Vital Waterway

The Cross River might be small, but it's a big help in getting water to many people. It flows through a beautiful part of New York and connects to larger water systems. Understanding its journey helps us see how water travels from nature to our homes.

Where Does the Cross River Start?

The Cross River begins in a place called Cross River, a small community within Lewisboro. Its starting point, or "headwaters," makes an interesting loop. First, it flows south, then southwest, then northwest, and finally west. This winding path is how the river gathers its water before moving on.

Journey to the Reservoir

After its looping start, the Cross River continues flowing west for a few miles. It then connects to a part of the Cross River Reservoir. A reservoir is like a large, artificial lake built to store water. The Cross River Reservoir is a key part of the New York City water supply system. This system collects and cleans water for millions of people living in New York City.

Part of New York City's Water Supply

The Cross River is part of a larger area called the Croton River watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common river, lake, or ocean. The Croton Watershed is one of the main sources of drinking water for New York City. After flowing into the Cross River Reservoir, the water eventually flows out of the reservoir's spillway. A spillway is like an overflow channel that releases water when the reservoir is full. From there, the Cross River joins the Croton River in a town called Katonah.

Fishing in the Cross River

The section of the Cross River that flows from the reservoir's spillway to the Muscoot Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing. It's especially known as an early spring "trout fishery." This means that during the early spring, many people come here to catch trout, a type of fish that lives in cool, clear water. It's a great place for anglers to enjoy nature and catch some fish.