East Branch Delaware River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Branch Delaware River |
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East Branch at Margaretville
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Region | Catskills |
| County | Delaware |
| Towns | Roxbury, Middletown, Andes, Colchester, Hancock |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unnamed pond SW of Grand Gorge 1,560 ft (480 m) 42°21′21″N 74°31′03″W / 42.35583°N 74.51750°W |
| River mouth | Delaware River Hancock 883 ft (269 m) 41°56′20″N 75°16′45″W / 41.93889°N 75.27917°W |
| Length | 75 mi (121 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Delaware River |
| Basin size | 828 sq mi (2,140 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The East Branch Delaware River is a major river in New York State. It is one of two main rivers that come together to form the larger Delaware River. This branch is about 75 miles (121 km) long.
The river flows through the beautiful Catskill Mountains. It winds its way through a mostly wild area. For a long part of its journey, it forms the edge of Catskill Park. A road, State Route 30, often runs right beside it.
In the mid-1900s, a large dam was built on the river. This created the Pepacton Reservoir. This reservoir is a very important part of the New York City water supply system. It helps provide clean drinking water to millions of people in New York City.
The East Branch Delaware River is also a famous spot for fly fishing. Many people come here to catch brown trout. In 1881, a writer named John Burroughs wrote about his boat trip down the river. He traveled from Arkville all the way to Hancock.
Contents
Where the River Flows
The East Branch Delaware River starts in eastern Delaware County. It begins from a small pond near Grand Gorge. From there, it flows generally southwest through the town of Roxbury.
Upper Course and Early Towns
The river's upper part flows through a narrow valley. It passes through Wawaka Lake. Then, it meets Dry Brook near Arkville. This is where the river enters the Catskill Park.
The river continues southwest to Margaretville. This is the first important town along its path. Here, another road, NY 28, joins Route 30 beside the river.
Pepacton Reservoir: A Big Lake
A short distance from Margaretville, the East Branch widens into the Pepacton Reservoir. This huge reservoir stretches for many miles. It flows through the towns of Andes and Colchester. Route 30 crosses over the reservoir in the middle.
The reservoir ends at the Downsville Dam. This dam is located just north of Downsville. Below the dam, the river becomes narrow again.
Lower Course and Joining the Delaware
The river keeps winding through a wider valley. It flows alongside Route 30. Near a place called East Branch, the Beaver Kill river flows into it. The Beaver Kill is a very famous stream for trout fishing.
Near the town of Hancock, the East Branch leaves the Catskill Park. A few miles further, at the village of Hancock, it meets the West Branch. When these two branches join, they form the main stem of the Delaware River.
Rivers and Streams Joining the East Branch
Many smaller rivers and streams flow into the East Branch Delaware River. These are called tributaries.
Tributaries from the Right Side
- Pleasant Valley Brook
- Platte Kill
- Downs Brook
- Trout Brook
- Clauson Brook
- Baxter Brook
- Morrison Brook
- Bolton Brook
- Read Creek
- City Brook
- Cadosia Creek
Tributaries from the Left Side
