Middle Branch Croton River facts for kids
The Middle Branch Croton River is a smaller river that flows into the Croton River. You can find it in Putnam and Westchester counties in New York State. This river is an important part of the Croton River watershed. It also helps supply water to the New York City water supply system.
Where Does the Middle Branch Croton River Start?
The Middle Branch Croton River begins in a small pond. This pond is located near Horsepound Road and NY State Route 52. It's about one mile north of a small town called Lake Carmel. This area is in the eastern part of the town of Kent, in Putnam County.
Journey Through Lakes and Reservoirs
Soon after it starts, a small stream joins the river. Then, the Middle Branch Croton River flows into a human-made lake called Lake Carmel. This lake is special because it's one of the few large bodies of water in the Croton River watershed that is not part of the New York City water supply system.
The river then flows out of Lake Carmel towards the east. It quickly turns south and travels for about three miles. After this journey, it empties into the Middle Branch Reservoir. This reservoir is located in the town of Carmel, New York.
Joining Other Rivers
Next, the Middle Branch Croton River flows into the Croton Falls Reservoir. This happens right before it reaches the border of Westchester County. Here, its waters mix with some water from the East Branch Croton River. The East Branch water comes from the Diverting Reservoir, which is just east of the Croton Falls Reservoir. The Middle Branch also joins all the water from the West Branch Croton River.
All these combined waters then leave the Croton Falls Reservoir. For a short distance, they flow as just the West Branch. Finally, the West Branch joins the rest of the East Branch. This meeting point is where the main Croton River officially begins. This happens in a small area called Croton Falls, which is part of the town of North Salem, New York in northern Westchester County.
