Middle Brook (Raritan River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Brook |
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Buttermilk Falls on the East Branch
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Somerset County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Raritan River Middlebrook 40°33′20″N 74°32′36″W / 40.55556°N 74.54333°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Raritan River |
| GNIS feature ID | 878292 |
The Middle Brook is a small river, also called a tributary, that flows into the Raritan River in Somerset County, New Jersey. Long ago, Native Americans called this stream Rha-weigh-weiros. This name means "running from a deep hole."
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Exploring the Middle Brook Valley
The Middle Brook has two main parts: a western branch and an eastern branch. These branches collect water from a valley known as Washington Valley. This valley is located between the first and second Watchung Mountain ridges. It stretches across Bridgewater Township and the western part of Warren Township.
Where the Branches Meet
The two branches of the Middle Brook come together in an area called the Bound Brook Gap. From there, the Middle Brook flows south. It then joins the larger Raritan River in the town of Bound Brook. The entire area that drains into the Middle Brook is about 17.2 square miles (45 km2).
Fun Along the Brook
You can explore the Western Branch of the Middle Brook by walking along the Middle Brook Trail. This is a public hiking trail. In Washington Valley Park, the brook forms a man-made lake called the Washington Valley Reservoir. The smaller Eastern Branch of the brook also has a dam. After the dam, the water flows over beautiful steps of rock, creating the Buttermilk Falls in Washington Valley Park.
Protecting Against Floods
The section of the Middle Brook that runs through Bound Brook is part of a special project. This project is called the Green Brook Flood Control Project. Its goal is to protect Bound Brook from flooding. Sometimes, the Raritan River can get very high and push water back into the end of the Middle Brook. This project helps stop that from happening, keeping the town safe from floods.
