Pequannock River facts for kids
The Pequannock River is a cool waterway in northern New Jersey, United States. It's about 20 miles (32 km) long and flows into the Pompton River. Think of it as a smaller stream that feeds into a bigger one!
This river starts in eastern Sussex County, near a place called Highland Lakes. It then travels southeast through towns like Stockholm, Butler, and Bloomingdale. Finally, it joins the Ramapo River near Pompton Plains to create the Pompton River.
For part of its journey, the Pequannock River actually forms the border between Passaic and Morris counties.
What Makes the Pequannock River Special?
The Pequannock River is pretty unique because it's still quite clean compared to many other rivers in the area. Near where it starts, the river is held back to form the Oak Ridge Reservoir. This reservoir is a big part of the water supply for the city of Newark.
Years ago, the land and water around the river were bought by the city of Newark. This happened when Joseph E. Haynes was the mayor. This purchase helped protect the river and its surroundings.
Fun Activities on the River
The upper parts of the Pequannock River are a popular spot for people who love to fish, especially for trout. It's a great place to enjoy nature!
However, if you want to fish, hunt, or do other fun activities along the river, you need to get a permit. The City of Newark's Division of Watershed Development manages these activities to keep the river healthy and safe for everyone.
Rivers That Join the Pequannock
Just like many rivers, the Pequannock has its own smaller streams that flow into it. These are called tributaries. The main ones are:
- Apshawa
- Wanaque River
