South Branch Moose River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Branch Moose River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Little Moose Lake |
| River mouth | Moose River McKeever, New York 1,577 ft (481 m) 43°38′37″N 74°57′14″W / 43.64361°N 74.95389°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 179 sq mi (460 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The South Branch Moose River is a cool river located in Herkimer County, New York. It begins its journey at Little Moose Lake. South of Old Forge, New York, this river meets the Middle Branch. Together, they form the main Moose River. You can also find the beautiful Limekiln Falls right on the South Branch Moose River!
Contents
River History and Public Access
This section talks about an important event in the river's history. It helped decide who can use rivers that flow through private land.
A Special Journey
On June 15, 1991, five kayakers decided to paddle down the South Branch Moose River. They started from its source and went through land owned by the Adirondack League Club. This land was private. The kayakers wanted to test the rules about whether people could paddle on water that flows over private property.
The League Club knew about the trip beforehand. Both the kayakers and the club recorded the journey. This was to gather evidence for a future discussion.
The River and Public Rights
As expected, the League Club had a disagreement with the kayakers and the Sierra Club. This disagreement became a legal case called Adirondack League Club vs. Sierra Club. The case was about whether a river could be considered a "public highway" for fun activities like paddling.
The case helped establish that recreational use can be a reason to consider a river a public pathway. The disagreement was settled in the year 2000. It was decided that people could use the river at certain times of the year and under specific conditions. This means more people can enjoy the river!
Rivers Joining In
A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river. The South Branch Moose River has many tributaries that join it along its path.
Right Side Tributaries
These streams join the South Branch Moose River from its right side:
- Butter Brook
- Silver Run
- Pine Grove Creek
- Red River
- Lost Brook
- Deadmans Gulch
- Pico Creek
- Limekiln Creek
- Little Moose Outlet
- Nicks Creek
Left Side Tributaries
These streams join the South Branch Moose River from its left side:
- Otter Brook
- Indian River
- Canachagala Brook
- Otter Brook
- Combs Brook
