Sparkill Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sparkill Creek |
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Sparkill Creek viewed from Ferdon Ave.
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York, New Jersey |
| Counties | Rockland, Bergen |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Clausland Mountain in Orangetown, Rockland County, New York, United States 230 ft (70 m) 41°03′50″N 73°56′40″W / 41.06389°N 73.94444°W |
| River mouth | Hudson River Piermont, Rockland County, New York, United States 0 ft (0 m) 41°02′18″N 73°54′26″W / 41.03833°N 73.90722°W |
| Length | 8 mi (13 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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Sparkill Creek is a small river, also called a tributary, that flows into the Hudson River. It runs through Rockland County, New York, and Bergen County, New Jersey, in the United States. The creek flows through a special opening in the Hudson Palisades called the Sparkill Gap. This gap was formed by a fault line, which is like a crack in the Earth's crust. It was the only place where the tall Palisades cliffs were broken at sea level.
Sparkill Creek is about 8 miles (13 km) long. It collects water from an area of 11.1 square miles (28.7 sq km). The creek starts from water running off Clausland Mountain in Orangetown, New York. Smaller streams join it as it flows through towns like Blauvelt, Orangeburg, and Tappan, New York. It also goes through Northvale, New Jersey, and then Palisades and Sparkill. Finally, it reaches the village of Piermont, New York and empties into the Hudson River at Piermont Marsh.
A special bridge called the Sparkill Creek Drawbridge crosses the creek where the water rises and falls with the tides. This bridge is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
The creek has a rich history and is important for nature. However, it has faced challenges as the population in Rockland County grew. This growth happened after the Tappan Zee Bridge was built. Issues like flooding and water pollution have affected the creek's health. To protect important historical sites from flooding, the state has provided some help.
The same fault line that allowed Sparkill Creek to flow through the Palisades also helped the New York and Erie Railroad build a train line to the river. The railroad built a 1-mile (1.6 km) long pier at Piermont. From there, goods from trains were loaded onto boats called barges. These barges then traveled down the river to New York City.
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What Does Sparkill Mean?
The name Sparkill comes from two Dutch words: spar (meaning "spruce tree") and kille (meaning "creek" or "river"). So, "Sparkill Creek" technically means "Spruce Creek Creek." This is a bit like saying "River River."
Many waterways in the New York-New Jersey area have Dutch names. This shows the history of Dutch settlers in the region. Other examples include the nearby Dwars Kill, and larger ones like the Arthur Kill and Kill Van Kull.
In the past, Sparkill Creek was also known as Tappan Creek.
Where Does Sparkill Creek Flow?
Sparkill Creek begins on the western side of Clausland Mountain. This mountain is part of the Hudson River Palisades. The creek starts near the southern edge of Blauvelt State Park.
The Creek's Journey Through Towns
- As it flows south, the creek enters the towns of Blauvelt and Orangeburg.
- It passes under NY 303 two times on its way to Tappan.
- Just north of Sparkill, the creek turns southwest. It then goes under the Palisades Interstate Parkway and NY 303 again.
- Turning south once more, the creek flows through downtown Tappan.
- It then crosses the border into Northvale, New Jersey.
- In Northvale, the creek suddenly turns east for a short distance.
- It crosses back into New York State.
- Between Tappan and Palisades, a stream called Sparkill Brook joins the creek from the south.
- The creek then turns northeast and enters the Sparkill Gap. This is the natural break in the Palisades cliffs.
Water Features Along the Way
- The creek flows under US 9W and through the town of Sparkill.
- Here, a small dam creates Moore's Mill Pond.
- Downstream, a larger dam forms Ferdon Mill Pond.
- Below this larger dam, the creek becomes tidal. This means its water level goes up and down with the ocean tides.
- This part of the creek used to be deep enough for commercial boats from the Hudson River.
- Now, a low, fixed bridge called the Ferdon Ave Bridge blocks larger boats.
- Just before this bridge is the old Sparkill Creek Drawbridge. This bridge used to open to let boats pass through.
Boating on the Creek
- The part of Sparkill Creek downstream from the Ferdon Ave Bridge is open for motorized boats.
- Homes along this section often have docks for their boats.
- A special map for boaters, NOAA nautical chart #12343, shows that most of this section is about 2 feet (0.6 meters) deep. Some spots are deeper or shallower.
- The very last part of the creek winds for about three-quarters of a mile through the Piermont Marsh.
- Finally, it reaches the Hudson River just south of Piermont Pier.
Other Streams and Water Management
Sparkill Brook: A Major Branch
Sparkill Brook is the main stream that flows into Sparkill Creek. It generally flows north through New Jersey. It starts in Alpine and goes through Norwood and Rockleigh. Then it crosses into New York State. It joins Sparkill Creek between the towns of Tappan and Palisades.
It can be a bit confusing because some old maps show Sparkill Creek starting in New Jersey, while others show it starting in New York. This is because Sparkill Creek has both a north branch (the main creek) and a south branch (Sparkill Brook).
Tappan Run Diversion: Moving Water Around
United Water, a company that manages water, has a system on Sparkill Creek in Northvale, New Jersey. This system allows water from Sparkill Creek to be sent into Tappan Run. Tappan Run then flows into Dorotockey's Run and eventually into the Oradell Reservoir. United Water manages this reservoir. This system helps move water between different river systems.
