Wading River (New Jersey) facts for kids
The Wading River is a cool river in southern New Jersey, United States. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger river called the Mullica River. The Wading River is about 10.1 miles (16.3 kilometers) long. It helps drain water from a wild, forest area known as the Pinelands. This area is super clean and natural, one of the most untouched places along the coast in the northeastern U.S.
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Where the Wading River Flows
The Wading River starts with its main branch, called the West Branch. This branch is about 22.7 miles (36.5 kilometers) long. It begins north of Chatsworth in the middle of Burlington County. It flows south through a big park called Wharton State Forest.
How the River Forms
The West Branch then meets another river, the Oswego River. They join together near Harrisville. This is where the main part of the Wading River truly begins!
Journey to the Mullica River
From there, the Wading River flows southeast. It eventually meets the Mullica River from the north. This meeting point is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Atlantic City.
The River's End: An Estuary
The last 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of the Wading River are special. This part is called a navigable estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea, and the water is a mix of fresh and salty. This part of the Wading River is connected to the Mullica River's estuary. It's located just west of the Garden State Parkway.
Wildlife in the River
Just like the Mullica River, the Wading River has many wetlands. Wetlands are areas where the land is covered by water, like swamps or marshes. These wetlands are home to lots of different animals. You can even find large groups of striped bass swimming here!
Rivers That Join the Wading River
Here are some of the smaller rivers and creeks that flow into the Wading River:
- Oswego River
- Tulpehocken Creek
- West Branch Wading River
