Passaic River-MIllington Gorge in New Jersey

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

I took the 10th grade son down the upper Passaic River this afternoon. Air temp 54 degrees and VERY sunny. Put in off of White Bridge road north of Millington [on the other side of the river the road is called Lord Stirling Road near Basking Ridge]. Nice flat paddling first 30 minutes. We saw a huge heron twice. River was pretty high today [Millington gauge station reads 5.8 feet, about 204 CFS]and this enabled us to get through some tight spots where a lot of debris had piled up. Avoided some downed trees easily on upper part of trip. Millington gorge was great, good flow, grade 1 rapids gave us something to do on the water. We got down to Valley Road Bridge about 30 minutes after gorge entrance. We should have taken out there. We decided to go further another 30 minutes to exit on river right on King George road just north of exit 36 [route 78]. This road was very busy with traffic today and made tying down the kayaks a bit scary. We had to exit boats once south of Valley road due to wood/tree barrier, therefore, the next time we go we will exit north of this obstruction and end the trip at Valley road.

Fees:

None.

Directions:

From Chatham, take Fairmount avenue south. Right hand turn on Meyersville road. follow to Meyersville, first right in town is New Vernon Road. Follow about a mile, go left on White bridge road another mile to bridge over the Passaic. Cross bridge and fisherman's access parking lot is on right side. Allows good access to river.

Resources:

Bernardsville Quadrangle USGS map

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location