Pequannock River in New Jersey

Trip Overview

The Pequannock is rarely up, but all the rain lately gave us some water for kayaking. The gauge at Macopin Dam read 3.25 this morning. I'd say that is bare minimum for the section we did.

We put in at Appelt Park in Riverdale, on Hamburg Turnpike. The river is fast moving with many riffles and easy class 1 rapids. One of the shallowest spots is at the far end of the park before the first railroad bridge, so its a good place to judge. A tight turn made things interesting just before the second railroad bridge. Once you go under Hamburg Turnpike the river is mostly flatwater. At Riverdale Road the Wanaque River adds some volume, and the take out is on the left - the ball fields at the end of Willow Ave.

We've done this trip at higher levels and it becomes significantly faster and rougher. Judge at Appelt Park; its representative of what you will face downstream.

Directions:

Put in: Appelt Park, Hamburg Tpk. Riverdale

Take out: Riverdale Rd to Riverdale Blvd to Willow Ave.

Resources:

Ed Gertler's "Garden State Canoeing"