Three Rivers Trail - Pequannock, NJ - Canoe/Kayak Trips on Waymarking.com

This paddling route brings canoers and kayakers along an underutilized section of river and through little known suburban parkland. Tucked in a narrow area between homes and highways, the trail winds through Aquatic Park and starts out on the Pequannock River, which flows clear and cool and is considered a Class I trout stream, meaning that it supports a wild trout population.

There aren't many places to stop along the route, being that the shorelines are generally choked with poison ivy, but two rest stops with tables and benches have been created along the west shore of the Pequannock (see photo gallery for map). The route then joins the Pompton River for a short distance, then ascends the Ramapo where you will be paddling against the usually very gentle current.

Fishing for smallmouth bass and pickerel is quite good. There may be some trout, but the wild trout area of the Pequannock is a few miles north.

For a suburban river system, there is a surprising amount of wildlife. Deer are frequently seen along the shore and numerous waterfowl such as blue heron, yellow crowned night heron and a variety of duck and turtle species are present.

There are numerous twists, turns and branches along the route. The correct route is marked by signs.

Parking/put-in/launching information: You will need 2 vehicles for this trip. One should be parked at the takeout point at Stiles Park on River Edge Drive (at N40 59.218, W074 16.806). There are two put ins. One in Joe Grill Park at the coordinates posted at the top of this page, or for a slightly longer trip (an additional 3/4 mile), there is another at the end of North Corporate Drive (at N40 59.481, W 074 17.873) The put ins are marked by Three Rivers Trail boat launch signs. The drive between the put in and take out points is only 5 minutes. Paddling conditions to be expected: Mostly flatwater stream with a few riffles and rocks and overhanging branches that need to be avoided Difficulty of the trip: Novice and up, though expert paddlers might be bored. Length of trip: 3 miles (almost 4 if you take the longer one) Portages: None, though in low water you may need to drag your boat through a few shallow spots Permits required: If you plan on fishing, you will need a valid NJ fishing license. Type of trip: You will need 2 cars to create a shuttle. It may be possible to paddle back to the put in, but the Pequannock flows at a moderate speed in places, so it will require some effort. It may not be possible if the river is flowing swiftly. Take-out Coordinates: N 40° 59.218 W 074° 16.806 Other information: Though surprisingly scenic in many spots, the trail also passes near homes, and like many suburban and urban streams, there is plentiful trash along the shore in places. Gauge Info: Pequannock http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?01382500 Pompton http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?01388500 Ramapo http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?01388000 It is not recommended to take this trip if the gauges show above 75 percent of flood stage.

Visit Instructions:
Logging waymarks in this category requires a picture of your boat and your GPS at the given parking/launching coordinates,and a brief description of your canoe/kayak trip.

Additional photos and information and/or suggestions for future waymarkers will be appreciated, but is not necessary.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   08/26/2009 wild-wildbill visited it

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