Kayaking the THREE RIVERS TRAIL ( Pequannock, Pompton & Ramapo Rivers )

Ep 8: This paddling route brings canoers and kayakers along a little used section of river and through a virtually unknown suburban park.
Tucked in a narrow area between homes and highways, the trail winds past office buildings and homes and through Aquatic Park, which is an undeveloped park with no official access points.
The trip starts out on the Pequannock River which flows clear and cool and is considered a NJ 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. 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 sharp eyed paddlers might spot several species of owl and hawk, as well as blue heron, yellow crowned night heron and a variety of duck species. Snapping turtles, painted turtles and the rare wood turtle inhabit the route, as do several species of snake. Lucky paddlers might spot a coyote or two on the shore.
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. If you are looking for a pristine paddling experience, this isn't the place.
The route is mostly flatwater stream with a few riffles and rocks and overhanging branches that need to be avoided. There are numerous twists, turns and branches along the route. The correct route is clearly marked by signs.
The Three Rivers Trail is 4 miles long if you put in on North Corporate Drive and a tad over 3 if you put in at Joe Grill Field, so it can be completed in a few hours.
No portages are required, but in low water you may need to drag your boat through a few shallow spots.
-From the book "Garden State Canoeing" by Edward Gertler (1992)

[@Hathathorne]

I never thought about it but what do people do when they're down river and finishing for the day? do they paddle all the way back up? Maybe leave the kyaks at the docks, uber back for your car 10 miles away and then drive to the end of the river to pick up the kyaks.

[@juddi753]

Peace ...just seeing this...I'm a newbie kayaker from Bergen county n.j....I'd like to do this trip is there any chance you would be doing it again with a small group in 2022 ?...I'm Yakking in a inflatable do you think the waters would be to tough for a inflatable? Also I fish as well .

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Great video, kind of meditative! Having just finished my first paddle of the Great Peace Meadows section of the Pasaic, this trip is definitely at the top of my list! Question: what kind of yak are you paddling? Keep up the great vids!

[@newjerseykayakadventures3036]

Thanks!
It's an Old Town Vapor 10 Angler.