Hackensack River Paddle and Picnic
by Robyn Lowenthal
September 8, 2024
On a sunny and refreshingly cool morning, 14 Club members met at Kenneth B George Park boat launch in River Edge. Being a tidal muddy river, getting the tide right is crucial. After a short shuttle, the tide cooperated, and we had plenty of water to launch. We paddled upstream with the incoming tide then the slack tide. This section of the river is heavily wooded, with a few houses on the east bank. Of course, we peeked into their gardens. We also saw the historic Hackensack Water Works, Romanesque structures built in 1882; it provided safe water to Bergen County from the late 19th to the early 20th century. After about an hour, we reached the dams holding water into the Oradell Reservoir. This was our turnaround point. It is also the most beautiful part of the river.
Paddling downstream to our takeout, we passed a few fishermen. We saw only two other paddlers on the river. When we reached Old Bridge Landing (the Von Steuben House), Dennis N, Bob R and Scott B spoke about the part this area played in the Revolutionary War and where George Washington traveled with his troops to help win the war. We all learned a lot.
As we got closer to Andreas Park, our takeout, we saw views of a magnificent chateau in the style of Normandy. I will never understand what this home is doing in Teaneck, NJ.
We saw lots of herons, egrets, cormorants, Canada geese, kingfishers and two bald eagles.
When we reached the takeout, there was still enough water to allow us to get out of our boats without getting muddy feet.
Everyone came to my house for the picnic. We had lots of very good and varied food. It gave us an opportunity to get to know each other a little better. It was a lot of fun.
Thanks to Dean, Kathleen, Dave, Clair, Yvonne, Karen, Scott, Martin, Dennis, Peter, Naomi, Phil and Bob for making our day so enjoyable. Special thanks to those who helped with the shuttle and those who helped people get in and out of their boats.
We will do this again next year!
Here is a link to some trip photos. Thanks so much, Martin, for the photos.
Robyn