Pompton River
by Peter Walker

Sunday, November 2, 2025

On Sunday (11/2/2025) afternoon, the club's longest standing (Martin) and newest member (Gary) joined Naomi and I for a 5 mile paddle on the Pompton River.

We met below the Jackson Ave bridge (behind the Stop&Shop). The water level had dropped considerably since the recent heavy rain, but was still at a level I hoped would float our boats.

After moving vehicles down to Aqueduct Park near Mountain View station we set off shortly after 2 pm in beautiful sunny weather with plenty of fall color still on the trees.

The first couple of miles included some riffles with rocks close to the surface that were navigated without too much difficulty, and the remainder was smooth sailing. Wildlife was scarce - I only spotted one Heron, and none of the hawks and turtles often seen from this stretch, but the recent rain seemed to have flushed away most of the riverside trash that is also unfortunately often present.

We passed under the former New York, Susquehanna, and Western (NYS&W) Railway bridge and noted it had been freshly painted and a deck and railings added. Subsequent research showed that it now carries the Pompton Valley rail trail which officially opened last May. (https://www.morrisparks.net/parks_trails/pompton-valley-rail-trail/)

We reached Aqueduct Park around 4 pm, and as the sun had gone down and the temperature was dropping, we ended the trip there, having decided not to continue the last mile and a half to the Passaic junction at Two Bridges.

Peter