Rockaway Paddle Cache Traditional Cache
DogFleazJR: Cache can only be maintained by boat - not an option in the middle of winter. Archiving cache due to missing log book.
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THIS CACHE CAN ONLY BE FOUND BY CANOE OR KAYAK
This cache is the size of a 35mm film canister with a metal travel bug tag attached. It is located on the Rockaway River near Denville, NJ at N40 54.111 W74 27.767. When you find the cache, please add your name to the log, please do not remove the tag. If the log container is lost or damaged from high water you can still get credit for the find by emailing the log owner the number embossed on the metal tag.
The Rockaway River flows from its headwaters in Sparta Township, NJ to the Jersey City reservoir in Boonton, NJ. The river continues to run southeast from the Jersey City reservoir until it joins with the Passaic River in Montville Township at West Essex Park. The Rockaway was an integral part of the Morris Canal that operated from the late 18th century into the middle of the 19th. The Morris Canal allowed boats to haul iron ore and coal across the state of New Jersey from the port at Phillipsburg, NJ on the Delaware River to Elizabeth, NJ on the Hudson River and then by boat on to New York City and beyond. This long ago history is still evident on the Rockaway as long abandoned bridge piers and canal embankments and in names like “Towpath Rd.”
Today, the Rockaway is a tranquil oasis secluded from the North Jersey chaos that surrounds it. Typical wildlife that will be encountered along the river includes wood ducks, cormorants, great blue heron, deer, woodchuck, beaver, and a wide variety of songbirds. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of litter along the river, especially the ubiquitous disposable plastic water bottle. If you ever wondered where all the plastic bottles end up … you will know after an hour on the Rockaway. Please, buy reusable water bottles and a home water filter. The convenience of disposable plastic is just not worth the cost to our environment.
The river is calm and even flowing with only a few minor rocks or riffles to navigate. Between the put-in and take-out locations suggested below, no portaging is required. Our nine-year-old has taken a kayak solo down the Rockaway.
There are four public parks along the Rockaway between Denville and Boonton Township that can be used as put-in and take-out spots. We recommend putting-in at the western end of Gardner Field at the Savage Rd bridge N40 53.956 W74 29.220. Free public parking is available at Gardner Field approximately 100 ft from the river. For take-out we recommend Griffith Park N40 54.970 W74 25.625 located on the north side of the river at Main St and Powerville Rd in Boonton Township. A small parking area is available. There is a waterfall 30 feet beyond the take-out point so you MUST start your day by scoping out the take-out spot before going on to the put-in location. This recommended trip is a leisurely 6.2 miles and will require 2.5 – 3 hours depending upon how high the river is and how much paddling you choose to do. River gage (or depth) can be checked at the US Geological Survey site at:
(visit link)
We recommend taking this trip when the river gage is between 2.4 feet and 3.5 feet.
An alternative put-in spot is McCarter Park on Bloomfield Ave. N40 53.432 W74 28.331 which offers free public, street parking along the river. An alternative take-out is The Tourne River Access N40 54.760 W74 27.044 but a 0.4 mile portage is required to reach the parking area at N40 54.676 W74 26.641 on Old Denville Rd.
Please, always wear your lifevest. Wear appropriate water shoes in case you need to get out of your boat.
Except for the public parks mentioned, all land bordering the river is privately owned. Please respect private property by not trespassing.
Enjoy!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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