Raritan, S. Branch
Upper Upper- (Above Drakestown Rd.)(Upper Gorge)
| Difficulty | IV |
| Length | 2.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 160 fpm |
| Gauge | South Branch Raritan River Near High Bridge Nj |
| Flow Rate as of 34 minutes | 5.96 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | August 26, 2021 |
River Description
Unlike Ken Lockwood Gorge downstream, this section doesn't run very often. We've gotten on the lower half twice, and the whole thing once, during Hurricane Isaias. If there's a ton of rain, and the South branch is going straight up, go check the put-in. If it's running, run this first then head elsewhere. There is only one really distinct individual drop, above Stephen's Mill Rd., It consists of a series of ledges and could be reasonable called a class 4 drop. Otherwise this is mostly class 3, but if it's running, it's very continuous and there is a lot of strainer (both natural and man-made) potential, so it plays out as a class 3-4 run.
River Features
Put In
Put-in just upstream of the bridge. There is a small gravel parking area.
Freyed Andy (pronounced "fried" like fried chicken)
Rapid is next to the first house that comes up on river left.
It consists of 4 ledges. The first is split by a large rock/small island which may have an extension cord strung to it from the left bank. Depending on the level, wood, wires, etc. either channel should go. The last ledge has a pretty good hole that will stuff a swimmer deep for a moment or two.
Scouting could be done from either side, but the left is right in someone's back 'yard'. We chose right.
Take Out
Immediately after going under the bridge, take out on river left. If the water is high, you may need to take-out further upstream because there may not be enough room to squeeze under the bridge. Check the level before putting on.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportThis rapid finishes under a private bridge (for a driveway) about 1/2 way down the run. (Upper South Br. Raritan River)
Frequent logs across this run, but also some small, interesting drops.
A typical rapid near the end of this run (Upper South Br. Raritan River)