The Upper Passaic River offers wonderful opportunities for recreation within easy access of millions of New Jersey residents. Below I’ve gathered data that highlights potential access points for those interested in exploring. Of course one must paddle at their own risk and do their own research but hopefully with your input I can continue to add information to this map that fosters confidence in the use of the river for paddlers.

Please comment with helpful edits/updates and send photographs of launch sites to davidethanalexander @gmail.com

Passaic River Facts

• Passaic or “pahsayèk” is a Native Lenape American word meaning “valley”.
• Native Lenape indians lived along the river before European settlement.
• The first colonial settlement along the Passaic was in 1666 at present day Newark.
• The Passaic River is about 80 miles long and flows through forty-five municipalities and seven New Jersey counties .
• Everyone lives in a watershed or land that drains into a body of water. The Passaic River is one of 20 state-wide watershed management areas within New Jersey.
• By using and sharing your appreciation of the river we can work together to protect the health, safety and ecological integrity of the resource.

If you would like to join or schedule an Upper Passaic River Paddle trip check out the following resources:

• https://www.greatswamp.org/events/
• https://www.essexcountyparks.org/facilities/environmental-center
• https://www.somersetcountyparks.org/activities/canoeKayak/CanoeingKayaking.html