About
Battle of Bound Brook — April 13, 1777. From Three Bridges through Somerset and Middlesex counties, the Raritan carries an average 1,800 CFS through 85 miles of Class I water before reaching Raritan Bay. The upper valley section from Three Bridges to Raritan runs through farmland and suburban development, while the middle stretch from Raritan to New Brunswick follows the Delaware & Raritan Canal corridor within the state park boundaries. Below New Brunswick, the river becomes tidal and estuarine as it approaches the bay. With optimal flows ranging from 300 to 3,000 CFS, the Raritan handles a wide range of conditions, monitored at USGS gauge 01403000. The Raritan River Greenway designation protects corridor habitat, and Raritan Riverkeeper provides outfitting services. Below New Brunswick, paddlers enter tidal waters where conditions shift with the Atlantic's influence.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.