Upstream to Mountainside Rd.

Here's one that most people in NJ haven't even heard about. It runs maybe four or five times a year, so you have to watch for this one, and be ready to call in sick if it's up. It's short but steep. Watch out for strainers!! Bob Hughes and I once removed (with much effort) a large cherry tree from the pool below the falls. Right now (Oct.2004) there are trees in play on the right side of the island, just below the old bridge abutments and about 50yds up from the take-out. The run from just above the falls to the bridge is about 1 mile and the gradient is around 120 fpm for the run, with the first half a lot steeper than the second half. With barely enough water in it to scrape down it (as on the day I first ran it) it would probably qualify as a class III-IV run. But, with more water, it would definitely begin to get into the class V range. Put-in -  There is a small (2 to 3 car) trailhead parking spot where Mountainside Rd. (the name on the topo map is Mountain Rd.) crosses the brook. There is a nice wooden sign identifying the park, and a small info board. It is my understanding that a good trail map of this park is available from the Mendham Parks and Rec. Dept. -When I've run it, and every time I've looked at it, I've parked here and hiked up the trail, but there is another road which crosses India Bk. about 1.75 miles upstream of the bridge, near Coleman's Hollow. It might be possible to paddle from there if there was enough rain. When hiking, it's easier to follow the trail up and away from the creek, (It will come back down to river level) but then you can't scout. Take out - When you get back to your car at Mountainside Rd.