<<<Challenging Hikes in NJ

Splitrock Reservoir Loop

Farny State Park, Rockaway Township.

 

Summary: This loop combines a section of the Four Birds Trail with the Splitrock Trail to circle Splitrock Reservoir. Enjoy views of the reservoir and Misty Pond from Indian Cliffs. It's challenging – not only in distance/terrain but in wayfinding as well... and is one of the most difficult hikes in NJ.

 

11 miles; challenging. Suitable for experienced, fit hikers only (seriously, we aren't kidding here). Even though the loop is on the low end of challenging distance wise, the relentless minor elevation changes of the Highlands terrain gives you a workout. The path is blazed but you need keen eyes to spot the markers... and requires constant vigilance.

• Longer: Both Four Birds and Splitrock trail connect below Splitrock Road if you want to make a bit longer loop.

• Shorter: You can do a shorter, moderate out-and-back segment of the Four Birds Trail.

• Bail Out Option: Charlottesburg Road is a dirt road closed to traffic that runs along the East side of the Reservoir. If you are following the loop clockwise and have had it, you can take Charlottesburg back. There are several opportunities where the trail intersects with the road.

• Alternate: Four Birds Trail is 19.4 miles one way - do a long out-and-back of part of it instead.

 

 

Map: This area is now covered by the Jersey Highlands Trails map set - this is your best bet. Otherwise, there are multiple map sources; print these out:

 

–Trail Map (on right side click "WCRmap.pdf" and print out the 3 reservoir sections)

–Splitrock Reservoir only, on lettersize page (The reservoir portion combined from the detail pages below; from GoneHikin Blog)

 

You may also find these useful:
–Southern End Detail Map
–Middle Detail Map
–Overview Map

 

(The following note applies to all but the new Jersey Highlands Trails map, which we have not used in this area. That map is the most up-to-date, and could differ from the description below.) Note about accuracy... None of these maps seem to show the current reroute of the Split Rock (BLUE) trail. A map diagram in "Hiking the Jersey Highlands" is the most current we found. Basically, a segment of the trail has been rerouted to Charlottesburg Rd because they built several houses near the trail... so you'll find blazes to be on the road but if you look at the map, it says you shouldn't be on the road. It's noted in the description below.

 

Parking: 287N to exit 43, at the end of the ramp turn left, then right onto Fanny Rd to Powerville, left on Valley, right on Rockaway Valley, stay left onto Split Rock and follow to Parking (road turns into gravel). If you are traveling from the north, the exit may be different, so you'll want to check directions from where you are. Only park in the lot, you will get ticketed if you park along the road.

 

Restrooms: Composting toilet in the parking lot.

 

Books: This hike (but in the opposite direction) is in "Hiking the Jersey Highlands". Detailed trail descriptions can be found in the New Jersey Walk Book.

 

Notes: When we did this loop in Nov. 2008, the Splitrock Trail blue markers were frustratingly hard to find; they still are. After that experience, and reading a blog at Gone Hikin' who had the same issue, we opted to see if the markers were easier going the opposite way around (four birds then split rock).

 

It was slightly better trying to find the markers in this direction, but it was still a lot of confusion. And speaking of markings... Four Birds is WHITE, but Splitrock is in 2 shades of BLUE, and tend to be faded. We also saw add-on markers: faded thin orange plastic tape and white thumbtacks (!).

 

We prefer the Four Birds section of trail, though Indian Cliffs on the Splitrock Trail is a wonderful viewpoint over the reservoir and Misty Pond. The Splitrock trail isn't as scenic, is really hard to follow, and passes quite close to some houses.

 

Hike Directions: OVERVIEW: Road - Four Birds Trail (WHITE) to Splitrock Trail (BLUE )- Road. We went clock wise around the Reservoir, so you start on Four Birds Trail (WHITE) to Splitrock Trail (BLUE). The parking lot is in the middle so you are stuck with a dusty road walk at the beginning and end of your hike.

 

0.0 - With your back to the lot, turn RIGHT and walk down the road, over the bridge. Nice views of the reservoir from here.

 

0.5 – Watch for the blazes, and Turn RIGHT onto Four Birds Trail (WHITE). Scramble up a hill immediately.

 

Not too far in, you cross a large area that is usually very wet (this is the first time we'd seen it low, due to the summer draught we'd been having). This area can be a little tricky to cross when the water is high, you may need to look around or go upstream a bit.

 

1.9 - Viewpoint over the reservoir, obscured by leaves.

 

3.1 - A piece of land jutting out into the water a bit, makes a wonderful break spot. Great views of the reservoir. The trail follows closer to the reservoir now.

 

There is another small water crossing that can be tricky when high (it was dry this day).

 

Ignore the large blue blazes on some trees... they are NOT for the Splitrock Trail. They are property markers.

 

4.6 - Pass the terminus of the ORANGE trail (not on the maps). Keep following WHITE.

 

5.5 - cross a woods road that is marked with RED markers (not red on maps). Keep following WHITE.

 

Not long after that, turn RIGHT onto Spilt Rock (BLUE)

 

The trail will skirt Misty Pond. There is a beaver dam in it. You are now north of the reservoir and are heading to the east side.

 

6.1 - Go up a steep section and arrive at Indian Cliffs for fantastic views over the reservoir, and of Misty Pond. There is a large rock slab to take a break on.

 

When you go to continue, you'll see ORANGE markers briefly... but that's the way to go. It will soon be just BLUE blazes. Ignore the path on your left that was cut for vehicles.

 

Really need to pay attention now, as the BLUE blazes get a little confusing... you may also see orange tape as markers. You'll pass close to some large houses on your left.

 

6.8 - Cross Charlottesburg Rd

 

7.0 - Back on Charlottesburg Rd. For the next bit, the marked trail will not really match what your map has. The blazes have you on the woods road, but the map shows you heading east more, away from the road. You want to follow the BLUE blazes on the road.

 

One of the blue markers along this stretch of road was scratched out in both directions... not sure why. Ignore it.

 

7.6 - Leave Charlottesburg Rd, heading East back into the woods.

 

9.7 - Cross Charlottesburg Rd - final time. Trail skirts near the reservoir.

 

10.6 - RIGHT onto Splitrock Road, follow back to the lot.