Long hike on the southern section of the Four Birds Trail.
The last time we hiked this area was about two years ago (“Wildcat Ridge – Farny Highland“). It’s a rugged trail through a very pretty area, with several stream hops and one larger crossing.
12 miles roundtrip, moderate to strenuous with lots of minor elevation change. About 7 hours. (mileage/time approximate – we stopped at the hawk watch both ways and to take video along the way)
Route: WHITE to Hawk Watch (ORANGE) to WHITE to BLUE to WHITE
For detailed hike directions visit our main Best Hikes in NJ – Four Birds Trail page.
Hibernia Mine/Bat Cave
Four Birds Trail follows a berm for a bit.
There are views at the hawk watch area and returning on the Split Rock loop, as well as at the Reservoir itself. All along the trail, there are many hawks flying overhead.
Hibernia Cemetery
Hawk Watch
One of many small stream crossings
Bugs/gnats were relentless today, constantly flying around our faces when we paused. Bring bug spray and spray your hat.
Splitrock Reservoir
Glacial erratic on the Split Rock Loop Trail (south)
Overlook on the Split Rock Loop Trail… looking at the hawk watch across the valley.
Large steam crossing on the Split Rock Loop Trail – part 1. Part 2 is the top photo on the page.
Location: Hibernia, NJ in Rockaway Township
Parking: Rt 80 to exit 37 (Hibernia/Rockaway), turn left onto 513 North (Green Pond Rd) for about 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Roundhill Drive.
Note: there was construction, and it’s hard to spot anyway. Google has it as Roundhill Dr, our GPS had it as Sunnyside. The small dirt parking lot is on your immediate left and has a wooden trail sign (not much on it).
Restrooms: There is no porta-john in this lot. Best bet are the two gas stations immediately after turning left onto 513, both have restrooms. There is a porta-john at the boat launch parking area about halfway through the hike.
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6/2020: Moved these 2009 photos from main best hike page to here.