If you are looking for a peaceful and scenic place to enjoy nature, you might want to check out Splitrock Reservoir in Rockaway Township, New Jersey. Splitrock Reservoir is a 650-acre reservoir that is part of the Farny State Park, a 1,500-acre wilderness area that offers various outdoor activities.

Splitrock Reservoir was created in the early 1900s to provide water for Jersey City. It is surrounded by woods and can be reached by traveling a mile on a dirt road known as Split Rock Road. The reservoir is three miles long from end to end, with many large islands and a man-made dam on the southwest end. The reservoir and the surrounding natural area were opened to the public in 2003.

One of the main attractions of Splitrock Reservoir is fishing. The reservoir has a population of smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as catfish, crappie, sunfish, perch, pickerel and bait fish. However, there are some rules and regulations that you need to follow if you want to fish at Splitrock Reservoir. Here are some of them:

• You need a valid New Jersey fishing license to fish at Splitrock Reservoir.
• You can only use car-top boats or kayaks to access the reservoir. No motorized boats or trailers are allowed.
• You can only launch your boat from the designated parking area on Split Rock Road. Parking on the road is prohibited and is patrolled by police.
• You can only fish from your boat. No shoreline fishing is allowed.
• You can only keep three bass per day and they must be over 15 inches long.

Another popular activity at Splitrock Reservoir is hiking. There are many scenic hiking trails of varying difficulty that loop around the reservoir and through the woods. The hiking trails are part of the Farny Highlands Trail Network, which connects to other trails in the region. A trail map is available online from the Morris Trails Partnership or from the New York New Jersey Trail Conference. Some of the trails that you can explore at Splitrock Reservoir are:

• The Four Birds Trail (white blazes), which is a 19.4-mile trail that traverses the Farny Highlands and passes by several lakes and ponds, including Splitrock Reservoir.
• The Splitrock Loop Trail (blue blazes), which is a 13.8-mile loop trail that circles around the reservoir and offers views of the water and the islands.
• The Indian Cliffs Trail (red blazes), which is a 2.5-mile spur trail that leads to a rocky overlook with panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding hills.

Hiking at Splitrock Reservoir can be challenging and rewarding, but you need to be prepared for some steep climbs, rocky terrain, muddy sections, and overgrown vegetation. You should also look out for signs of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, waterfowl, and neotropical birds. Here are some tips for hiking at Splitrock Reservoir:

• Wear sturdy shoes or boots with good traction and ankle support.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities or water sources along the trails.
• Wear long pants and sleeves, as there may be poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes in some areas.
• Carry a map and a compass or a GPS device, as some of the trails may be poorly marked or hard to follow.
• Stay on the marked trails and respect private property boundaries.
• Follow the leave no trace principles and carry out all your trash.

Splitrock Reservoir is a hidden gem in New Jersey that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. If you decide to visit this beautiful place, we hope you have a wonderful time and appreciate its natural beauty.

We hope this blog post was helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading! 😊