Splitrock Reservoir facts for kids

Splitrock Reservoir is a beautiful natural area in New Jersey, United States. It is part of Farny State Park. The area covers about 1,500 acres, with a 650-acre reservoir at its center.

You can find Splitrock Reservoir in Morris County. It sits between Rockaway Township and Kinnelon. This reservoir, along with Boonton Reservoir, helps supply water to Jersey City, New Jersey.

The reservoir is surrounded by thick woods. You reach it by traveling about a mile on a dirt road called Split Rock Road. The reservoir itself is about three miles long. It has many large islands. A man-made dam is located on its southwest side. This natural area opened to the public on November 21, 2003.

Fun Activities at Splitrock

Splitrock Reservoir is a great place for outdoor adventures. When you arrive at the parking area, you'll find a special information board. It has three sections. One helps fishermen, another guides hikers, and the third shares the history of the old Splitrock/Cobb furnace.

Fishing Adventures

Splitrock is a popular spot for people who love to fish from small boats. The reservoir is home to many kinds of fish. You can find smallmouth and largemouth bass here. There are also catfish, crappie, sunfish, and perch. You might even catch an pickerel!

Anglers often have good luck catching bass, crappie, and chain pickerel. New Jersey calls Splitrock a "Lunker Lake." This means there are special rules for bass fishing. You can only keep three bass, and they must be longer than 15 inches. From April 15 to June 15, you must catch and release all bass. Remember, you cannot fish from the shoreline at Splitrock.

Hiking Trails

There are many amazing hiking trails at Splitrock. Some are easy, while others are more challenging. These trails are part of the Farny Highlands Trail Network. You can find a trail map online from the Morris Trails Partnership.

The New Jersey Walk Book describes two main trails: the Four Birds and the Splitrock Loop. In 2011, a new hiking map was released. It includes the Farny Highlands Trail System. While hiking, keep an eye out for local wildlife. You might see white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. During spring and fall, many different birds also visit the area.

Parking and Visitor Information

A special parking area for visitors was built on November 23, 2003. It can hold about 25 vehicles. This parking lot is the only place where the public can launch small boats. It's perfect for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. Parking on Split Rock Road itself is not allowed. Rockaway Township police patrol the area to enforce this rule.

The parking area is also the starting point for a long loop trail. This hike is about 13.8 miles long. Another loop hike is described in a book called "Hiking the Jersey Highlands." This book has maps and details about 35 hikes in New Jersey's Highlands. It also shares information about the area's history, geology, plants, and wildlife. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference publishes this helpful guide.

This parking area helps many people enjoy Splitrock Reservoir. It offers great chances for anglers, hikers, and wildlife watchers. There is a special composting toilet at the parking area. However, there is no public phone. Cell phone service is usually poor unless you are out on the water.