Four Birds Trail (Wildcat Ridge WMA and Split Rock Reservoir, Rockaway, NJ) - 6/12/10 and 7/3/10

[Daniela Wagstaff]

On June 12, 2010, I hiked the Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area portion of the Four Birds Trail/Split Rock Trail and thoroughly enjoyed the hike. (Click here for details of the Wildcat Ridge WMA hike.)

The bat cave.


The old cemetery was very interesting.

Hawk Watch:

Saw lots of wildlife including my first ever bear sighting - FINALLY! Can't believe it has taken me so long to see a black bear. I was very excited about hiking around Split Rock Reservoir after returning from a hiking vacation in southwest Virginia. (Click here for links to blogs if you are interested in the VA hikes.)

Hiked the Split Rock Reservoir loop on July 3 only to be very disappointed. The blue-blazed trail was a great source of frustration because it is so poorly marked and difficult to follow. There were some nice views of the Reservoir once I left the blue-blazed trail and took an alternate route. Lots of broken glass, litter and garbage along the east side of the reservoir, though. Depressing. I think kayaking on the reservoir would have been lots more fun. Click here for details of the Splitrock Reservoir Loop hike.

[njHiking.com]

We were just going to do this hike again for the site, but then it got so super hot that we postponed it. We did it about a year and a half ago... disappointed to hear the blue blazes are still frustrating. I recall quite a few annoying "NOW where did the trail go" moments there. It's a shame because its one of the more challenging loops available in Jersey....

[William and Marieann Bannan]

I love the photo with the dog looking out on the overlook, that is a great shot. I also have never seen a bear, but hoping to next week when we are at the Gap and High Point.

[Daniela Wagstaff]

SPLIT ROCK RESERVOIR PARKING LOT CLOSED! Someone just posted a comment on my blog with the following link http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20100727/COMMUNITIES/100726106/R...

[njHiking.com]

Someone emailed us the same info, and I tweeted it/posted it on our Facebook page this morning so people are aware.... I know we'd be annoyed if we drove all the way there and had no parking options! Hopefully they will come to a resolution shortly.