Splitrock Reservoir in New Jersey

Trip Overview

Splitrock Reservoir is a gem of a place. Nestled between the Stonybrook and Greenpond mountains, its shoreline is largely undeveloped, save the dam at the south end.

Outside the distant drone of automobiles and occasional roar of passing jets, there are few clues that you're smack in the middle of the most densely populated state in the US. It doesn't take too much imagination to picture you're paddling a remote Adirondack pond.

Splitrock is large enough that your fellow paddlers are well spread out and you get a feeling of solitude that is rare in the NY/NJ metro area.

The reservoir was only opened to the public for paddling and fishing in 2004, so the fishing is very good. The reservoir has a population of smallmouth and largemouth bass and there may even be some trout prowling the waters.

Unfortunately the road that skirts the eastern shore has been a dumping ground for locals and partying teens have left years of debris at a handful of illegal campsites. Many paddlers have taken to carting out trash at the end of the day. As a paddler however, you never have to see this unless you put ashore.

Accommodations:

Best Western the Inn at Rockaway

(973) 625-1200

14 Green Pond Rd

Rockaway, NJ 07866

Howard Johnson Hotel
(973) 625-1200
14 Green Pond Rd
Rockaway, NJ 07866

Hampton Inn at Denville
(973) 664-1050
350 Morris Ave
Denville, NJ 07834

Fees:

None.

Directions:

Route 80 to exit Hibernia 37. Go north on Green Pond Road for 6.7 miles. (Pass Lake Telemark on left). Turn right onto Upper Hibernia Road (across from Marcella Community Center on left). After 1 mile, turn left onto Split Rock Road. Drive 1.2 miles to parking lot and put in location which is shortly after crossing over the dam.

Contact:

NJ Division of Fish Game and Wildlife