Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area is a large park in northern Morris County popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and boaters. The southern portion contains numerous trails featuring remnants of mining history, including the Hibernia and Beech Glen Mines. To the north lies Splitrock Reservoir, a 650-acre lake popular with kayakers and fishers.
Basic Information
| Type | State Wildlife Management Area |
| Location | Rockaway Township, Morris County |
| Features | Hiking, Mountain Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hunting, Ruins |
| Best For | Any outdoor enthusiast looking to go slightly off the beaten path |
| Admission | Free |
| Restrooms | No |
| Trail Map | Map |
| Website | NJDEP| Fish & Wildlife | WMA of the Month – Wildcat Ridge |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Some of the best boating in the state on Splitrock Reservoir | Paddleboards are prohibited |
| Interesting Hibernia Mine Ruins | Spotty train maintenance |
Points of Interest
- Hibernia Mine and Bat Cave
- The main mine featuring some stone ruins a large mine opening known as the “Bat Cave”
- Beech Glen Mine
- Another mine featuring multiple ruins
- Saint Patrick’s Cemetery
- Cemetery about the Hibernia Mine
- Hawk Watch
- A wide overlook known for hawk watching
- Splitrock Furnace Ruins
- Ruins of an iron furnace located below the dam for Splitrock Reservoir
- Splitrock Reservoir
- A 650-acre reservoir
Trails
Wildcat Ridge features numerous marked and unmarked trails, as well as a network of old woods roads. The marked trails are generally fine but receive little maintenance. The unmarked trails range from clear to overgrown.
The marked trails are popular with mountain bikers. As such, some of these trails are designed with them in mind, featuring numerous switchbacks that can be frustrating for hikers.
Splitrock Reservoir
Splitrock Reservoir is a 650-acre body of water popular for paddling and fishing. Because the reservoir is a drinking water source, a few major restrictions apply. First, boaters must carry their craft a few hundred feet to access the water. Second, paddleboards and gas-powered boats are prohibited. Third, shoreline fishing is prohibited, though you may fish directly from the water.
Parking
- Hibernia Road – 25-17 Lower Hibernia Rd, Rockaway Township, NJ 07866
- Hibernia Mine, Saint Patrick’s Cemetery; Moderately sized lot holding about 15 cars. Popular, but typically has parking.
- Meriden Road Pull-off – 40.931639, -74.485528, Meridan Rd, Rockaway Township, NJ 07866
- Beech Glen Mine; Small pull-off holding about 3 cars. Less popular parking area
- Meriden Road Parking – 69 Meridan Rd, Rockaway Township, NJ 07866
- Hawk Watch; Small parking area holding about 5 cars. Less popular parking area.
- Splitrock Reservoir – 40.962611, -74.457361, Split Rock Rd, Boonton, NJ 07005
- Splitrock Reservoir, Furnace Ruins; Large parking area with around 80 spaces. The only boat access to Splitrock Reservoir and can fill up on nice days, especially weekends. Note: Split Rock Road is a long unpaved road. Access from the east (Denville/Boonton and Rockaway Valley Road areas) is generally in better condition. Most cars should be able to make it with no issue. Do not park along the road
- Hawk Watch – End of Upper Hibernia Rd, Rockaway Township, NJ 07866
- Hawk Watch; Moderately sized lot holding about 20 cars. Popular and can fill on nice days. Alternate parking can be found at pull-offs along Upper Hibernia Road.
Crowds
Wildcat Ridge is fairly popular and can get crowded. The most crowded areas are Splitrock Reservoir and the Hawk Watch Area. The reservoir has only one parking area and two launching areas, but it covers 650 acres. This means that while the launching area and parking may be busy, you will have plenty of room to spread out in the park. The same is true for the trails; while the destinations and parking may be busy, the trails are generally okay.
Maintenance
Although it is state-run, Wildcat Ridge is a wildlife management area, not a state park. This means that the focus is on preservation and hunting or fishing, not general park use. As such, maintenance is very limited. The marked trails are maintained by Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association (JORBA) volunteers. They are generally in good shape, but because they are volunteers with other responsibilities, trail issues cannot be addressed immediately. Additionally, signage in places like the Hawk Watch has been falling apart for years, with no sign of repair.
Who is this park for?
Wildcat Ridge primarily serves two groups: hikers who enjoy interesting sites despite limited trail maintenance, and boaters (excluding paddleboarders).
Final Thoughts
Wildcat Ridge is a good place for those looking for something a little more “wild,” yet still close to civilization.
Posts from Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area
Kayaking Splitrock Reservoir
Splitrock Reservoir is a large 650-acre reservoir located in Rockaway Township. The massive property is an excellent spot to boat and features rocky shorelines and a few small islands, especially near the far end. Splitrock Reservoir is perfect for those looking for a quick paddle or an all-day excursion. Continue reading to learn more about…
Wildcat Ridge: A Bat Cave, Cemetery and Hawk Watch
Wildcat Ridge is a large Wildlife Management Area located in Rockaway in Morris County. Wildcat Ridge was once the home to a large iron mining facility operating from the 1720s to 1913. While the mines have been closed for over a century, the human impact on the land is apparent. From a large “Bat Cave”…
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