Hike Reviews

<p>The GPS coordinates have been corrected so that they now reference the parking lot at the southern end of the reservoir. &nbsp;Thanks for pointing out&nbsp;the error.</p>

<p>I'm wondering why the areas east and west of Splitrock Reservoir don't have a trail description. I gather from comments that parking is limited off of Splitrock Road. But if there was a description determined hikers could park in one of the Wildcat Ridge WMA areas and hike north to access Four Birds and Splitrock Loop north of Splitrock Road. I value NYNJTC and appreciate all their work. Thanks.</p>

<p>I'm an experienced hiker and I disagree. It's clear by the faded paint (painting bark is never a good idea) that these trails have not been maintained. Glad I had my GPS with me.</p> <p>Additionally not everyone is an "experienced hiker".</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trails are poorly marked. Paint has faded and painted bark has fallen off trees. Easy to get lost. A shame since the trails along the reservoir and south of it are fantastic. This whole area needs to be updated desperately.</p>

<p>11/24/15 - Following the Blue Trail down from Cedar Point and past the abandoned mine opening, rather than crossing the woods road, the trail turns right and follows the woods road about 1 or 2 tenths of a mile.&nbsp; It then turns left and crosses the Split Rock Brook on a wooden bridge.&nbsp; Then the Blue Trail turns left and backtracks on the other side of the stream before heading uphill and rejoining the trail as described above.</p>

<P>To emphasize Jon's message, there is absolutely NO Parking along the entire Split Rock Rd. There are signs indicating this.&nbsp; The only parking is in the Fishing Access lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;</P> <P>To access Four Birds from other locations, there is parking at Upper Hibernia off Green Pond Rd, also at the Hawk Watch parking area, on Timberbrook Rd outside of Camp Winnebago (do not park in the camp) and a couple of pull-ofs on Green Pond Rd east of Cragmeur. and parking on Bigelow Rd /Green Pond Rd at the ballfield for the northern trail head.</P> <P>With good weather coming, the PD will be more zealous in patrolling and ticketing.&nbsp;</P>

<p> First of all, I would like to extend thanks to the initial reviewer. The description of the trail and its landmarks (especially the pointer to the old hematite mine) is excellent. We had no trouble finding the landmarks and following the (recently) painted trail blaze marks. </p> <p> I would not characterize this hike as &quot;moderate,&quot; however. I would classify it as &quot;difficult&quot; or &quot;very difficult.&quot; The reason for this assessment is that this trail involves walking on and through endless numbers of boulders, ranging in size from the size of your shoe to the size of your car. Our family was constantly negotiating, stepping on, or hopping from rock to rock to rock. </p> <p> Add to this the fact that this trail goes up, down, then up, then down, then up, then down, and up and down over and over again, all the while doing it while stepping from rock to rock. See, the heart of this trail is to get from one ridge to another by walking through the boulder-strewn valley and stream between them. They are significant climbs, both up and down. </p> <p> The reviewer mentions some stream crossings that may have high water. I would add that if it's been raining lately, these stream crossings might well be impossible to navigate safely. On a hot July day, they were easily passable. I would not want to be there after a heavy rain. </p> <p> In summary, I would say that this trail is more of an &quot;obstacle course&quot; than a &quot;hiking trail.&quot; It's a beautiful obstacle course, with great views and beautiful natural scenes. But, an obstacle course nonetheless. Be prepared for this obstacle course with plenty of water, food rations, and most importantly excellent boots. Try it, just try it knowing what you're getting into. </p> <p> ADDITIONAL WARNING ABOUT PARKING: It would seem that the town of Rockaway is mostly funded by issuing parking tickets along the Split Rock Road. We saw dozens of cars with parking tickets awaiting their owners. The small parking lot just past the one-lane dam road fills quickly. Get there early, and if you can't park in that lot, DO NOT PARK ON THE ROAD. It'll cost you $115. </p>