Skylands of New Jersey Tourism Council

If you are the outdoor type and like to explore the beautiful landscape of the Skylands this reservoir trio trip can satisfy your adventurous side and your nature loving side. Perhaps you will learn a bit about the appeal New Jersey holds for a variety of wildlife.

Spruce Run Reservoir covers 1,290 acres with 15 miles of shoreline for recreation. Camping, boating and fishing will highlight your visit. Motor boating, canoeing, kayaking, or windsurfing - if you love water sports this is the place you want to visit.

Go Fish Twenty-nine species of fish are contained within the waters of Spruce Run including largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch, carp, trout, northern pike and hybrid bass to name more than a few - take your pick. For fishing regulations please refer to the NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest. Must bring your own fishing gear.

Swimming Visitors will find a beach complex where all the necessary provisions can be found for some fun in the sun. There is a playground and open fields to set up a little competition volleyball.

Stop by the Red Mill Museum to see the Rock and Fossil Finds of New Jersey ongoing permanent exhibit.

Over 100 rock and fossil specimens give scientists tiny clues to the vast geological history of New Jersey. By following the traces of change inherent in each fragment, a picture emerges of the many upheavals that occurred in the Spruce Run Valley that surrounds Clinton today.

Grill up your catch of the day or dine in nearby Clinton. Rough it and Camp at the Park or find modern conveniences and get in touch briefly with the rest of the world at the Courtyard by Marriott, Lebanon.

Round Valley Reservoir is a 2350 acres lake, extending to depths of 175 feet. There are three marked trails - The Cushetunk Trail, the Pine Tree Trail and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail. Pick your level of challenge. The nine-mile Cushetunk Trail and the three-mile lower service road are multi-use trails that pass through open and heavily wooded areas - for experienced hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

The Pine Tree Trail is approximately a one mile loop and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail is 1/2 mile loop - passing through beautiful pinewoods, ideal for young children, birdwatchers, and seniors.

Scuba and Skin Diving - Water clarity and rich aquatic life make Round Valley Reservoir one of the best freshwater lakes in New Jersey for scuba and skin diving. Diving is permitted from April 1st through October 31st depending on water conditions. Scuba divers - contact the office for details.

Swimming - Visitors will find a beach complex where all the necessary provisions can be found for a day of fun in the sun. There is a playground and open fields to set up a little competition volleyball.

Merrill Creek Reservoir was built on 650 acres of land atop Scotts Mountain in Warren County's Harmony Township.

You will find beautiful stands of ghostly trees lining some of the coves and mergansers, king fishers, pilated woodpeckers, and resident bald eagles alike can be found surveying the clear cold waters for fish. Be on the watch for black beer, white-tailed deer, fox, muskrat, horned owls, bald eagle, hawks, bluebirds, and herons too. The fishery consists of full size lake trout, brown and rainbow trout and also large and small mouth bass. There is also a wonderful nature center overlooking the lake that provides wildlife education to the public.

The Visitors Center contains a variety of exhibits - historical, cultural, operational, and wildlife exhibits - you name it. A bird feeding and wildlife viewing area is located on the east side of the building and a butterfly and hummingbird garden can be found behind the Visitors Center. The following items can also be found at the Visitors Center: a weather station, interactive computer kiosk, spotting scope, and an interactive "kids corner."

To assist with planning this trip, contact information, hours and other important details have been provided below. Also feel free to contact Skylands of NJ Tourism Council via email or call 1-800-4SKYLAND (475-9526).

Resources

Spruce Run Reservoir
68 Van Syckel's Road, Clinton, NJ 08809; (908) 638-8572
For boat rentals call 908-638-8234
Clinton Guild
973-383-0998, for places to visit or for recommendations on dining & accommodations
Red Mill Museum
56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809; 908-735-4101
April through mid-October. Tues. - Sat. 10 am - 4 pm Sun. 12 noon - 5 p.m. Closed Mondays
Round Valley Reservoir
Lebanon, NJ 07860; 908-236-6355
Merrill Creek Reservoir
34 Merrill Creek Road, Washington, NJ 07882; 908-454-1213
All Merrill Creek Property will be open to the public from dawn 'til dusk
Visitors Center Hours: Weekdays 8:30 am - 4:30 pm., Weekends 10 am - 4 pm
NJ State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites
Looking for an action packed day of hiking and swimming, or camping under the stars, there are plenty of things to see and do in the States 42 parks - 16 of which are in the New Jersey's Skylands. You will also find more than 50 historic sites and districts. New Jersey's past is rich with stories to tell...