VERY IMPORTANT: Seasonal gate closure hours are in effect.  Current Gate Closing time between October 1, 2024 and March 15, 2025 is 4:30 PM

MCR is NOT open Sunrise to Sunset.​

VERY IMPORTANT for HIKERS: Temporary Trail Closures 

VERY IMPORTANT for HIKERS: Starting on Tuesday November 19, 2024 a small portion of the Perimeter Trail associated with the Northwest Dike #1 (i.e. between the I/O Tower parking area and the forest heading towards the Overlook Parking lot) will be closed for regrading of the dike. DO NOT ENTER this area as it is considered a construction zone. Heavy equipment will be in use there so that portion of the trail will be closed to the public until the job is complete. DO NOT enter this area or walk past the closure signs as you will put yourself and others working in the area at risk.  Entering this work area is grounds for immediate removal from the property and permanent banning from the property. DO NOT ASSUME work is complete until all trail closure signs are removed from the area. Please take Trail Closure signs seriously – it really does mean do not enter.  It is for your safety and the safety of others.

CONTROLLED HUNTING NOTIFICATION at MCR – Entire Property Closure

Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) will be conducting its annual controlled deer hunts this fall and winter across the entire property (including the Preserve Area) in an effort to improve forest health through the responsible management of the deer population. Controlled hunts are specifically utilized by MCR as a population management tool. MCR conducts annual deer densities surveys and jawbone-teeth aging examinations from harvested deer, as well as, works with NJDFW and science-based conservation organizations in an effort to understand and better balance white-tailed deer densities at the property. MCR also implements a NJ State Approved Forest Stewardship Plan, native planting projects and other conservation practices and prescriptions to restore or enhance habitat at the property. With MCR responsible for the stewardship of more than 2,700 acres of land, it recognizes that regulated hunting is one of the most efficient and effective tools available to minimize the severe threats posed to the biodiversity of native flora and fauna by the overpopulation of white-tailed deer, as it is an adaptive resource management process when coupled with using sound conservation research methods, principles and practices.

Each year MCR conducts deer population studies to assess deer density. Results of the most recent survey indicated the average deer density at MCR was 86 deer per square mile which is on par with NJDFW’s estimates for the region (70 – 112 deer/mi2). Unfortunately, wildlife biologists and ecologists consider healthy deer densities to range between 5-15 deer per square mile. At 15 deer/mi2, impacts to forest regeneration are visible, and at 20 deer/mi2, there are impacts to wildlife and ecology (Drake et al. 2002).

The entire property of Merrill Creek Reservoir will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC for hunting all day on the specified dates listed below and will only be open to hunters with special access permits on those dates.

December 18, 19, 20, 2024

January 6, 7, 8, 2025

The Merrill Creek Reservoir controlled hunts are specifically used as a population management tool and do not represent recreational hunting opportunities.

Please note that it is very important to leave the property by the gate closure times posted.  Not leaving the property by the posted property gate closure time is an offense which will result in your vehicle information being submitted to law enforcement and will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, permanent banning from the property, fines and/or police involvement as anyone on the property before or after property operation hours is considered trespassing under Harmony Township Ordinance (O: 23-07) which carries up to a $700.00 fine (As MCR is PRIVATE PROPERTY. MCR is NOT a state, county or municipal park or playground).

NOTE: Boat ramp / kayak launch closure times are different than property closing times, they are typically 1 hour prior to property gate closure – check the white-board at the ramp for ramp / kayak launch closing times.  Our boat ramp and kayak launches close at the time posted on the white-board at the ramp.  All watercraft MUST be off the water by the ramp/launch closure time, not by the time the property gates close. This means no watercraft is to be on the water, the ramp, at a dock or launch area at, or after, the time posted for Ramp/Launch closure.  GIVE yourself plenty of time to make sure you are off the water and ramp/launch areas prior to the time posted for ramp/launch closure. This is an offence which will result in your vehicle and/or boat information submitted to law enforcement and will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, permanent banning from the property.

Perimeter Trail (Black Trail) New Permanent Reroute News: 

Working with the New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg, the students have created a reroute of the Perimeter Trail (Black Trail) associated with the area of the former footbridge that was destroyed from a storm and flood waters.

This re-route is necessary because it has been determined that due to several NJDEP regulations that were not in effect when the old bridge was built and the fact that the storm and flood inadvertently created critical habitat needed for 2 NJDEP listed wildlife species, we cannot rebuild a bridge at that location.  Therefore, the new trail reroute has been blazed and extends to a natural creek crossing that should not wash out or accumulate debris in high-water as it did at the area of the former footbridge.  Please use this reroute and cross at the new area. Please do not cross at the area of the former footbridge.

So please plan your hikes accordingly based on this information.

MCR welcomes our visitors to enjoy all of the recreational opportunities that Merrill Creek has to offer, but we ask for your cooperation in being respectful to your fellow visitors, as well as MCR employees, park only at designated parking areas (not on the side of any road, unless authorized), as well as adhering to all MCR rules and regulations. Thank you.

PERMITTED ACTIVITIES OR USE OF FACILITIES ARE UNDERTAKEN AT THE USER’S OWN RISK.

Weather for Merrill Creek Reservoir formally Ingersoll Reservoir