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.

**IMPORTANT VISITOR UPDATE**- Effective 1/15/25: Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) – Temporarily Closed Due to Confirmed Cases of Bird Flu Virus**

As a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of our visitors, MCR has temporarily suspended public access to our facilities, including the visitor center.

Recent news reports indicate that the Bird Flu virus (H5N1) has been detected in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. This virus primarily impacts waterfowl and other birds that tend to flock and roost together, such as snow geese and crows. Recently, dead or sick birds have been spotted at MCR, and we have reported these findings to the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife (NJDFW) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) for further evaluation. The NJDFW has confirmed that the virus was detected in the birds found on site.

This temporary closure is to prevent any visitors from coming into contact with sick or dead birds.

MCR is coordinating closely with state and federal wildlife agencies, and we will keep you informed about this situation on our website and Facebook page regarding when we will reopen.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time.

Thank you,

MCR Management

VERY IMPORTANT for HIKERS: 

MCR performs maintenance duties on both trails and dam/dike structures routinely and we do our best to inform the public prior to scheduled work.  However, there are times when prior notification is not possible because of emergency and/or weather-related situations (downed trees, washouts, etc).  In cases like these, MCR places large orange Trail Closure signs at areas that are being worked on.  If you encounter a Trail Closure sign while on a trail DO NOT enter that area or walk past the closure signs as you will put yourself and others working in the area at risk.  Entering work areas that have been posted with warning signage 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 an area. Please take Trail Closure signs seriously – it really does mean do not enter.  It is for your safety and the safety of others.

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