VERY IMPORTANT: Starting Tuesday September 5, 2023 (the day after Labor Day) and going to October 1, 2023 new seasonal gate closure hours will be in effect. Gate closing time between September 5, 2023 (the day after Labor Day) thru October 1, 2023 will be 6:30 PM
NOTE: THE FOOTBRIDGE IS OUT ON THE BLACK TRAIL (Perimeter Trail) DUE TO EXTENSIVE STORM DAMAGE. It was damaged beyond repair, including its supports and now the stream channel has widened due to storm debris build up from the flooding at that crossing. Therefore, for safety and environmental concerns it has been completely removed and will not be replaced at this time. We are evaluating new trail extensions and /or connections to address this, however it will take some time due to numerous logistical and environmental factors associated with that area of the property. We will update this notice when more information becomes available.
Additionally, due to the storm damage, the Orange Trail is closed to the public until repairs can be made. Please do not hike on the Orange Trail until further notice. Please enjoy the miles of other trails at MCR.
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, and maintain social distancing as well as adhering to all rules and regulations.
PERMITTED ACTIVITIES OR USE OF FACILITIES ARE UNDERTAKEN AT THE USER’S OWN RISK.
Merrill Creek Reservoir
Property Operation Hours
Gates open year-round at 7:00 AM
Current Gate closing time: Day After Labor Day to Sept. 30: 6:30 pm
NOTE: boat ramp closure times are different than property closing times – check white-board at boat ramp for ramp closing times
Entire Property, including all Trails, Parking Areas, and Reservoir Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
The Visitor’s Center is open Wednesday thru Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM year-round, except for New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
In response to media inquiries concerning MCR’s new recreational times
Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) is a privately-owned property, and its main purpose is to store and maintain a large water supply that can be released to the Delaware River in times of low flow. While it is not a park or other publicly-run facility, MCR grants access to the public so they can enjoy its tranquil setting and natural environment, and participate in limited low-impact recreational activities.
Over the past few years, MCR has experienced an unprecedented increase in the number of visitors to the property, which unfortunately has led to a marked increase in the number of incidents that compromise the safety of our staff. We have also experienced an uptick in other violations of our rules and regulations, all of which have the potential to impact the integrity of the site and the safety of our visitors.
Because of these continued challenges, and in order to protect the safety of our visitors, staff, property and community during these most challenging hours, MCR has made the decision to establish clearly defined public recreation times. While we realize that this change will require some of our visitors to adjust their routines, we believe that they are necessary in order to keep MCR, its staff and its visitors safe, and for the site to remain publicly available into the future.
