Hours of Operation

Since 1989, Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) has granted access to the public to enjoy its tranquil setting, natural environment, and limited low impact recreational activities.

**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

Property Operation Hours

Gates open year-round at 7:00 AM

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

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 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 closing times.  All watercraft MUST be off the water by the ramp closure time, not by the time the property gates close. This too 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.

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.

The telephone number for the Visitors Center is (908) 454-1213.

Please park in designated parking areas only, as there is no parking permitted anywhere else at MCR, including roadside parking.  Parking along roadsides and other areas at MCR is for authorized vehicles only.

MCR is a privately owned property, please help us to keep MCR safe and secure for all to enjoy by strictly following our new property recreation hours. Thank you.

Please be aware that Parking along Merrill Creek Road prior to the gate opening is prohibited by order of Harmony Township Ordinance 0:17-11. Plan your arrival accordingly.

Additionally, since Merrill Creek Reservoir is private property, anyone on the property before or after property operation hours is considered trespassing and prohibited by order of Harmony Township Ordinance 0:23-7. Please be mindful of our opening and closing hours which do change seasonally. 

Merrill Creek Reservoir is NOT open sunrise to sunset.