Wildcat Ridge Trail

[trailhead]

The route from Splitrock reservoir to the Hawkwatch parking area is now marked with Yellow blazes and signage indicating it is the "Wildcat Ridge Trail". It includes the railroad grade along upper Hibernia, and the original section of yellow trail by Solar Pond.

The lower end of this trail was accessed off the dam at Splitorck reservoir, and went up a steep bank along the road. This entrance has been relocated about 200 feet up the road. We ask that you please leave the downfall across the old section and start using the new entrance.

The Hibernia Brook Trail was also re-blazed and will eventually connect with the orange Hawkwatch Trail.

 

[JerseyPete]

Where do you park for those trails? Just onto Meridian opposite the church there looks like a trail head. I usually see a blue FJ parked there and other vehicles. Is that legal parking?

 

[Thin Diesel]

not sure if its legal, but thats where I always park. never had any trouble

 

[trailhead]

Wildcat Ridge WMA parking

If your coming from the south or west (Rt80), then parking at the Bat Cave (Green Pond and Lower Hibernia) is preferred. Less travel time, you may meet other riders and close to Texas BBQ.

If that lot is full, then the pull-off on Meridan Road will work. I have never heard of anyone getting a ticket there.

If you don't want to climb much, or coming from the north ( Rt23), then the Hawkwatch parking area on upper Hibernia road is an option. Plenty of room there, close to the overlook, and makes for a good Hike and or Ride option.

If coming from the East ( Booton, Kinnelon) or want to do some fishin, then you can park at splitrock reservoir at the boat launch parking lot. Very busy and often full, you will get a ticket for parking anywhere on splitrock road. From there you can pick up the newly marked trail.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.9444,-74.49301&num=1&gl=us&t=m&z=19

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.931748,-74.485814&num=1&gl=us&t=m&z=18

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.96...85&spn=0.004229,0.006899&num=1&gl=us&t=m&z=17

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.962822,-74.457761&num=1&gl=us&t=m&z=16

 

[BAIN]

I can't wait to have this place on lock. Epic rides followed by tasty bevs, bbq and pool is all I want for my future.

 

[roc]

Can anybody give me a tour over there, I have been there a few times, but I think I am missing some good stuff. I would up in some real serious boulder fields, more than rock gardens.

I ride ringwood and moochy and jungle, but this place seems way way way tougher than those, is it just that much rougher or am I missing some good singletrack?

Thanks for any info

 

[BAIN]

From my hikes I haven't found anything unrideable except one 20ft length on the beach glen. Going to investigate this saturday some more. I am hoping to find lots of fun up top by hawk and on my way to splitrock. Once I get the legs and lungs together, we should get some consistent rides happening here.

 

[Thin Diesel]

Can anybody give me a tour over there, I have been there a few times, but I think I am missing some good stuff. I would up in some real serious boulder fields, more than rock gardens.

I ride ringwood and moochy and jungle, but this place seems way way way tougher than those, is it just that much rougher or am I missing some good singletrack?

Thanks for any info

there are definitely some tough sections there. and some long climbs. I'd be happy to show you a loop through there sometime. this weekend is already booked though.

 

[roc]

Thanks, I would appreciate it. Let me know when.
Rob

 

[Thin Diesel]

Definitely. Maybe next Sat 3/24 if conditions permit and nothing else gets in the way. will post up on this next week.

 

[roc]

Sweet, next sat would be great

 

[JerseyPete]

Thank you. I was up there tonight after work looking at the parking areas here:



http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.9444,-74.49301&num=1&gl=us&t=m&z=19

and here.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.931748,-74.485814&num=1&gl=us&t=m&z=18



I gather to get from one to the other the path is over the hill.

 

[trailhead]

From the Bat cave to the west end of Meridan following the BGT (blue) is through the valley along Hibernia Brook. The only climb is over the tailings.

 

[BAIN]

Now if we could incorporate the end of the blue on the east end of meridan to continue north back around, that would truly be something.

ps. if it already does, please let me know the details.

 

[trailhead]

It does, just ride up the road a few clicks to the bridge and head up the river trail to the dam.

 

[BAIN]

@Trailhead

Can you show outline the trail you are talking about on the jorba map, so we are the same page?

http://www2.jorba.org/images/2/24/Wildcat_LR.jpg

 

[bradmcnutt]

@Trailhead

Can you show outline the trail you are talking about on the jorba map, so we are the same page?

http://www2.jorba.org/images/2/24/Wildcat_LR.jpg

if you look at the splitrock dam and see the light blue line coming from that point down to meridan, there's a trail that goes right along that stream. its pretty much a fire road, but its nice scenic ride.

 

[Thin Diesel]

Sweet, next sat would be great

Still up for this? I'm headed there this Sat 3/24 around 8AM,

 

[Smokey]

This ride still on? Ok if i join you Thin Diesel?

 

[Thin Diesel]

This ride still on? Ok if i join you Thin Diesel?

Yes still on. Sure you can join. I need to have wheels down by 8. Meet at the parking area off the side of Meriden Road. This is a demanding ride so be prepared. All types of terrain with lots of climbing (over 3500'). Only 10-11 total miles but it will take us around 2-2.5 hrs. I plan to keep a steady pace because I have commitments later in the day and can't allow this to turn into a 3+ hr ride.