Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area

Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Rockaway Township, Morris County, covers 6,318 acres of pristine land acquired with Green Acres funding. The WMA was once home to iron mining sites including the Hibernia, Beach Glen and Oreland mines. It offers hiking trails, fishing access, and is home to many plant and animal species, including threatened and endangered species.
VISIT FOR:
Fishing
Hibernia Brook, flowing from Lake Emma to Lake Ames, is part of the Brook Trout Conservation Zone. Beaver Brook, which flows from Splitrock Reservoir, is stocked with rainbow trout. Splitrock is a "Lunker Bass" lake, featuring smallmouth and largemouth bass. The lake also offers bullhead catfish, crappies, yellow perch, chain pickerel, bluegill, and sunfish. Only car-top watercraft are allowed, launched from designated areas, and gas-powered motors are not permitted, but electric motors are allowed. Ice fishing is popular in winter.
Bats
Wildcat Ridge hosts New Jersey’s largest known bat hibernaculum in the Hibernia Mine. White-Nose Syndrome has drastically reduced the bat population here from 25,000 to a few hundred. An observation platform offers safe viewing of the mine entrance, which is gated to protect the bats during hibernation.
Hawk Watch
The WMA features an official hawk watch, staffed by volunteers, to track hawk migration from August 15 to November 15, and again from February 15 to May 15. Recently, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife acquired a nearby house to serve as an interpretive center.
Hunting
White-tailed deer and turkey are abundant in Deer Management Zone 6 and Turkey Hunting Area 7, but the rugged terrain can make this a challenge for hunters.
Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on certain trails south of Split Rock Road, but the Four Birds Trail is for foot traffic only.
Hiking
A short trail from the Hawk Watch leads to a beaver pond. There is an extensive trail network that runs throughout the WMA, forming part of the Highlands Trail that connects to the Appalachian Trail. Three short trails traverse the area and can be combined with the Four Birds Trail for a 2.2-mile loop. The Flyway Spur Trail goes to Hawk Watch Overlook.
Access
Take I-287 North to I-80 West, exit 37, then turn left onto Green Pond Road/Route 513. Parking lots are available on Green Pond Road, Upper Hibernia Road and Split Rock Road.
Owned by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Wildlife, the Wildlife Management Area System is comprised of more than 360,000 acres in 122 areas throughout the state, which is more than 44% of New Jersey’s state-owned public open space. WMAs are maintained and supported with funding from hunting and fishing license sales, the Federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program.
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Website URL:
dep.nj.gov/njf...
Wildlife Management Area Maps: dep.nj.gov/njf...
WMA Regulations: dep.nj.gov/njf...
WMAs are patrolled by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police Officers to ensure public safety. If you see violations while visiting a WMA, please call the 24-hour DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).