Jersey Shore Sea Kayak Association – Launch site directory

Driving Directions:

• From North
• Use Route 23 and watch for signs to CR513 South (Approx mile marker 22).
• Take CR513 South to mile marker 52.
• Make next LEFT on to Upper Hibernia Road, and follow for approx. 1 mile to Split Rock Road.
• Follow directions from step 5 below (See ***).

• From South
• I-80 to exit 37 in Rockaway (CR513).
• At the end of ramp make left onto CR513 North (Greenpond Road).
• Follow CR513 approx. 6 miles, and watch for Green Pond Golf Club on left (after mile marker 51).
• Make next RIGHT on to Upper Hibernia Road, and follow for approx. 1 mile to Split Rock Road.
• *** Left on Split Rock Road.
• After .3 mile the road becomes gravel/dirt but is passable in all seasons. As you descend into the basin you will reach the dam at approx. one mile.
• Use caution driving on the dam since it is one lane.
• After crossing the dam, the parking lot is on your left, up the hill. There is a sign for the lot.

Address:

Splitrock Road

Lyonsville (Rockaway Township), NJ 07866, Morris County

Land owner:Jersey City with State DEP

GPS Coordinates: L 40^o 57' 47" N    Lo 74^o 27' 30" W

Water: Fresh

Water type: Lake

Launch area is: Bank

Launch area surface is: Stones

Facilities: Clivus toilet

Launching considerations / restrictions:

Look for sign stating "Boat Launch Area" which is the start of a wood chip trail from parking lot that leads to the water approximately 50 yards away. The path goes downhill just prior to water, so be careful. You may want to have a partner help with the boat, or use a set of transport wheels. The launch area is really small. There is a steep drop-off in the water at the launch site.

Parking situation:

Dirt parking lot for about 40 cars. Free access. Try to move your vehicle away from the launch path to allow others easy access.

Comments:

Lake area = 625 Acres. A paddle around the perimeter of the lake is approximately 7.6 miles.

!Caution - Keep clear of Dam! (To left of launch area) There can be a swift current going over spillway.

Although the road to the parking area is dirt, it is well graded and maintained. Not a problem for a car. This place is a gem. Shhhhhh!

A recent visit (August 2007) from a paddler to the site reports:
Although the reservoir itself is a gem, what was the new parking area and boat launch have deteriorated. The DEP signage is either missing or graffittied and there has been significant erosion of the "beach". The path is still in good condition and covered in woodchips and the lavatory is acceptable.

Related Links:

Picture of parking area.

Picture of sign at beginning of path to putin.

Picture of wood chip path to putin.

Picture of putin.

Picture of road going over dam.

News release about new parking and boat launch area at Splitrock.

Topo Map showing relative parking location

Mapquest street map

Satellite image showing launch site.

Last Update: 7/8/2009

Copyright © 2011 by Jersey Shore Sea Kayak Association - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No warranties are expressed or implied.