Incredibly scenic reservoir ringed by hills and rock cliffs, with several islands.
Explore rocky shorelines reminiscent of areas further northeast. We landed on one of the many islands and had a lovely picnic lunch. The island was big enough that there was a path around it.
We spotted lots of herons and even a trio of beavers swimming by – a first for us.
Our two cents:
Gorgeous destination, very enjoyable paddle, and some of the best kayaking in New Jersey but with a launch area that makes you work for it. Limited parking. (See notes below).
Fun Fact: Though often spelled “Split Rock Reservoir”, it is actually one word – “Splitrock“. The road it is on is “Split Rock”.
Bonus: Nice hiking too: see Splitrock Reservoir Loop and Four Birds Trail.
Update 7/2019: Launch area changes are done, photos added. Update 4/2018: The launch area was under construction the last time we hiked Splitrock.
Paddle Boards: We spotted a sign stating these are NOT allowed (as of 7/2019).
Rocky shorelines.
Surrounded by hills.
View from one of the islands.
Lots of lily pads… mostly white but a few pink ones in the mix:
Low water level. 2015. 
Launch
There are two launch areas, each with floating docks. The one closer to the parking lot is on a incline that is stepped down to the dock:
There is a bay on either side of the dock to set a boat in. Sit in and use the sides to pull yourself (and the boat) into the water.
We didn’t even get our feet wet. Reverse the process to get out.
The second dock is at the end of a longer but more gradual gravel path.
This dock seen from the water:
We tried both to see if we had a preference and either was fine for us. The closer one is likely intended for hand carry, and the longer path for those with wheels.
If you are interested in what the launch area used to look like, see “Kayaking Splitrock Reservoir in July“.
Details
Miles:
We’ve done 7.1 which is pretty much the whole perimeter.
Parking: 40.96252, -74.45800
Split Rock Road, Rockaway , NJ 07866. No street number, a dirt lot off of Split Rock Rd.
This often fills up and if it is, you are out of luck…. only park in the lot, you will get ticketed if you park along the road.
From the south: 287N to exit 43, at the end of the ramp turn left, then right onto Fanny Rd to Powerville, left on Valley, right on Rockaway Valley, stay left onto Split Rock and follow to parking lot.
From the south, alternate: 287N to Rt 80 W to exit 37 for Rt 513/Green Pond Rd. Right on Meridian. Left on Lyonsville. Left onto Split Rock Rd to parking lot.
If you are traveling from elsewhere the exit may be different, so you’ll want to check directions from where you are. Split Rock road seemed to be in good shape 7/2019 was full of decent sized potholes 4/2018.
Size:
625 acres.
Restroom:
Porta-john in the parking lot, as of 7/2019. The Fanny Road route doesn’t offer much in the way of restroom possibilities.
If you don’t want to chance the porta not being there… use the alternate Rt 80 route for gas stations and a Dunkin once getting on 513.
Book:
Quiet Water New Jersey, Trip #6
For general info, check out our Kayaking in NJ page.
—
Kayaked 7/27/19. 6.6 miles. Trail Blog: “Kayaking Splitrock Reservoir in July”
Kayaked 8/20/16. 7.1 miles.
Kayaked 9/6/15. 6.7 miles.