Berkshire Valley Wildlife Management Area
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Park Overview:
This wildlife management area in the vicinity of Lake Hopatcong encompasses 2,030 acres of wetlands and upland mixed hardwood forest. There are no marked trails.
Park Description:
Berkshire Valley WMA is located in the vicinity of Lake Hopatcong, north of I-80 and west of NJ 15. It encompasses 2,030 acres of wetlands and upland mixed hardwood forest
Trails Overview:
There are no marked trails but, as the Trail Conference's Jersey Highlands Map 126 shows, there is a network of unmaintained trails and woods roads throughout the area. A current topographical map in PDF is available for download from the Table of Wildlife Management Areas.
Extending north from the small parking area off Gordon Road (see directions) is the right-of-way of the former Lake Hopatcong Railroad, built in 1882 to connect with the Ogden Mine Railroad and abandoned in 1935. On Google Maps this is shown as the Berkshire Valley Management Area Trail. It may be followed north for 2.5 miles to Minnisink Road (trail enters woods directly behind salt dome at Jefferson Township facility).
Park Acreage:
2030.00 acresMunicipality:
Berkshire ValleyThis wildlife management area in the vicinity of Lake Hopatcong encompasses 2,030 acres of wetlands and upland mixed hardwood forest. There are no marked trails.
Berkshire Valley WMA is located in the vicinity of Lake Hopatcong, north of I-80 and west of NJ 15. It encompasses 2,030 acres of wetlands and upland mixed hardwood forest
Park Acreage:
2030.00 acresMunicipality:
Berkshire ValleyContact Information
Web Link:
NJ DEP, Div of Fish & WildlifePhone:
(609) 984-0547Fees:
NoneDogs in park:
Not available
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
There are a number of access points.
From I-80 take Exit 34B to NJ15 [north] then two miles to Berkshire Valley Road, turn right at jughandle, and then turn left and proceed west on Berkshire Valley Road for 0.9 mile. The parking area is on the left, opposite Minnisink Road. GPS Coordinates: 40.927367, -74.607361
To reach another point of access, follow the directions above, but from the jughandle, make a U-turn and go south on NJ-15. In about 300 feet, at the crest of the hill, turn right at a sign for the Berkshire Valley WMA. The dirt road leads into a former gravel pit, with wetlands extending along the Rockaway River.
A third possible access point is reached by heading west on Berkshire Valley Road from NJ-15 and continuing for 2.2 miles to Gordon Road (just before a white firehouse). Turn right onto Gordon Road and continue for 0.3 mile. Just beyond Country Lane, a hidden gravel driveway on the right leads to a small parking area.
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