Merrill Creek Reservoir–Black Trail, 5 sights

5.3 mi · ▲ 166 ft · 1 hr 51 min

Merrill Creek Reservoir–Black Trail, 5 sights is a 5.3-mile out-and-back near Allens Mills, NJ. The route reaches Merrill Creek Reservoir. It is mostly level, with 166 ft of elevation gain. It scores 61/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.

Elevation

0 mi915 – 1,024 ft5.4 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Black Trail 40.74161, -75.10892
Nearest town Allens Mills, NJ

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Merrill Creek Reservoir–Black Trail, 5 sights

5.3 mi · ▲ 166 ft · 1 hr 51 min

Elevation 915–1,023 ft

Out & Back

Trailhead: Black Trail · 40.74161, -75.10892

Weather Sep 5: sunrise 6:32 AM · sunset 7:28 PM

Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Black Trail, heading NW.
  2. 50 ftPass Merrill Creek Reservoir.
  3. 0.4 miSharp right onto Black, heading SE.
  4. 1.2 miTurn right onto Yellow, heading W.
  5. 0.3 miTurn left onto Blue, heading SE.
  6. 0.3 miTurn right onto Red, heading S.
  7. 0.5 miReach Merrill Creek Reservoir, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  8. 0.5 miTurn left onto Blue, heading N.
  9. 0.3 miTurn right onto Yellow, heading NW.
  10. 0.3 miTurn left onto Black/Yellow, heading E.
  11. 1.2 miSharp left onto Black Trail, heading W.
  12. 0.4 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Weather

Sunrise 6:32 AMSunset 7:28 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.3 mi in (~8 min). Leave by 7:00 PM for the 7:28 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:52 PM — 4 min before dark. Car visible from the viewpoint

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Parking lot at the trailhead