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Trail Guides
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Flatbrook - Roy Wildlife Management Area
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4
 
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NPS Route 615, Walpack Township, NJ
Phone: (973) 383-0918
www.njfishandwildlife.org/wmas.htm
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Return to NPS 615 North and turn Right. After 1.7 miles turn Right into the parking area at the Roy Tract Bridge sign. Map
Please review the rules and regulations for New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), some of which are listed here. The parking areas for this site are grass or gravel and parking is permitted along the roads. Please do not block access to any of the gates.
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| Big Flatbrook River | Dwight Hiscano |
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| | Flat Brook is New Jersey’s première trout fishing stream, and there is no better place to visit for picturesque scenery and solitude. The Flat Brook Valley is New Jersey’s only example of a typical narrow, deep Appalachian Mountain valley, and has often been compared to those valleys found in the Great Smokey Mountains. The topography, geology and habitat are diverse, making it an excellent location to find many species of flora and fauna. Numerous Native American sites are found along the Flat Brook, and it was one of the first areas settled by Europeans.
a walk along the Flat Brook when fall colors are at their peak, or following a new fallen snow.
Flat Brook Valley can be cold and windy, and during some years there is continuous snow cover exceeding 12 inches. Hedgerows, dominated by multiflora rose and autumn olive, two of New Jersey’s most common non-native invasive species, provide excellent cover and abundant food for a variety of birds and mammals. Flocks of turkeys and solitary Red-tailed Hawk are also common.
Thousands of anglers descend upon the Flat Brook soon after trout season opens. They share the banks with Great Blue Heron that have learned a free meal awaits each time a fish is cleaned. Shrubby wetlands adjacent to the Little Flat Brook are excellent for songbird viewing. Listen for Gray Catbird, Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, vireos and assorted warblers.
This over 2,000 acre site is part of 100,000 acres of contiguous open space. Because of its diverse habitats over 100 species of birds nest within the boundaries. Early morning walks during June along the dead end or gravel roads provide an impressive array of sights and sounds. Indigo Bunting can be seen perched along road edges singing their “fire-fire, where-where, here-here” song.
The leaves from maples, oaks and other hardwood trees create a fall color spectacle. During this time be on the lookout for hawks and eagles taking advantage of thermals along the Kittatinny Ridge. Be aware this wildlife management area is heavily hunted for small and big game and waterfowl. Wildlife-watchers are strongly urged to visit this area on Sundays only, when hunting is not allowed. Sundays are quiet and opportunities exist for multiple-use recreation, historic exploration, and fantastic trout fishing.
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