"Charmed", For Sure...
Merrill Creek Environmental Preserve
Warren County, Washington,N.J.

Planted Sept. 29th 2001

Directions:From Phillipsburg N.J., Rt. 57 East to left on Montana Road,
after 2 miles bear left at "Y" intersection, .3 miles make left on Merrill
Creek Rd., then turn right towards the Merrill Creek Visitors Center parking
lot.

Rated: Moderate. This is a six mile circuit hike that starts at the Visitor
Center.

Time: 3-4 hours. Depends on how often you stop to "look and see". Stamp into
the "Merrill Creek" letterbox as you begin the circuit. I saw the pair of
Bald Eagles who call this Preserve home myself the day we were there!!! A
awesome sight!

Stop in the Center and get a map if you'd like. Nice folk's inside. Find the
Blue trail and head out. This trail follows the reservoir shoreline
throughout much of the Preserve. An excellent trail. Pick up the Perimeter
Trail (Black), there are a few rocky spots but not many. Over the foot
bridge you go and then over the top of the 1st "gravel" dam. A "point" of
trees ahead of you on the right, continue up the hill to the "apex" of the
dirt road. You can see the Inlet/Outlet Tower on the left and ahead of you
something much better....
Before the gravel begins, stand, 12 paces at 60 degrees to a rock cairn
right behind the "point". Bring the box back to the dirt road and sit down
and stamp in. Please replace the box in it's home carefully when done....
If you are better than lucky, and the weather permits, this "apex" is where
you catch your heart in your hand...."Oh! Beautiful for spacious sky's.."
A view to live for.

See Joy and her 'boxing companion "Floating Feather"



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