Forked River Mountains in 2022

[Ben Ruset]

About a decade ago, when I still had a 4WD vehicle, I'd often go to the summit of the Forked River Mountain at night and stare at the stars for an hour or two. My Adobe Lightroom library tells me that the last time I was out there was March of 2012. Anyway, I know that ownership changed or something and I'm just wondering - what's it like out there now? How's the summit of the mountain? How's Eureka Gun Club? Anything new turn up at Aserdaten?

 

[TommyP]

I was just about to ask how to get up there. I was out that way to see the dwarf pines and Cedar Bridge Tavern and drove to Webbs Mill nature center. They don't let you on Morey Road so I'm not sure if that's the way or not.
I'll go take a look and let you know.

 

[Ben Ruset]

I used to go in via Jones Rd. from Rt 539. Here's a map link.

 

[bobpbx]

I used to go in via Jones Rd. from Rt 539. Here's a map link.

See this post Ben. Unless you have decent 4 wheel drive, going in from 539 is not recommended.

A trip down Jones Road

Took the family out for a nice jaunt in the pines. Dover road has been graded and you can drive from Lacey Rd. to 539 without going through a giant mud hole or puddle. The grass at Eureka or Blacks Bridge is super tall. When you drive thru it is almost like you are driving in a gorge or ravine...

forums.njpinebarrens.com

 

[Ben Ruset]

See this post Ben. Unless you have decent 4 wheel drive, going in from 539 is not recommended.

A trip down Jones Road

Took the family out for a nice jaunt in the pines. Dover road has been graded and you can drive from Lacey Rd. to 539 without going through a giant mud hole or puddle. The grass at Eureka or Blacks Bridge is super tall. When you drive thru it is almost like you are driving in a gorge or ravine...

forums.njpinebarrens.com

Wow, so Jones Rd. is bad now? I used to take my Honda Ridgeline down it without any problems.

This is really sad.

 

[TommyP]

That's scary because I took Jones in the opposite direction around Webbs Mill branch looking for that boardwalk. I've got a Subaru Outback.
Looking at your photos, I wouldn't try getting in that way. I've got 10" clearance but some of that looks real muddy. Did you say there were go-arounds?

 

[WaretownMike]

Wow, so Jones Rd. is bad now? I used to take my Honda Ridgeline down it without any problems.

This is really sad.

I pulled a friend who high-sided his new Four Runner on Jones last year

 

[Wick]

Drove down Jones Rd again yesterday from Dover Rd to Waretown Rd. You need to go around all of the holes as some are extremely deep. There are go arounds for most puddles

 

[bobpbx]

That's scary because I took Jones in the opposite direction around Webbs Mill branch looking for that boardwalk. I've got a Subaru Outback.
Looking at your photos, I wouldn't try getting in that way. I've got 10" clearance but some of that looks real muddy. Did you say there were go-arounds?

I'd try it if I were you. That's a good vehicle. But not if the puddles are full. Where are you coming from, and where do you want to go?

 

[TommyP]

I'd try it if I were you. That's a good vehicle. But not if the puddles are full. Where are you coming from, and where do you want to go?

I want to get as close to the top of Forked River Mountain as possible so I can walk to the peak. I'll take whatever road is safest. I don't want to get stuck there. I always measure puddles and use the go-around if they are there.

 

[bobpbx]

I want to get as close to the top of Forked River Mountain as possible so I can walk to the peak. I'll take whatever road is safest. I don't want to get stuck there. I always measure puddles and use the go-around if they are there.

Considering your cautious way of driving (which I did not adopt until 5 years ago-finally!), I'd go now while things are relatively dry. If the gate on Lacey road is still open, use "A", if not, use "B". I have to add I'm not endorsing driving there if the county decided to close it down to vehicles (which I don't know is true or not).

 

[TommyP]

Thanks Bob. I tried getting in by roads near Well’s Mills Nature Center a few weeks ago. I’ll try Lacey Road.
I’m cautious because I don’t have a winch or recovery strap. I have a few traction boards and a shovel.
But entry from Lacey seems best, even if I park and walk it.

 

[Ben Ruset]

Today it dawned on me that I raged really hard against the state wanting to close roads in Wharton and now we have people with trucks digging giant ruts making it impossible if not super hard for regular people to go and enjoy the woods.

 

[TommyP]

Yeah, it's frustrating. We need a better solution than closing the roads.

 

[bobpbx]

Today it dawned on me that I raged really hard against the state wanting to close roads in Wharton and now we have people with trucks digging giant ruts making it impossible if not super hard for regular people to go and enjoy the woods.

You did the right thing. As TommyP says, there has to be a better solution than closing the long-established roads.

 

[bicycle tim]

I have an elderly neighbor who desperately wants me to take him to Forked River Mountain. I have a 4wheel Jeep and the neighbor probably can't walk more than a mile round trip. Haven't been to the mountain in over a year and my recollection is that this trip may not be doable. I typically come in using the Lacey Rd. entrance. If anyone has more info on the conditions around Forked River Mountain they would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[bobpbx]

I have an elderly neighbor who desperately wants me to take him to Forked River Mountain. I have a 4wheel Jeep and the neighbor probably can't walk more than a mile round trip. Haven't been to the mountain in over a year and my recollection is that this trip may not be doable. I typically come in using the Lacey Rd. entrance. If anyone has more info on the conditions around Forked River Mountain they would be much appreciated. Thanks

I took a friend out to see something over by the Factory Branch area today. The Greenwood Forest roads are horrible, the worst I have ever seen. It was not fun driving back there at all. The beaver at Blacks bridge completely blocked the creek at the bridge for God knows how long, allowing the Chamberlin Branch to spill over the road south of the creek. There is a puddle there now at least crotch high, so we tried going in behind the old fire tower location where the wide road is. Awful! There are puddles across the road every 200 feet, with clay bottoms to boot. I don't think you should try the area at all. It's very sad what those roads have become.