Bear Creek Preserve
Allamuchy & Frelinghuysen Twps, Warren County
NJNLT
  • Acres:
    972
  • Deer Hunting:
    Permitted
  • Map:
    Open PDF

Preserve Info

Draining headwater areas of the Pequest River, Bear Creek passes through the fertile Allamuchy Valley before it enters the ancient glacial basin of Great Meadows.  A clear running stream, Bear Creek flows though some of Warren County's most productive farmland areas.  A testament to this agricultural heritage, three old silos still stand where old dairy farms had been.  Today, the Trust leases several agricultural fields to local farmers, who continue to grow corn, wheat, soybeans and hay. 

The Bear Creek Preserve encompasses portions of several Natural Heritage Priority Sites which delineate important areas for the state's biodiversity.  In order to detect the hidden resources at Bear Creek, the Trust contracted for a biodiversity inventory of plants, reptiles and amphibians.  The inventory resulted in new discoveries that have helped in the preparation of a management plan for this preserve. The preserve supports habitat for a variety of endangered and rare plants and animals, including the state-endangered few flower spike rush and large water plantain. The emergent wetlands along the streamside support bog turtles and wood turtles, and unique plants occur on the Franklinite marble and limestone rock outcrops that edge the west side of the valley. 

Public Access and Uses

The public can best enjoy the preserve from areas of Shades of Death Road and Southtown Road. No maintained trails are available at this time and road side parking opportunities are limited. The Trust allows registration for deer hunting in Bear Creek Preserve. Please do not enter into farm fields or crop lands. Note: Glovers Pond is private property.

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