
Located in Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County, the Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) consists of 563 acres of pristine, steep, hilly woodlands. The central and most defining feature of the WMA is 2.5 miles of the South Branch of the Raritan River.
The free-stone river features car-sized boulders, which are the result of past glacial activity in the region. The Columbia Trail passes over the river on an old bridge that previously transported iron ore to a local steel mill. The Ken Lockwood Gorge is best known for its trout fishing opportunities and is designated as a Catch and Release Area. Osprey, great blue herons, mink and black bear can be seen feeding on the fish.
If you are interested in supporting the maintenance of the Ken Lockwood Gorge and other Wildlife Management Areas, become a Wildlife Habitat Supporter by donating now:
Owned by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and managed by NJ Fish & Wildlife, the Wildlife Management Area System is composed of more than 360,000 acres in 122 areas throughout the state, which is more than 44% of New Jersey’s state-owned public open space. Purchased with funds from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, state waterfowl stamps and through the Green Acres Program, WMAs provide habitat for fish and wildlife species, as well as outstanding hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife viewing opportunities.
WMAs are maintained and supported with funding from license sales, the Federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program.
Learn more about the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program
WMAs are patrolled by NJ Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police Officers to ensure public safety. If you see violations while visiting a WMA, please call the 24-hour DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).