Preparing to Hike

Hiking basics:

For Roxbury trails, which are between .85 and 3 miles long, the following are recommendations to be prepared:

  • wear appropriate footwear, such as sneakers or hiking boots
  • bring water and snack
  • bring cell phone (service may be spotty on the trails)
  • tick spray

Remember to:

  • tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
  • leave no trace; carry out what you brought in
  • feel free to bring a bag to collect any litter
  • clean up after your dog
  • in an emergency, contact 911
  • avoid poison ivy; leaves of three, let it be!

Hunting:

Be aware that hunting is permitted on Roxbury Township parklands at certain times during the year, except on Sundays. There is no hunting allowed on Sundays. Please use caution; wear bright colors and stay on trails. Be sure to keep dogs on a leash. For more information on zones, dates, and regulations please visit www.eregulations.com.

Be aware of bears:

There are bears in the forested areas of Roxbury. To avoid an encounter with a bear:

  • Do not feed or approach the bear! Bears are wild animals and their behavior can be unpredictable.
  • Remain calm and make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in a loud, assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands or making other noises.
  • Keep your distance and make sure the bear has an escape route.
  • Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away. If you are with someone else, stay together in a group.
  • To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans, knocking rocks together or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
  • The bear may utter a series of huffs, swat the ground and make popping sounds by snapping its jaws. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.
  • If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It usually is not a threatening behavior.
  • Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact and then slowly back away. Do not run.
  • If the bear will not leave, slowly back away and head for nearby shelter.
  • DO NOT RUN and do not turn away from the bear.

For more information on bears in New Jersey, visit www.state.nj.us.