From the northern end of the parking area, head north on the yellow-blazed Timberbrook Trail. This relatively level trail passes a small marsh on the left and continues north through the woods. In three-quarters of a mile, after descending steadily and passing a large marsh on the left, you’ll reach a junction with the white-blazed Four Birds Trail.
Turn right and follow the Four Birds Trail, which climbs over a knoll and descends to cross a wide woods road. The trail continues through dense stands of mountain laurel, then turns right and follows along an old stone wall. After descending to cross a stream on rocks, the trail climbs gradually to the top of a rise. It descends a little and crosses a woods road (the green-blazed Bear Trail begins on the right). Proceed ahead along the white-blazed Four Birds Trail, which continues to descend very gradually.
In another quarter mile, you’ll reach a junction with the blue-blazed Splitrock Trail, which begins on the left. Turn left onto the Splitrock Trail, which descends towards Misty Pond. It bears right at the pond, briefly follows its shoreline (with views over the pond), then heads east. After crossing the dirt Charlotteburg Road, the Splitrock Trail reaches the base of a cliff. It turns left, briefly follows along the base of the cliff, then turns right and climbs steeply to the crest of the rise. Here, it bears right and heads south along the ridge, continuing to climb.
At the highest point on the ridge, a rock ledge on the right offers a panoramic west-facing view. Splitrock Reservoir is visible to the south (left), and Misty Pond may be seen to the north (right).
Continue to head south on the blue-blazed Splitrock Trail, which descends along the ridge. Soon, the trail joins a woods road that comes in from the left. In another 50 feet, you’ll reach a junction with the orange-blazed Beech Trail, which begins on the right. Turn right onto the Beech Trail, leaving the blue-blazed Splitrock Trail, and descend along a badly eroded woods road. After a short level section, follow the Beech Trail as it bears left, leaving the woods road. The Beech Trail crosses the dirt Charlotteburg Road and approaches the shore of the Splitrock Reservoir.
As the Beech Trail bears right and begins to head north, closely paralleling the shore of the reservoir, you’ll pass a large pile of mine tailings and an abandoned mine pit. Soon, the Beech Trail reaches an open area at the northern end of the reservoir, with a view over the lake and a fire ring. At the northern end of this open area, you'll see the red blazes of the Durham Trail. Turn left and follow the Durham Trail for about a quarter mile to an intersection with the white-blazed Four Birds Trail. Turn right onto the Four Birds Trail, now retracing your steps for a short distance. In a third of a mile, you reach an intersection with a woods road. Here, the green-blazed Bear Trail begins on the left. Turn left and follow the Bear Trail to its end at an intersection with the yellow-blazed Winnebago Trail, and continue ahead on the Winnebago Trail to the parking area where the hike began.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 11/10/2016 updated/verified on 03/16/2020
This loop hike climbs to a panoramic viewpoint over the Split Rock Reservoir and goes by Misty Pond and Durham Pond.
From the northern end of the parking area, head north on the yellow-blazed Timberbrook Trail. This relatively level trail passes a small marsh on the left and continues north through the woods. In three-quarters of a mile, after descending steadily and passing a large marsh on the left, you’ll reach a junction with the white-blazed Four Birds Trail.
Turn right and follow the Four Birds...
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Take I-80 to Exit 37. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto Green Pond Road (County 513). Continue for 6.6 miles and turn right onto Timberbrook Road. Follow Timberbrook Road for about 1.3 miles to a parking area on the left, just before the gateway marking the entrance to Camp Winnebago.
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May 31, 2023
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