An accessible selection of hiking trails, numerous historical features and thin crowds make for a great fall afternoon. Jockey Hollow is one of several units of Morristown National Historical Park which preserves important American Revolutionary war sites in northern New Jersey.
Acres of rolling woodland filled with late autumn light and scented with the earthy spice of fallen leaves is what visitors can expect in October and November. Foliage colors are just starting to crescendo in the park with full peak hues anticipated throughout the next few weeks.
A trip to Jockey Hollow should start with a stop at the visitors center alongside the parking lot of the main entrance off Tempe Wick Road to pick up a helpful map from the ranger on duty. Interesting historical sites include Wick Farm, an authentic 18th century farmhouse and garden. The house served as the winter headquarters of General Arthur St. Clair and is staffed with interpreters in full colonial costume. Kids will also love running in and out of the Soldier’s Huts off Grand Parade Road. These log cabins are reconstructions of where George Washington’s continental soldiers slept during the infamously brutal winter of 1779-1780.
Hikers can choose from four main loops varying in length. There is also a variety of short connector trails and a paved roadway for joggers and bikers. Routes are very well marked with map posts at almost every intersection. Though Jockey Hollow is hardly remote wilderness, the area is secluded enough that hikers have no worry of the common New Jersey nuisance of passing through residential backyards while on the trail.
Jockey Hollow Trail Descriptions:
Primrose Brook Trail (Red Blaze, 1.1 miles) – A quiet jaunt alongside a babbling book with multiple stream crossings. A great addition to any of the longer trails or perfect on its own for that short walk.
New York Brigade Trail (Blue Blaze, 3 miles) – Scenic hike across easy terrain, stream crossings.
Grand Parade Trail (Yellow Blaze, 2.25 miles) – The most popular route in the park, consisting of a moderate path through rolling woodland. The best way to see the park’s multiple historical features.
Grand Loop Trail (White Blaze, 6.5 miles) – Grand Loop is the most challenging and by far the least traveled route in the park.
Click here for an easy-to-use map of Jockey Hollow’s full trail system
How to Get Here: Morristown National Historical Park, Tempe Wick Road at Jockey Hollow Road, Morristown NJ. Take Exit 33 off 287 to 202 south.
– As published on Examiner.com