5 Hidden Historical Hikes in New Jersey That Rival the Revolutionary Route

Routes used by the Continental Army and led by the first president of the United States are always going to be the most famous trails in any state, even if the trail goes through multiple states. The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route spans from Rhode Island all the way to Virginia and is a National Historic Trail because it allowed the combined American and French troops to avoid the British army. And yet, as famous as this route is, there are other (shorter) trails in New Jersey that can impart a bit of history, too!

1. Grand Loop Trail and Yellow Trail Loop, Jockey Hollow Area

A 4.7-mile loop hike that takes over two hours to complete, hikers remark on the pleasant scenery (especially during autumn) and well-marked trails. The beauty of the scenery seems almost in contrast to what the area is famous for - a war camp. Although the area is farmland, it was decided that its location was perfect for American forces during the Revolutionary War. Huts were built to support the soldiers, and the army survived the worst winter of their lives there in Jockey Hollow (the Hard Winter from 1779-1780), which was remarked to be even more treacherous than the winter at the more famous Valley Forge. 

2. Watchung Reservation History Trail

The Watchung Reservation is a place unique for being deserted over and over again. This, with the addition of deaths in the area as well as rumors of witchcraft and multiple ruins, has led to a uniquely eerie feel throughout the forest. The 6-mile History Trail takes about two hours to complete and loops through the reservation, leading hikers to ruins as well as past the lake. Besides the ruins of farmhouses, mills, and boathouses, there’s also an entire abandoned village called Feltville to explore. 

3. Finn’s Point Loop

The shortest hike on this list, this one-mile flat trail loops around Fort Mott and only takes around twenty minutes to complete without entering the fort beforehand. The fort was the heart of the Delaware River’s defense and saw use in many wars, but was eventually considered to be obsolete by the end of WWII due to the recent massive advances in technology and the land was sold to become a state park. 

4. Ramapo Lake Spur, Castle, Cannonball, and Ramapo Lake Trail

This 5.5-mile loop hike in Ramapo Mountain State Forest is relatively easy except for a few areas that require scrambling, but hikers claim that it’s worth the effort due to the pleasant lake views gained as well as the access to the ruins of the castle-like Van Slyke mansion. The mansion itself seems to have been shrouded in sadness ever since its inception - with the original owner dying soon after its creation, his wife remarrying and naming the home after her new husband, then the property changed hands constantly until it was abandoned for mysterious reasons. Today, nature has retaken it, and hikers wander its crumbling halls. 

5. Long Path and Shore Loop, Palisades Interstate Park

Most will find this 5.7-mile hike to be the most difficult option on this list, but in many ways, the varied terrain and steep moments of elevation make this loop trail even more enjoyable. Hikers say that this hike has multiple great places to picnic, but that the land around the Women’s Federation Monument stands out due to the fairytale-like nature of the stone building and the surrounding area. The monument itself was created to honor the women’s clubs that helped preserve the Palisades. 

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