Jockey Hollow Historic Trail

JOCKEY HOLLOW HISTORIC TRAIL

HIGHLIGHTS:

The Trail is now confined to four areas: The Cross Estate/New Jersey Brigade sites, the New Jersey Audubon Society's Wildlife Preserve properties, the traditional Jockey Hollow property, and Washington's Headquarters. The length of the Trail is now a little over 10 miles (reduced from 17+ and confined to paths, trails, and attractions). The length qualifies as an activity for the Hiking Merit Badge.

It is now possible to accomplish some advancement activities on this trail. The Nature Center of the Audubon Society's building has exhibits of the area's bird population, and the Cross Estate (National Park Service) has identified and labeled all the trees, shrubs and garden varieties.

Things to see along the way:

  1. The Cross Estate - an historic estate recently acquired by the National Park Service. Contains formal flower gardens, labeled and identified trees - the starting point.
  2. The New Jersey Brigade Site - a new addition to the Trail. This is where New Jersey Troops camped. Still seen are archeological excavations.
  3. The New Jersey Audubon Society's Wildlife Preserve with exhibits, bookstore, fields and woods.
  4. Jockey Hollow Visitors' Center, containing a valuable film, reconstructed Soldier's Hut, a Ranger on duty, bathrooms, water fountains, and book/souvenir shop.
  5. The Wick House - a well maintained period house with gardens and stables, usually a working kitchen and rangers in period costumes. They are very accommodating.
  6. The Soldiers' Huts - a series of reconstructed huts identical to those used by Washington's Troops.
  7. Washington's Headquarters - here you will find a film, memorabilia (muskets, furniture, household items, military items, etc.), and the actual swords belonging to George Washington. This is a mansion located in Morristown and maintained by the National Park Service.
SPECIALS...

Cub Scouts: As part of the new Trail, a Cub Scout Trail was developed. It is actually an inner Trail Loop of approximately five miles. It starts at the Visitors' Center and stops for visits at the Wick House/Gardens, and soldier huts. A patch ($2.00) has been developed for this activity. We are now able to offer a scavenger hunt to be incorporated with the Trail. It is a good afternoon hike for the Cubs and an outdoor activity where they can learn about the winter encampment.

Don't be surprised if you hear cannon or musket fire when approaching the Soldiers' Huts. Often there are
reenactment groups camping over for a weekend.

Request: Please leave nothing behind except for footprints and take nothing from there but memories and pictures.

Information about the Trail, cost of awards, and any other questions can be obtained by contacting the Boy Scout Service Center, 222 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park, NJ 07932 Phone (973) 765-9322 ext. 239.

Click here for additional information