New Jersey Brigade Encampment Site
Site of a Revolutionary War winter encampment and home to the beautiful Cross Estate gardens. Offers moderate hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for hiking
New Jersey Brigade Encampment Site
Best Time
Pleasant weather for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Site of a Revolutionary War winter encampment and home to the beautiful Cross Estate gardens. Offers moderate hiking trails.
"A place with great history and beautiful gardens, though some trails can be overgrown."
🐻 Bear Safety Awareness
Be aware of wildlife, including bears. Watch your surroundings and consider carrying bear spray.
🗺️ Trail Map Limitations
The park map may only show main trails. Good navigation skills or extra time are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
NJ Brigade Encampment Site
Walk the grounds where Revolutionary soldiers endured a harsh winter. Imagine their daily lives and struggles.
Cross Estate Gardens
Cross Estate
Stroll through beautiful gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers. A peaceful escape with historical charm.
Moderate Hiking Trails
Various trails
Enjoy well-marked, moderate hikes with varied terrain. Dog-friendly and bike-friendly options available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Encampment History
Cross Estate Gardens & Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐻 Bear Safety Awareness
Be aware of wildlife, including bears. Watch your surroundings and consider carrying bear spray.
🗺️ Trail Map Limitations
The park map may only show main trails. Good navigation skills or extra time are recommended.
🌿 Tick Prevention
Paths can be overgrown. Wear protective clothing and use insect repellent to avoid ticks.
💧 No Restrooms Onsite
Plan accordingly as there are no public restrooms available at the site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐻 Bear Safety Awareness
Be aware of wildlife, including bears. Watch your surroundings and consider carrying bear spray.
🗺️ Trail Map Limitations
The park map may only show main trails. Good navigation skills or extra time are recommended.
🌿 Tick Prevention
Paths can be overgrown. Wear protective clothing and use insect repellent to avoid ticks.
💧 No Restrooms Onsite
Plan accordingly as there are no public restrooms available at the site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical significance of the New Jersey Brigade Encampment Site and the beauty of the Cross Estate gardens. The moderate hiking trails are a plus for outdoor enthusiasts. However, some find the encampment site itself lacks substantial historical remnants, and the trail maps can be unhelpful. Concerns about overgrown paths, ticks, and potential wildlife encounters are also noted.
"Part of Jockey Hollow National Historic Park (but across the street from the bulk of the Park) the New Jersey Brigade Area features two attractions. The NJ Brigade's area is the site where the NJ Revolutionary War soldiers encamped during the 1779-80 winter. There are few evidences of the Brigade there. To get a better idea of Revolutionary War conditions, visit recreated soldier huts across the street in the main part of Jockey Hollow.
The other feature is the Cross Estate. What was once a private home features amazing gardens tended by volunteers. The estate also includes a stately home and a remarkable water tower.
The path to the NJ Brigade site is generally overgrown and in NJ looks like a place where ticks roam free. As of the writing of this review, the Cross Estate is available to walk around but the gardens are closed, presumably a pandemic precaution. Check the website before visiting this part of Jockey Hollow National Historic Park."
Mary O'Malley
"A nice moderate hike with well marked trails."
B W
"I visited this place today. This is one the beautiful place I have seen around Morristown. When I first entered visiting area, to my surprise I see no one despite it was weekend. I guess I was the only person who visited this place on that day. I would not recommend to take kids for hiking at this place. It's very beautiful and has great history. There are other parks around this area and you can find trails connecting to other areas. But I had a very bad experience while returning back. I think it was 5:30pm, sunny and I encountered two bears. That was the most frightening moment and this is the first time I have encountered wild animals. I some how managed to escape. It would have been better if the park authorities would have cautioned travelers. I would suggest to watch your surroundings while hiking."
Prudvi Reddy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New Jersey Brigade Encampment Site is located across the street from the main part of Jockey Hollow National Historic Park. There is a dedicated parking lot.
Yes, there is a nice parking lot available for visitors.
While across the street, you can access the NJ Brigade site from the main Jockey Hollow area, though it's recommended to drive between them.
Public transport options are limited for this specific site. Driving is the most convenient way to access it.
Search for 'New Jersey Brigade Encampment Site' in your GPS. It's part of Jockey Hollow National Historic Park in Morristown, NJ.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the New Jersey Brigade Encampment Site and its trails is generally free. However, always check the official National Park Service website for any updates or special event fees.
The outdoor grounds and trails are typically accessible during daylight hours. The Cross Estate gardens may have specific hours, so check their website.
While the NJ Brigade site itself is free, the main visitor center and museum at Jockey Hollow may have an admission fee or require a park pass.
The Cross Estate grounds are usually accessible for walking around, but specific garden access might be restricted or have hours.
No specific booking requirements are typically needed for general visits to the encampment site or trails.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the grounds where soldiers encamped, imagine their lives, and visit the Cross Estate with its gardens and historic home.
Reenactments and guided tours are not consistently offered at this specific site. Check the Jockey Hollow National Historic Park schedule for events.
The trails offer a moderate variety of terrain, suitable for a decent hike. Some paths can be overgrown.
Yes, the trails are generally dog-friendly, but ensure your pet is leashed and you clean up after them.
It's the site of the 1779-80 winter encampment for New Jersey's Continental Army soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
📸 📸 Photography
The Cross Estate gardens offer beautiful floral shots, while the open fields of the encampment site provide opportunities for landscape and historical context photography.
Yes, you can take photos of the exterior of the historic home at the Cross Estate. Interior access may be restricted.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. Commercial photography may require special permits.
Morning and late afternoon light (golden hour) can be ideal for capturing the beauty of the gardens and the open landscape.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Park areas. Check the NPS regulations for Jockey Hollow National Historic Park before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Revolutionary Winter Encampment
To truly grasp the conditions, visitors are encouraged to cross the street to the main Jockey Hollow area, where recreated soldier huts offer a more tangible glimpse into their living quarters. This comparison helps visitors appreciate the stark differences in preservation and interpretation between the two parts of the park. The New Jersey Brigade site, though less visually dramatic, offers a quiet space for reflection on the human cost of the Revolution.
Exploring the Cross Estate: Gardens and History
The estate also includes a stately home and a remarkable water tower, adding architectural interest to the landscape. While the gardens are the main draw for many, the entire estate provides a peaceful contrast to the historical weight of the encampment site. It’s a place where nature and human effort have combined to create a beautiful and tranquil space, offering a more relaxed experience for visitors.
It's important to note that garden access can be seasonal or subject to temporary closures, as was the case during recent times. Visitors should always consult the official Jockey Hollow National Historic Park website for the most current information regarding the Cross Estate's accessibility and garden status before planning their visit.
Navigating the Trails and Wildlife Encounters
However, visitors should be prepared for the possibility of encountering wildlife. One visitor reported a frightening encounter with two bears, highlighting the importance of staying aware of your surroundings. While such encounters are not common, it's advisable to be cautious, make noise while hiking, and consider carrying bear spray. Additionally, some paths can become overgrown, increasing the risk of ticks, so wearing appropriate clothing and using insect repellent is recommended.
Navigation can also be a minor challenge, as some maps may only detail the main trails, potentially leaving visitors to rely on their own sense of direction for less-traveled paths. Planning for extra time or having good navigation skills can enhance the experience and ensure you stay on track.
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