Living History Returns As Morristown Parks Reopen

MORRISTOWN, NJ – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Morristown National Historical Park (NHP) is taking another step in increasing recreational access at the park beginning Wednesday.

“Since May 20th visitors have safely enjoyed the park’s grounds, roads and trails and as we lead into school vacation and the July 4th holiday weekend, we hope the public will continue to take advantage of the great outdoors,” said Tom Ross, superintendent of Morristown NHP. “As a reminder, please continue to follow recommended social distancing practices at all times. Many of the park’s hiking trails are narrow and we strongly encourage healthy hiking etiquette by yielding to other hikers in wider trail spots and turning your face away as you pass.”

Beginning Wednesday Morristown NHP will reopen access to Fort Nonsense Area, expand parking capacity at all park areas to 100 percent, open the entirety of the Tour Road at Jockey Hollow to vehicular traffic, and expand the park grounds summer hours to 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. daily.

If you go:

• All five Jockey Hollow Area parking lots (Visitor Center, Wick House, Soldier Huts, New York Brigade and Trail Center) are open
• New Jersey Brigade/Cross Estate Area parking lot will be increased to 100 percent parking capacity.
• Jockey Hollow Tour Road is open
• Soldier Huts open
• All 27 miles of hiking trails open
• Equestrian trail use (5 trailer spaces at the visitor center parking lot only) resumes

Appropriate recreation includes such activities as:

• walking
• hiking
• running
• bicycling

Prohibited activities include:

• large group gatherings and activities
• picnicking

Permanent restroom facilities in Jockey Hollow will be closed; however, portable restroom units will be available for public use. Parking will be restricted to the park’s surface parking lots only.

Additionally, the following areas will remain closed to the public in this phase in the interest of public health and following federal, state and local guidelines:

• Western Avenue Park Access Gate (at Jockey Hollow Road) will be closed to vehicular access (Tempe Wick Road Main entrance is the only vehicle entrance into Jockey Hollow)
• Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
• New York Brigade Comfort Station
• Wick House and herb garden
• Washington’s Headquarters Area: Ford Mansion and Washington’s HQ Museum (grounds and parking lots are open for passive recreation)

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, park vehicles in designated parking spaces, practice Leave No Trace principles (carry in-carry out trash), avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

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