Morristown National Historical Park - Fort Nonsense Unit
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Hiking TrailScenic LookoutOutdoorFreeEducationalMilitary
Overview
A prominent historic hilltop unit within America's first National Historical Park, commemorating a strategic Revolutionary War fortification built under General George Washington's orders in 1777. Positioned to protect the military storehouses in the valley below, the site now offers scenic walking trails, historical interpretive markers, and panoramic views of the modern Morristown skyline.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeMid-to-late October transforms this historic Revolutionary War mountain pass into a deep-forest fall masterpiece. Race up the winding hill to the historic earthen Fort Nonsense batteries on a crisp afternoon between 4:32 PM and sunset; the fading sun provides an unmatched, elevated vantage point to photograph the sunset radiating over the historic valleys of Morristown, silhouette-framing NYC.
Getting TherePerched atop a rugged, steep mountain ridge at Fort Nonsense Rd, Morristown. Personal vehicle travel is mandatory given the steep elevation climb; navigate south from the Morristown Green via Washington St, turn right onto Western Ave, and follow explicit brown historical markers onto Fort Nonsense Road, climbing the winding asphalt straight to the free summit parking bays.
Travel Tips
- As an isolated upland sector, the single mountain-climb approach road via Ann Street features extreme framing grades and faces immediate lock-down during winter ice or accumulating snow episodes.
- The summit turnaround ring features tiny, layout-constrained parking stalls that completely prevent oversized motorhomes or trailers from turning; large rigs must park in public structures down in the city.
- The hilltop earthworks command a full regional overlook under National Park Service jurisdiction; federal codes enforce a strict, zero-tolerance ban on any drone operations with active federal citations.
Reviews
Positive
- Operating as Washington's vital Revolutionary War defensive fort site, it offers great historic depth and clear informational placards.
- Perched on a town-high hilltop, the open observation deck rewards you with panoramic town views, becoming highly photogenic during autumn.
- Zero admission fees, providing a clean small parking lot and comfortable benches in a quiet, respectful setting clear of commercial pollution.
- The paved loops and shaded paths are well-maintained, short, and low-difficulty, making it perfect for slow-paced family leisure strolls.
Heads up
- The site's overall scale is tiny, with only reproduction cannons and earthworks remaining; casual visitors often wrap up in 15 minutes.
- Lacks a standalone visitor center or indoor museum on-site; viewing real artifacts requires driving miles away to the main Washington's Headquarters.
- The drive up the hill is narrow, steep, and winding, becoming dangerous during winter ice; parking slots are limited and fill up quickly.
- Lacks permanent modern public restrooms (porta-potties only seasonally) and stands short on shade pavilions, leaving amenities quite basic.