Washington Rock State Park At A Glance...
- A panoramic view of about 30 miles across the Raritan Valley, reaching toward New York City on a clear day.
- In June 1777 George Washington used this rock to watch British troops and direct his forces to circle behind them.
- A 25-cent coin-operated viewer pulls the far skyline in closer.
- Bought by New Jersey in 1913, it is one of the state's oldest state parks.
- Todays Sunrise: , Sunset:
- New Jersey Skylands Region Somerset County
About Washington Rock State Park
Washington Rock State Park is a small hilltop park on the Watchung Mountain in Green Brook, built around a rocky outcrop with a panoramic view of about 30 miles across the Raritan Valley. On a clear day the view reaches toward New York City. Walking paths and a picnic area are at the overlook, and it is a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing, so it works as a short stop rather than a full day out.
This is where George Washington came in June 1777 to watch the British under General William Howe, who had moved out from New Brunswick toward the mountains. New Jersey bought the site in 1913 to commemorate those events, and it is one of the state's oldest state parks. A marker placed by the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry describes the rock as a strategic lookout for Washington during the Revolutionary War.
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Activities:
- Picnicking
- Walking
Amenities:- Parking Lot(s)
- Picnic / Sitting Area
- Picnic tables
Trails:- Walking Paths
Park Type:- State Parks
- Historic Area
- Scenic Areas (overlooks/waterfalls)
Rules/Regulations:- Must be Leashed
Contact / Location
A Brief History
In the winter and spring of 1777 the Continental Army was camped at Middlebrook, in the hills above the Raritan Valley, while British forces held New Brunswick. In June, Howe moved troops west to try to draw Washington down onto the flat ground. Washington stayed in the mountains and watched from the rock, where he had a view of about 30 miles of valley. Local resident Edward Fitz Randolph is said to have guided him to the spot.
From the lookout Washington could direct troops to circle behind Howe's forces and cut off their retreat. The British returned to New Brunswick on June 19 without a major battle, and the Battle of the Short Hills followed in the days after, in Edison and Scotch Plains. The state bought the land in 1913 to commemorate the events of 1777.
Things to See & Do
The main event is the overlook. Early morning on a clear day and the cooler months tend to give the sharpest views, and the spot is also popular for sunrise, sunset and moonrise photos. A coin-operated viewer (25 cents) brings the distance closer.
A paved loop across the road is used for walking and running, and a trail heads down the hill near the paved area. Picnic tables are available, and trash cans are on site, so carry out any extra trash if the bins are full.
Admission & Guidelines
There is no entrance fee.
Hours / Season of Operation
The gate is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Parking
The parking lot is free and sits across the road from the overlook. It is small and can fill up at busy times, but spaces tend to open up as people rotate out.
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Nearby Places
The Watchung ridge continues north at Watchung Reservation. The Middlebrook Encampment, where Washington's army was camped in 1777, is in Bridgewater.
Here are 10 places near Washington Rock State Park
- Washington Rock State Park (~0 miles)
- Washington Memorial Park (~1 miles)
- Wagner Farm Arboretum and Gardens (~3 miles)
- Camp Riverbend - Day camp (~4 miles)
- Chimney Rock / Washington Valley park (~5 miles)
- TD Bank Ballpark (Somerset Patriots) (~6 miles)
- Garden State Exhibit Center (~6 miles)
- Environmental Education Center (EEC) - Somerset County (~6 miles)
- Lord Stirling Park (~7 miles)
- Watchung Reservation (~7 miles)
- Lord Stirling Stable (~7 miles)
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (~7 miles)
Green Brook, New Jersey 08812