Hartshorne Woods Park

Hartshorne Woods Park is a county forest covering over 800 acres along the Atlantic Coast with views overlooking the Navesink River. The grounds feature marked trails suitable for hiking and biking, with multiple entry points distributed across the landscape.

Military defense installations were built on these grounds during World War II to protect New York Harbor and surrounding coastal areas. These fortifications demonstrate the strategic importance this coastal region held for national defense.

Battery Lewis displays a naval gun from the Battleship New Jersey, reflecting the region's role in coastal defense during wartime. Visitors can see the scale of this weapon and understand how this location served military protection.

The park is accessible through three main entry points and offers miles of marked routes for outdoor activities. Wearing appropriate footwear and bringing a map is recommended since the terrain includes elevated sections and can be uneven.

The land was originally acquired by Richard Hartshorne, an English Quaker who received a large grant in 1669 and kept portions in his family for nearly 3 centuries. This long family ownership before it became public land adds a human story to the forest today.

Location: Monmouth County

Inception: 1974

GPS coordinates: 40.38970,-73.98630

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:03