Washington Rock State Park

Washington Rock State Park is a wooded preserve on the first Watchung Mountain in Somerset County. From this elevated position, visitors see a wide view stretching eastward across the New Jersey plains toward the New York City skyline.

In 1777, General George Washington used this location to observe British troop movements during the Revolutionary War. The commanding position gave Washington's forces a crucial advantage in tracking enemy operations across the region.

The site marks where General Washington stood during a critical moment of the American Revolution. Visitors today can feel the strategic importance of this vantage point that shaped military decisions.

The property has walking trails and picnic areas positioned near the overlook. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and prepare for changing weather since the higher elevation is exposed to wind and elements.

On clear days, visitors can see across three different counties from the highest point. This extended sightline was exactly why the location proved so valuable for Washington's intelligence gathering during the war.

Location: Somerset County

Inception: 1932

Website: https://njparksandforests.org/parks/washingtonrockstatepark.html

GPS coordinates: 40.61324,-74.47325

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40