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Nice parking to access the trail. The trail itself is paved but floods all the time and is usually covered in mud. Plan to go only when it’s been dry with no rain for the past week minimum. Near the parking is an old stone wall. This is likely the remains of the original road bridge that crossed the Raritan River here before Rt 206.

Many abandoned iron mines from the 1800s dot the hillside. Not much more than sunken pits in the ground, though signs warn they can be more dangerous. Best explored in the winter with no snow so you can easily see the terrain.

Battery Bacon was one of 14 gun batteries located within Fort Wadsworth. It was constructed in 1899 and was operational until 1918. It housed 2 3-inch M1898 guns that utilized a M1898 marking parapet carriage. Batteries Bacon and Turnbull are so close it’s hard to see how they are separate structures.

The Wallbridge Rose Garden is tucked away in the northeast corner of the park. Named for Mrs. & Mr. William K Wallbridge (why does Mr always have to go first) and maintained by the Short Hills Garden Club. It’s a beautiful little garden surrounded by benches for sitting an enjoying the beautiful roses. We went in late August and they were still in full bloom.

Something to explore in the winter. Poison ivy and copperhead snakes make any other time of year too much of a gamble. Despite its name this was an iron mine that operated from 1855-1883. The pit itself is 30 feet wide, 100 feet long, and up to 75 feet deep. It is reported that there are garnets in the rock in the vein this mine followed. There is also the mineral Willemite which is fluorescent.