Rocky Point Loop
Directions to trailhead
Take the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 117. Bear left beyond the toll booths and continue on NJ 36 for 12.3 miles. Just before the Highlands-Sea Bright bridge, turn right at a sign for "Bay Avenue/Highlands." Continue ahead on Portland Road for 0.8 mile to the park entrance, which is straight ahead where the road curves very sharply to the right.
Hike Description
This hike circles the Rocky Point area of the park. During World War II, this area was part of the Atlantic Coast Defense System, with concrete fortifications facing the ocean. The military abandoned the facility in the 1970s, and it is now a Monmouth County park, but many of the old fortifications still exist. You will have the opportunity to visit one of these fortifications at the end of the hike.
Most trails in Hartshorne Woods Park (including those that make up this hike) are open to hikers, joggers, bicyclists and equestrians, and are often used by bicyclists (although not by equestrians). Although park regulations provide that bicyclists must yield to all other trail users, hikers should be alert for approaching bicycles on narrow trails. Hikers must yield to equestrians.
To begin the hike, return to the entrance to the parking area and turn right onto a gated but paved park service road. About 50 feet beyond the gate, you will see a signpost on the left marking the start of the Rocky Point Trail. The park has designated this trail with a black diamond, indicating that it is rated as “challenging”; however, the rating system is designed primarily with bicyclists in mind. For hikers, the trail is of no more than moderate difficulty.
The Rocky Point Trail begins by descending on a winding path through stands of holly to cross a bridge over a stream. It continues through dense vegetation. About half a mile from the start, the trail approaches the Shrewsbury River, with homes on the Sea Bright peninsula visible through the trees across the river.
The trail continues ahead, parallel to the river below to the left, soon reaching a paved service road. To the left, the road leads in 250 feet to a grassy area with picnic tables overlooking the confluence of the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers – a good place for a break.
Continue ahead on the Rocky Point Trail, which now parallels the Navesink River and begins to climb. At the top of the rise, you’ll notice some ivy-covered trees on the right. The trail descends past a dense stand of holly to reach another paved service road. To the left, this road leads downhill a short distance to the Black Fish Cove fishing pier, with excellent views over Navesink River (there are also picnic tables and a privy here). The Rocky Point Trail turns right, follows the service road for 50 feet, then turns left and reenters the woods.
The trail descends to cross a footbridge over a small stream, climbs gradually, then levels off. About half a mile from the second service road crossing, it ascends quite steeply. At the top of the climb, where the main trail turns sharply right, follow an unmarked side trail which continues ahead to a limited viewpoint over the Navesink River, with the view largely obscured by the trees. From the viewpoint (shown on the park map as the "Navesink Overlook"), return to the main trail by following a path that heads northeast, then turn left onto the Rocky Point Trail.
The Rocky Point Trail now begins a gradual descent, passing through some dense stands of mountain laurel. About two miles from the start, it crosses another paved service road (to the left, this road leads to an abandoned bunker). The trail now climbs through holly and mountain laurel to cross a small bridge. It descends briefly, continues through dense holly trees, then climbs on switchbacks to reach yet another paved service road – this one marked by two concrete pillars on the left.
Cross the road, then immediately bear right onto a path that heads uphill. You’ll soon reach the crest of the rise and descend to a gravel fire road – the route of the Cuesta Ridge Trail. (Take the right fork just before reaching this junction.) Turn right onto the Cuesta Ridge Trail, then immediately bear right at the next fork. Soon, you’ll reach a paved service road. Turn left on the road, then bear right at the next fork and climb a grassy slope to return to the parking area, which is just ahead.
You might also want to visit Battery Lewis – a large concrete fortification overlooking the ocean, built in 1942. This interesting feature, which features a 168-foot-long, 16-inch caliber gun, is just beyond the parking area, on the left. Interpretive signs explain how and why this imposing fortification was constructed during World War II.