Patriots’ Path Council has several historic trails within our council area that allow Scouts to explore New Jersey’s rich history. Our historic trail hikes have options suitable for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts. Historic hikes not only give Scouts the opportunity to learn about the history of the area they are hiking, they also provide opportunities to complete advancement and merit badge requirements. Scouts can learn how to prepare for an outing, safety and the Buddy System, how to apply Leave No Trace principles as well as learning about the environment they will be exploring. The Victory Trail Historic Hike and Walking Tour provide Scouts these learning opportunities in an urban setting.
Patriots’ Path Council is pleased to announce that in August 2018, The Victory Trail joined the Jockey Hollow Trail on the list of BSA National Historic Trails.
Spend the day exploring Jockey Hollow and learn about General Washington’s winter encampment in historic Morristown during the harsh winter of 1779/1780.
Consider pairing the Jockey Hollow Trail and the Victory Trail as part of your program year. Hike the Jockey Hollow Trail in the late fall or winter for a taste of what Washington’s Army experienced in that bitter winter of 1779/1780. The following spring, hike the Victory Trail and once again, experience the events as they unfolded for that same army in June 1780.
Follow the events of the “Forgotten Victory of Springfield” in the spring of 1780 when New Jersey Militiamen and Continentals successfully turned back a British Invasion, saving the colonies from certain defeat.
Venturers can hike the Appalachian Trail to complete requirements for the Venturing the Appalachian Trail Award.
Visit Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation and learn about the fascinating history of our very own camp property first inhabited by the Lenne Lenape and later by Joseph Frenche for whom Frenche’s Pond was named.
Cub Scouts can spend the day hiking at Winnebago Scout Reservation on a 2 mile trail that explores our camp while learning about the history that includes the Lenni Lenape, an iron forge, a bank in Linden, NJ and the first Scouts to camp at what will later become Winnebago Scout Reservation.
Scouts BSA and Venturing Crews can visit Winnebago Scout Reservation to complete one of four hikes that explore historic Hibernia and Rockaway. With hikes varying in length from 8.5 miles to 19.8 miles, we have something for everyone.
Please see the tabs below for more information on these hikes for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts
"The open-air is the real objective of Scouting and the key to its success."
In December 1779, George Washington ordered his army to march to Morristown to camp during what would be the coldest winter on record. 10,000 to 11,000 soldiers set up camp in Jockey Hollow, 5 miles south of Morristown.
In 1960, Fred Bruehne and Warren Wheeler of Troops 25 and 27 in Madison, NJ developed the first Jockey Hollow Trail Hike as a 17 mile overnight hiking and camping event. The Arrowmen of the Allemakewink Lodge of the Order of the Arrow helped to maintain the trail and it was officially opened in May, 1962. The intention was that Scouts from New York City, Jersey City and Newark would take the train to Peapack-Gladstone on Friday evening and hike to Schiff Scout Reservation, now called the Schiff Nature Preserve, arriving in time for dinner. After camping overnight at Schiff, the Scouts would then hike to Jockey Hollow the next day and set up camp in the Grand Parade. Sunday morning the Scouts would hike to Washington’s Headquarters at the Ford Mansion, tour the mansion and return home by train in time for dinner. The Historic Trail Hike was later revised and reduced to a 10 mile hike within the National Park itself as the course of the original hike became more populated and sections of the hike became private property. Click the link below for the trail guide for Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts.
The Jockey Hollow Trail for Scouts BSA
Upon completion of your hike, bring, mail or email the completed essays, Revolutionary History Hunt, Medal Order Form stamped by the National Park Service at Jockey Hollow AND the Ford Mansion, and Program Evaluation to the Patriots’ Path Council Service Center to purchase Jockey Hollow Trail medals for $10 each.
A 5-mile Cub Scout hike was also developed to allow Cub Scouts to explore local history. Click the link below for the trail guide for Cub Scouts.
The Jockey Hollow Trail for Cub Scouts
Upon completion of your hike, bring, mail or email your completed Hiking Guide that has been stamped by the National Park Service to Patriots’ Path Council Service Center to purchase Jockey Hollow Trail Cub Scout patches for $3 apiece.
National Park Service
Contact the National Park Service Rangers to schedule your visit to Jockey Hollow Park at 973-539-2016, ext. 210.
More information
For more information about the Jockey Hollow Historic Trail Hike, please contact:
Ryan Palmer, 973-765-9322, ext. 261 or [email protected].
Need camping accommodations?
- Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation or Winnebago Scout Reservation are the best choices; about 30-minute drive from Jockey Hollow. Camp reservations: To do electronically go to ppcbsa.org/camping , look for weekend camping. If you need assistance contact the Camping Department at (973) 765-9322, ext. 225 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Lewis Morris Group Campsites are available through Morris County Park Commission for Scouts and other organized groups only. Reservations: (973) 326-7631. There are three sites accommodating 40 people each; platforms for tents, fire ring, tables at each site; communal water pump and port-a-john. Call for availability.
- Watchung Reservation in New Providence and Berkeley Heights has a designated Scout area with campsites, amphitheater and fire ring. Reservations: 908-527-4900, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Schiff Nature Preserve in Mendham was dedicated by the BSA as Schiff Scout Reservation in 1933 and served the BSA for nearly 50 years. It was the BSA National Training Camp and served as the Boy Scouts’ Service Camp for the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair. Schiff Scout Reservation was part of the original 17-mile Jockey Hollow Historic Hike developed in 1960. Now owned by The Schiff Natural Lands Trust, it has maintained ties to Scouting through Eagle Scout projects, conservation programs and camping. If you are interested in overnight camping, please contact [email protected].
In the Spring of 1780, after a long, harsh winter encampment in Morristown NJ, General Washington’s army remained in Jockey Hollow. On June 7, 1780, Hessian General Wilhelm von Knyphausen and the British garrison in New York City attempted to reach the Continental Army’s base in Morristown but were held back by the Continental Army’s Jersey Brigade and companies of the New Jersey Militia in the Battle of Connecticut Farms (now called Union Township). On June 23, 1780, General von Knyphausen made a second attempt to reach Morristown in what would become known as “The Forgotten Victory of Springfield” and the last major battle of the American Revolution in New Jersey.
Over the years there have been seven versions of the Victory Trail hike and medal spanning the three BSA councils in which the territory has belonged –Union County Council, Watchung Area Council, Patriots’ Path Council. The Victory Trail was officially rededicated on November 12, 2011.
On February 7, 2012, Mark Hurwitz and his family of Springfield accepted a commemorative Victory Trail Plaque in honor of their deceased father Murry Hurwitz. The recognition included a piece of the dedication ribbon, two commemorative patches –one from the Boy Scouts of America the other from Liberty Hall and a Victory Trail Medal. All of the medals were numbered – the Hurwitz family was given 11-76 which commemorates 1976 the year Murry Hurwitz founded Scouting’s participation in the Victory Trail hike and 2011 the year the Victory Trail was re-started after several years of disuse as a Scouting program. Mark is a past national commander of the Brigade of the Revolution – a national historic reenactment organization and is currently a member of the Patriots’ Path Council Executive Board.
The Victory Trail 13 mile Hike for Scouts
Hike this historic 13 mile urban trail from Elizabeth, NJ to Springfield, NJ. The route follows the British advance into New Jersey that was stopped at the Battle of Springfield. The sites below are listed in the order in which you will see them on your historic hike from Elizabeth to Springfield. All are open to the public. Take a few minutes before your hike to contact them and arrange a visit while your troop or crew is hiking The Victory Trail.
Boxwood Hall has a very rich history that connects it with an early mayor of Elizabethtown, a President of the Continental Congress, the first President of the United States, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and three signers of the United States Constitution. Boxwood Hall is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark property. Boxwood Hall is open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am to noon & 1 pm to 5 pm and will open for Scouts on Saturdays upon advanced request, staff availability permitting. Visitors should call ahead to confirm hours and availability of a guide. Admission is free. (908) 282-7617
The Caldwell Parsonage was the home of Reverend James Caldwell, a Presbyterian minister and active supporter of the patriot cause during the war for independence. The original parsonage was built in the 1730’s and was burned in 1780 by loyalists. Later that year Caldwell’s wife Hannah was killed in the house by British soldiers during the Battle of Connecticut Farms. Caldwell was shot a year later by an American sentry a year later. (908) 687-7977.
During the Battle of Springfield, the town was essentially burned to the ground, leaving only four houses standing when the smoke cleared and the fighting was over. Of the four remaining houses, one was demolished in the 1970’s and two are privately owned. The Cannonball House is open to the public. (973) 376-4784.
Reverend James Caldwell was the pastor of Springfield Presbyterian Church. During the Battle of Springfield, Caldwell took Watt’s Hymnals from the church for the American soldiers to use as wadding for their guns. (973) 379-4320.
Click the link below for the trail guide for Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts.
The Victory Trail Historic Hike for Scouts BSA
Upon completion of your hike, bring, mail or email the completed questionnaires, Medal Order Form, and Program Evaluation to the Patriots’ Path Council Service Center to purchase Victory Trail Historic Hike medals for $10 apiece
The Victory Trail Walking Tour for Cub Scouts
The 5 mile Cub Scout Walking Tour follows a portion of the 13 mile urban trail. Click the link below for the trail guide for Cub Scouts. Take a few minutes before your hike to contact them and arrange a visit while your den or is hiking The Victory Trail.
The sites below are listed in the order in which you will see them on your historic hike from Elizabeth to Union. All are open to the public. Take a few minutes before your hike to contact them and arrange a visit while your troop or crew is hiking The Victory Trail.
Boxwood Hall has a very rich history that connects it with an early mayor of Elizabethtown, a President of the Continental Congress, the first President of the United States, the first Secretary of the Treasury, and three signers of the United States Constitution. Boxwood Hall is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark property. Boxwood Hall is open to the public Monday-Friday 9am to noon & 1 pm to 5 pm and will open for Scouts on Saturdays upon advanced request, staff availability permitting. Visitors should call ahead to confirm hours and availability of a guide. Admission is free. (908) 282-7617
Liberty Hall was originally a 14-room house built in 1772. Today it is a 50-room mansion that has served as a home to both the Livingston and Kean families. Historical figures, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Martha Washington, Lewis Morris and more have all visited. (908) 527-0400.
Click the link below for the trail guide for Cub Scouts.
The Victory Trail Historic Hike for Cub Scouts
Upon completion of your hike, bring, mail or email the completed questionnaire, Medal Order Form, and Program Evaluation to the Patriots’ Path Council Service Center to purchase Victory Trail Walking Tour medals for $10 apiece.
More Information:
For more information about the Victory Trail, please contact:
Ryan Palmer, 973-765-9322, ext. 261 or [email protected].
Need camping accommodations?
- Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation or Winnebago Scout Reservation are the best choices; about 30-minute drive from Jockey Hollow. Camp reservations: To do electronically go to ppcbsa.org/camping, look for weekend camping. If you need assistance contact the Camping Department at (973) 765-9322, ext. 222, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Lewis Morris Group Campsites are available through Morris County Park Commission for Scouts and other organized groups only. Reservations: (973) 326-7631. There are three sites accommodating 40 people each; platforms for tents, fire ring, tables at each site; communal water pump and port-a-john. Call for availability.
- Watchung Reservation in New Providence and Berkeley Heights has a designated Scout area with campsites, amphitheater and fire ring. Reservations: 908-527-4900, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Schiff Nature Preserve in Mendham was dedicated by the BSA as Schiff Scout Reservation in 1933 and served the BSA for nearly 50 years. It was the BSA National Training Camp and served as the Boy Scouts’ Service Camp for the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair. Schiff Scout Reservation was part of the original 17-mile Jockey Hollow Historic Hike developed in 1960. Now owned by The Schiff Natural Lands Trust, it has maintained ties to Scouting through Eagle Scout projects, conservation programs and camping. If you are interested in overnight camping, please contact [email protected].
Did you know that both Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation and Winnebago Scout Reservation were both sites of early industry before becoming the camping homes of Patriots’ Path Council Scouts?
Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation in Stanhope, NJ is home to Camp Somers Scouts BSA Resident Camp and Camp Wheeler Cub Scout Day Camp and was once the site of several mills and Frenche’s Acid Works. Come spend the weekend camping or spend the day hiking around Frenche’s Pond, view both Camp Somers and Camp Wheeler and learn about the unique history of the area before Scouts arrived.
Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Assistant Ranger Tom Stoddard has developed 2 historic hikes, one for Cub Scouts and one for Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts, and a Challenge Trail for Scouts BSA and Venture Scouts.
The Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Historic Hike for Cub Scouts is a 2.5 mile hike that allows you to provide a program activity while camping at Camp Somers or Camp Wheeler. The hike can also be done as a day trip. Click the link below for the trail guide for Cub Scouts.
Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Historic Hike for Cub Scouts Leader’s Guide
Packs or dens planning a hike at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation must make arrangements for the visit prior to arriving in camp. If you would like to purchase the Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Historic Hike Patch at the completion of your hike for $3 apiece, please visit the Camp Office.
The Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Historic Hike for Scouts BSA takes your Scouts on a 4 mile hike through camp and into the community of Stanhope. Click the link below for the trail guide for Scouts BSA.
Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Historic Hike for Scouts BSA Leader’s Guide
Troops, crews or patrols planning a planning a hike at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation must make arrangements for the visit prior to arriving in camp. If you would like to purchase the Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Historic Trail Patch at the completion of your hike for $3 apiece, please visit the Camp Office.
Scouts can challenge their skills on the Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Challenge Trail. Test your knowledge of map symbols, a compass, pacing, knots, lashings and more. Click the link below for the Challenge Trail Leader’s Guide.
Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Challenge Trail Leader’s Guide
Troops, crews or patrols planning a planning a hike at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation must make arrangements for the visit prior to arriving in camp, please call the camp office at 973-765-9322, ext. 414. If you would.
For more information about Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation Historic Trails, please contact:
Ryan Palmer, 973-765-9322, ext 261 or [email protected].
To make a reservation at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation for your hike, please contact Matt CastleMan at 973-765-9322 ext 414.
Did you know that both Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation and Winnebago Scout Reservation were both sites of early industry before becoming the camping homes of Patriots’ Path Council Scouts? Cub Scouts can visit Winnebago Scout Reservation in beautiful Rockaway, NJ to hike through camp and practice Scout skills. They will learn about a building moved from Linden, NJ in 1963, the lumber trade, an iron forge that once operated on our property and how Scouting found a home in the town of Marcella in the 1940’s.
Winnebago Scout Reservation Historic Trail for Cub Scouts
Packs or dens planning a hike at Winnebago Scout Reservation must make arrangements for the visit prior to arriving in camp, Stephanie Lafontaine can be reached at 973-765-9322, ext. 225 or emailing at [email protected] for camp reservations.
If you would like to purchase the Winnebago Scout Reservation Historic Hike Patch at the completion of your hike for $3 apiece, please visit the Camp Office or call 973-765-9322 ext. 415.
Scouts BSA troops and Venturing crews can plan a day trip or a weekend at Winnebago Scout Reservation to hike any one of the four trails that start in camp and leave the property to explore historic Hibernia and Rockaway. Ranging in length from 8.5 miles to 19.8 miles, these hikes offer Scouts the opportunity to explore as well as complete hiking requirements for ranks and the Hiking merit badge. The West Tour can be completed as a bike tour.
Winnebago Scout Reservation Historic Trail East Tour (10 miles)
Winnebago Scout Reservation Historic Trail-North-Trail (14.5 miles)
Winnebago Scout Reservation Historic Trail South Tour (8.5 one-way or 17.5 miles round trip)
Winnebago Scout Reservation Historic Trail West Tour (14 miles with optional 5.8 mile spur)
Troops or crews planning a hike at Winnebago Scout Reservation must make arrangements for the visit prior to arriving in camp, please call the Camp Office at 973-765-9322 ext. 415. The Camping Department can be reached at 973-765-9322, ext. 225 for camp reservations.
If you would like to purchase the Winnebago Scout Reservation Historic Trail Patch at the completion of your hike for $3 each, please visit the Camp Office or call 973-765-9322 ext. 415.
For more information about The Winnebago Scout Reservation Historic Hikes, please contact Ryan Palmer, 973-765-9322, ext. 261 or [email protected].
Patriots’ Path Council’s Venturing program challenges you to hike and camp one night in every state along the Appalachian Trail. This program inspired by Troop 1776 is designed to encourage you to become a skilled backpacker. To claim credit for a state you must hike at least 5 miles, carrying food and shelter, and stay one night in a back country campsite along the trail in that state. After completing the first state you are qualified to wear the patch.
Venturing the Appalachian Trail
For more information about Venturing the Appalachian Trail, please contact;
Ryan Palmer, 973-765-9322, ext. 261 or [email protected].