A Nature Escape That’s Straight-Up Cinematic

Okay, New Jersey is gorgeous, actually.

If you need proof, let me introduce you to Watchung Reservation, a 2,000-acre paradise in Union County that’s got lush forests, peaceful lakes, and trails that make you feel like you just stepped into a Studio Ghibli film.

It’s got views for days, a wild backstory, and a literal deserted village (yes, really).

So whether you’re in it for the main character vibes, the history deep dive, or just some fresh air that doesn’t smell like the Parkway, Watchung is THAT binch.

THE HISTORY OF WATCHUNG RESERVATION

Before the Colonists: The Lenape & the Land

Long before Watchung became a weekend hiking hotspot, it belonged to the Lenni Lenape people, who called it "Wach Unks" ("high hills"). They used the land for hunting, gathering, and just living in nature until European settlers showed up in the 1600s and, well...you know how that story goes.

The Lenape had a deep, spiritual connection to this land. The forests, rivers, and valleys weren’t just resources, they were sacred. The Lenape saw themselves as caretakers of the land, not owners. They fished in the brooks, hunted deer in the woods, and grew crops like corn, beans, and squash (the Three Sisters).

Water was everything to the Lenape. The brooks and streams running through Watchung were lifelines. The Rahway River, which runs through Union County, connected different Lenape villages and served as a natural highway for travel and trade. Canoes were essential for navigating New Jersey’s dense woodlands.

Unlike the Europeans who would arrive later, the Lenape didn’t believe in land ownership the way we do today. The land was shared, not divided. Different Lenape groups moved seasonally, spending winters in well-built longhouses and summers in smaller camps closer to rivers and streams.

This balance kept the forests thriving and the rivers clean, with no one taking more than they needed. They lived in harmony with deer, foxes, bears, and eagles, treating nature with respect rather than dominance.

The Lenape they were a key part of a massive trade network. They traded furs, pottery, and tools with other Indigenous groups as far as the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. The trails they walked eventually became the same roads we drive today. In fact, parts of modern-day Route 22 and the Watchung Mountains' trails were originally Lenape footpaths. That’s right, next time you’re stuck in Jersey traffic, just know you’re driving on a 1,000-year-old Indigenous road system.

The Colonizers Arrive: Land Deals & Broken Promises

By the 1600s, Dutch and English settlers started creeping into Lenape land. At first, trade was mutually beneficial - the Lenape traded furs and food for metal tools, glass beads, and guns. But soon, the settlers wanted more than trade…they wanted the land itself.

The Dutch West India Company and later English colonists started buying Lenape land through shady “agreements” that the Lenape didn’t fully understand. In Lenape culture, land wasn’t something you could “own” or permanently give away - it was meant to be shared and cared for.

But to Europeans? A signed deal meant forever.

One major land deal that shaped Watchung’s history was the Elizabethtown Purchase of 1664, where English settlers claimed a massive stretch of land, including modern-day Union County. The Lenape, realizing too late what had happened, tried to push back. Some fought. Others moved west. But within a century, their presence in New Jersey had nearly vanished.

By the 1700s, most Lenape had been forced out, killed by disease, or pushed westward into Pennsylvania, Ohio, and eventually Oklahoma, where their descendants live today.

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR: WATCHUNG’S ROLE IN THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM

Fast-forward to the late 1700s, and Watchung became a key battleground in the American Revolution. If you’ve ever hiked these hills, you know they’re steep, rugged, and give you a full panoramic view of the land below.

That made them priceless during the war.

Washington’s Watchtower

George Washington knew this place was strategic AF.

The Watchung Mountains gave his army a bird’s-eye view of British troop movements in the valleys below. The Continental Army set up camp and lookouts in these hills, keeping tabs on the enemy’s movements between New York and New Jersey.

Washington himself often stayed in nearby towns like Scotch Plains and Morristown, using Watchung as a natural defensive barrier.

The British? Not fans.

They tried multiple times to break through, but Washington’s army held the high ground.

The Battle of the Short Hills (1777)

One of the biggest Revolutionary War clashes in Union County happened right near Watchung Reservation.

The Battle of the Short Hills (June 26, 1777) was a brutal, swampy, summer fight where Washington’s troops clashed with the British in what is now the Ash Brook Reservation area (right next to Watchung).

Even though the British technically won, Washington’s army managed to retreat safely into the Watchung Mountains, avoiding total destruction. It was part of his classic “hit-and-run” strategy that eventually led to America winning the war.

THE DESERTED VILLAGE: FELTVILLE’S FAILED ERA

Now, let’s talk about Feltville, aka the Deserted Village sitting right in the middle of Watchung. Back in 1845, businessman David Felt (who had the audacity to call himself "King David") built a little factory town here, complete with houses, a church, and a general store.

For a while, it was popping…until Felt peaced out and the whole place flopped harder than a bad reality show.

The village then tried to rebrand as a summer resort, but that didn’t stick either. By the early 1900s, it was officially abandoned, leaving behind creepy old buildings that look straight out of a horror movie.

Today, you can walk through the ruins, imagine what life was like, and maybe catch a ghost sighting (no promises).

WHAT TO DO: HIKES, LAKES & MAIN CHARACTER MOMENTS

🏞️ The Trails

Watchung has over 13 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to "why did I think this was a good idea" climbs. If you’re feeling ambitious, hit up the History Trail, a 6-mile loop that takes you through historic sites (including Feltville, because obviously).

🌊 Lake Surprise

First off, no, it’s not called that because of some cryptid sighting (tragic, I know). It was originally a dammed-up brook that turned into a serene, glassy lake that’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just staring at dramatically.

🦌 Wildlife Watching

Expect deer, turtles, birds, and maybe a very confused groundhog living its best life.

🎭 Trailside Nature & Science Center

Feeling nerdy? This place has interactive exhibits, cool facts about local wildlife, and a chance to flex your "I know things" energy on your friends.

SO, SHOULD YOU GO? (YES. OBVIOUSLY.)

If you love scenic hikes, rich history, and feeling like you’re in a cinematic masterpiece, Watchung Reservation is a must-visit.

• Looking for a peaceful escape? Boom, nature.

• History buff? The past is literally built into the trails.

• Just want an Instagram-worthy day? Babe, this place is a FILTER-FREE ZONE.

New Jersey might get a lot of jokes, but spots like this prove that our state is secretly top tier.

So go breathe in some fresh air, touch some grass, maybe smoke some, and get lost (in a good way).

Plan Your Visit

For Watchung Reservation in general:

📍 Watchung Reservation – Union County, NJ

For Feltville / The Deserted Village specifically:

📍 Deserted Village of Feltville – Cataract Hollow Rd, Berkeley Heights, NJ

Parking is available near the village, and there are trailheads that connect it to the rest of Watchung Reservation.

You can also find info signs and some restored buildings if you want the historical deep dive while you're there.

Best Trails

History Trail, Sierra Trail, Lake Surprise Loop

Best Time to Visit

Fall for the foliage, but honestly? It’s a stunner year-round.

📸 Tag @NJRadar when you go (because if you don’t post it, did it even happen?)

📲 Download our app for exclusive scenic locations and hidden hiking gems - because the best views aren’t always on the main trail!