Rocky Point Loop

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. Some can be seen along the hike.

Most trails in Hartshorne Woods Park (including the those that make up this hike) are open to hikers, joggers, bicyclists and equestrians, and are heavily used by bicyclists. 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 paved park service road. In about 100 feet, 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, soon approaching the Shrewsbury River. To the left of the trail, many trees have been downed by the strong winds from the ocean. About half a mile from the start, a short side trail to the left leads to a viewpoint over the river, with homes on the Sea Bright peninsula visible across the river.

After a short climb, the remains of two concrete Coast Watch Stations, dating back to World War II, may be seen to the right. The trail continues ahead, parallel to the river below to the left, reaching a paved service road in another third of a mile. To the left, the road leads in about 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 climbs a rise. At the top of the rise, you'll notice some ivy-covered trees to 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 Blackfish 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 crosses 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 on a switchback. At the top of the climb (marked by a huge fallen tree on the left), an unmarked side trail to the left leads in 500 feet to a viewpoint over the Navesink River, with the view partially obscured by the trees.

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 Army bunker. The trail now climbs to cross a small bridge, descends briefly, then continues to climb past remnants of an old chain-link fence. After ascending on switchbacks, the trail reaches yet another paved service road - this one marked by two concrete pillars to the left.

Cross the road, then immediately turn right onto a wide 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, following a sign for the Battery Loop, then bear right at the next fork to return to the parking area, which is just ahead.

If you have a little more time, you might also want to visit Battery Lewis - a large concrete fortification overlooking the ocean, built in 1942. To reach this interesting feature, continue ahead at the end of the parking area (blocked off by a log) and turn right onto a paved service road. The battery is a short distance ahead, to the left. After passing underneath this massive fortification, a short foot trail leads to the top of the battery, which offers a panoramic east-facing view.