Facility Overview
The Fort Nonsense Parking Area serves visitors to the historic Fort Nonsense unit of Morristown National Historical Park in Morristown, New Jersey. Positioned atop a prominent hill overlooking the historic downtown core, this facility is a dedicated, open-air surface parking lot designed for park visitors, history enthusiasts, walkers, and sightseers. Because it is an open-sky surface lot with no overhead restrictions, vertical clearance is virtually unlimited, easily accommodating standard passenger sedans, crossover SUVs, pickup trucks, and high-roof recreation vans. Marked bays offer orderly parking with straightforward turnaround areas, making entry and egress hassle-free.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Fort Nonsense is renowned for its strategic role during the American Revolutionary War when George Washington ordered the construction of a hilltop redoubt in 1777 to protect retreat routes and signal fires. Today, parking here provides immediate access to scenic vistas and historic landmarks:
- Fort Nonsense Overlook & Earthworks: Steps from your vehicle, offering sweeping panoramic views of downtown Morristown and the surrounding Morris County hills, complete with interpretive signs and historical monuments.
- Morristown Green: The historic downtown center, rich with boutique shopping, cafes, and restaurants, is located just a short 10- to 15-minute walk downhill (approx. 0.6 miles) or a 3-minute drive.
- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC): Situated less than 1 mile away on South Street, hosting concerts, theater productions, and live performances.
- Ford Mansion & Washington\'s Headquarters Museum: Located roughly 1.5 miles northeast, forming the central museum complex of Morristown National Historical Park.
- Jockey Hollow: Located approximately 4 miles southwest, featuring extensive hiking trails and reconstructed soldier huts.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Vehicle access to Fort Nonsense is primarily via Chestnut Street, leading up the scenic winding ridge to the parking turnaround. Roads leading up the hill are paved but narrow and residential, requiring careful driving. For regional travel, the site is conveniently accessed via Route 202 (Mount Kemble Avenue), Route 124, and Interstate 287 (Exits 35 or 36). Commuters and rail travelers will find the Morristown NJ TRANSIT Train Station (Morris & Essex Line) just over 1 mile away, connecting directly to Newark Broad Street and New York Penn Station.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air paved surface parking with marked parking bays
- No height clearance restrictions (unobstructed open sky)
- Designated accessible (ADA) parking spaces close to trailheads and scenic viewing platforms
- Direct access to walking paths, interpretive signage, and historical earthworks
- Benches and scenic overlook perches with panoramic views
- Complimentary public parking provided during regular park operating hours
Ideal For
- History buffs and national park travelers touring Morristown National Historical Park sites
- Walkers, dog walkers (on leash), and casual hikers seeking peaceful outdoor recreation
- Photographers capturing panoramic sunrise, midday, or twilight views over Morristown
- Visitors seeking free, short-term parking before strolling down into the vibrant town green
Visitor & Driver Tips
Fort Nonsense is day-use only, generally open from 8:00 AM until sunset; vehicle gates may be locked outside official park operational hours, so be sure to note posted closing times upon arrival to avoid being locked in. Space is limited compared to downtown garages, so arriving earlier in the day on pleasant spring and autumn weekends is highly recommended. The access roadway up Chestnut Street has a moderate incline—use caution during winter conditions when snow or ice may be present on the grade.
