New Jersey is home to a multitude of magnificent historic parks, from Morristown National Historic Park (George Washington's 1780 encampment site) to Wharton State Forest (home to the historic Batsto Village, Atsion Village, AND Harrisville Village). We're also home to a smaller (yet still significant) historic park, hidden under a highway. I must have driven over it dozens of times before I discovered this little gem...

If you've ever driven down Route 4, perhaps on your way to the Garden State Plaza or New York City, you've probably passed over Easton Tower.

Easton Tower is located in a lovely little park with a small parking area and accessible via the Saddle River Bikeway. If you're an avid biker, you'll absolutely want to take this trail that follows the Saddle River, beginning in Saddle River County Park.

The entire bike path is beautiful (also walkable) but Easton Tower is one of the most significant sites along the route.

It was built in 1899 and was originally used as the housing for a water pump on the estate of businessman Edward D. Easton. He was the founder of what would later become Columbia Records.

The estate spanned 48 acres and needed quite the irrigation system to accommodate its fountains. There were also rustic bridges, lakes, and expansive lawns. The tower was a favorite among photographers and appears in many postcards of the era.

Though it is a picturesque place, some believe the site is haunted. They claim that a woman either jumped or fell to her death from the top of the tower. The tower is just 20 feet tall but it's not an impossibility...

After Edward Easton died, the property was passed around and eventually fell into disrepair. In 1956, the tower and surrounding land were purchased by Bergen County. Easton Tower was placed on the State and National Register of Historic Places and in 2008 was completely restored.

The tower and trail are reason enough to visit but the site also has Revolutionary-era significance.

Before Easton Tower was built, the property housed a striking grist mill built in 1745. It was the site of several skirmishes and hosted General George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Aaron Burr. A functional wool mill for more than a century, it was also a training ground for the local militia. How fascinating!

Sound fun? It sure does to me. I can't wait to hike and/or bike this park! You can find Easton Tower and the historic Red Mill park along Red Mill Road (off the Paramus Road exit on Route 4) in Paramus. The park closes 1/2 hour after sunset.