Chester Township · Morris County
Visiting & Lodging
Chester Township is the rural, outdoor side of the Chester experience: preserved forests, trout streams, hiking trails, athletic parks, a working 19th-century gristmill, orchards, farm markets, cider and broad stretches of western Morris County countryside.
It is best explored by car, with individual stops spread across roughly 29 square miles. For a walkable historic downtown, concentrated shopping and the Chester area's in-village hotel, use the separate Chester Borough guide.
Chester Township — Farms, preserved land, historic sites and outdoor recreation surround the compact Chester Borough village.
Township and Borough are separate visitor destinations. Chester Township surrounds Chester Borough and both use Chester, NJ 07930 mailing addresses. This guide focuses on attractions physically in the Township or clearly identified as nearby excursions. Historic Main Street, the Borough shopping district and Publick House Hotel are in Chester Borough.
Why Visit Chester Township?
Cooper GristmillA restored 1826 water-powered mill along the Black River with guided demonstrations, local-history interpretation and trail access.
Parks & PreservesChubb Park, Evans Family Forest Preserve, MacGregor Preserve, Tiger Brook Park and Highlands Ridge Park provide recreation and miles of trails.
Farms & OrchardsAlstede Farms, Riamede Farm and Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill make agritourism a defining part of the Township visitor experience.
Patriots' Path & Black RiverRegional trail connections and the Black River corridor tie the Township into a much larger Morris County outdoor network.
Four-Season VisitsSpring hiking, summer farm activity, fall apples and cider, winter scenery, sledding and occasional safe-ice skating create reasons to return throughout the year.
Rural Morris CountyCountry roads, wooded terrain, farm fields and preserved open space make the Township feel very different from more developed eastern Morris County communities.
Cooper Gristmill
66 Route 24 · Chester TownshipCooper Gristmill is one of the Township's signature destinations. Morris County Park Commission identifies the 1826 mill as the only restored water-powered mill in New Jersey and lists the property on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
2026 Visitor SeasonThe current season runs April 1 through October 31. Public hours are Friday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with holiday closures and special-program exceptions.
General AdmissionMorris County currently lists general admission at $5 per person. Admission includes a guided tour, machinery demonstration and history exhibition.
See the Mill WorkCostumed interpreters demonstrate the restored machinery and explain how Black River water powered shafts, gears and massive millstones.
Trail ConnectionA Patriots' Path trailhead behind the mill connects into the broader Black River park network. Hiking the trail system is free.
PhotographyPersonal-use photography is permitted when it does not interfere with other visitors. Commercial photography requires separate permission.
PetsDogs must remain on a leash on permitted outdoor areas; pets are not allowed inside the historic buildings.
Cooper Gristmill Visitor Information
Township Parks & Preserves
Route 24
Chubb Park
The Township's busy 85-acre recreation park includes athletic fields, tennis courts, playground, pond, sledding hill, veterans and 9/11 memorials, a quarter-mile walking path and Patriots' Path access. Winter ice skating is allowed only when the Township has posted that pond ice is safe.
Willow Drive / South Road
Evans Family Forest Preserve
A 110-acre primarily wooded preserve crossed by Ayers Brook. Chester Township describes about seven miles of marked trails that can be combined for easy through more strenuous hikes. Limited trailhead parking makes advance planning worthwhile.
Old Chester-Gladstone Road
MacGregor Preserve
Nearly 160 wooded acres with Peapack Brook and trail connections into adjacent Tiger Brook Park. Together the two preserved properties create roughly 430 contiguous acres of open space.
Cooper Lane
Tiger Brook Park
A 270-acre preserve with forest, hiking trails, a 10-acre reservoir, fishing and a Scout camping area. The public parking lot provides access to the preserve's service road and trail system.
Adjacent to Evans Preserve
Highlands Ridge Park
The 113-acre former telecommunications test property—locally associated with the historic "Telephone Pole Farm"—connects with Evans Family Forest Preserve and the Township's wider preserved-land system.
North Road
Black River Fields
Major Township athletic-field complex supporting organized recreation. It sits near the Chester Area Pool and broader Black River/open-space landscape.
Fall and winter trail planning: Chester Township and Morris County use selected preserved lands for deer management. Hunting schedules and temporary trail closures can change by season and property. Check current posted notices before entering preserves during hunting periods.
Chester Township Parks
Farms, Orchards & Seasonal Stops
Agritourism is a major part of Chester Township's identity. These destinations are especially popular during harvest season, when traffic, parking demand and crop availability can change quickly.
1 Alstede Farms Lane
Alstede Farms
Large year-round farm market and seasonal visitor destination with homegrown produce, pick-your-own crops, bakery items, cider donuts, prepared foods and rotating farm activities.
122 Oakdale Road
Riamede Farm
Historic orchard and farm store known for apple season, fall picking, pumpkins, cider donuts, local foods and a traditional orchard setting. The farm's 2026 apple-picking season begins August 29.
104 State Park Road
Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill
Seasonal seventh-generation farm destination known for fresh apple cider, cider donuts, pies, baked goods and fall farm-market activity.
2026 Morris County Farm Trail Passport: Morris County launched its Farm Trail Passport program in August 2026, connecting farms, farm markets, orchards and other agricultural destinations across the county. Riamede Farm in Chester Township hosted the launch.
Farm hours, pick-your-own crops, admission structures, reservation policies and seasonal activities can change with weather and harvest conditions. Confirm same-day details before traveling for a particular crop or event.
A Chester Township Day Trip
Begin at Cooper GristmillStart with Chester's industrial history and the Black River. On open days, take the guided mill tour before exploring the surrounding trailhead.
Choose a Park or PreserveUse Chubb Park for easy recreation or select Evans, MacGregor/Tiger Brook or Highlands Ridge for a more trail-focused visit.
Stop for LunchUse the Township Food & Drink guide for Bill's Luncheonette, Old Mill Tavern or farm-market food—or drive into Chester Borough for the larger restaurant district.
Visit a FarmChoose Alstede for a broad farm experience, Riamede for orchard character or Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill for a seasonal cider-and-bakery stop.
Add a Scenic DriveConnect the day's stops over Township roads rather than trying to park once; the attractions are distributed across a large rural municipality.
Finish in Chester BoroughIf you want evening shopping, more restaurant choices or an overnight stay, the compact historic Borough is surrounded by the Township and makes a natural final stop.
Nearby Outdoor Excursion: Hacklebarney State Park
Hacklebarney State Park is a major outdoor destination immediately associated with the greater Chester/Long Valley area. The official park address is 119 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853, so NJTGO treats it as a nearby excursion rather than a Chester Township business or lodging listing.
Black River GorgeRocky river scenery, hemlock-lined ravines and tributary streams create one of the area's best-known natural landscapes.
Five Miles of TrailsNine hiking trails cross the northern part of the natural area. Terrain can be rugged, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Sunrise to SunsetNJDEP currently lists the park as open daily from sunrise to sunset with no entrance fee.
Fishing & WildlifeThe river corridor supports fishing, birding and wildlife viewing. Bikes are not permitted on the hiking trails.
Hacklebarney State Park
Swimming & Camping: Know Before You Go
Chester Area PoolThe pool at 137 North Road sits in the Township landscape but is administered by Chester Borough. It is membership-based; the 2026 program does not offer general-public day passes.
No Public Campground VerifiedNJTGO did not find a conventional public campground operating within Chester Township. Do not assume that preserved open space permits overnight camping.
Scout Camping Is DifferentTiger Brook Park includes a Scout camping area, but that should not be treated as an ordinary public campground or casual overnight campsite.
Preserve Rules ApplyOpen fires, motorized vehicles and general camping are prohibited in some Township preserves, including Evans Family Forest Preserve. Follow the rules posted for the specific property.
Where to Stay
Township lodging reality: Chester Township has short-term vacation-rental inventory, but NJTGO did not verify a conventional hotel, motel, inn or bed-and-breakfast physically inside the Township. The closest established lodging choices are in Chester Borough and nearby communities.
Publick House Hotel
Chester Borough · Closest in-village hotel
111 Main Street
Chester, NJ 07930
908-955-7911
Historic all-suites boutique hotel on Main Street with on-site dining. This is the strongest choice for visitors who want to combine Township farms and parks with a walkable Chester Borough evening.
Neighbour House Bed & Breakfast
Long Valley / Washington Township
143 West Mill Road
Long Valley, NJ 07853
908-876-3519
Small historic country B&B west of Chester, suited to travelers looking for a quieter rural overnight setting.
Quality Inn Hackettstown - Long Valley
Hackettstown / Route 57 area
1925 Route 57
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
908-441-8041
Conventional limited-service hotel west of Chester with highway access, parking and basic traveler amenities.
Days Inn by Wyndham Budd Lake
Budd Lake / Mount Olive
138 Route 46 West
Budd Lake, NJ 07828
973-426-0800
Budget-oriented hotel north of Chester near Route 46 and I-80, useful for travelers approaching from the interstate corridor.
Standard NJTGO lodging listings do not include external commercial website or booking links. Rates, availability, check-in policies, accessibility, amenities and cancellation terms can change; confirm directly with the property before booking. Short-term rentals are not individually listed because availability and exact locations change frequently.
Getting Around Chester Township
Plan to DriveThe Township covers about 29 square miles and attractions are spread among rural roads, farms, parks and preserves. This is not a park-once destination.
U.S. Route 206The major north-south corridor connects the Chester area with Flanders/Mount Olive to the north and Somerset County communities to the south.
Route 24Principal east-west route through the Chester area. Cooper Gristmill, Chubb Park and other Township destinations are reached from or near this corridor.
No Passenger Rail StationChester Township has no NJ TRANSIT passenger rail station. Most visitors arrive by car.
Small Trailhead LotsSome preserves have only a handful of parking spaces. Never block gates, road shoulders, driveways or emergency access.
Fall TrafficApple, pumpkin and cider weekends can produce heavy local traffic. Build extra time into an autumn itinerary.
Visitor Tips
Check the MunicipalityA Chester mailing address does not tell you whether a destination is in the Township or Borough. NJTGO keeps the two guides separate for that reason.
Check Trail ConditionsRain, snow, downed trees, hunting programs and seasonal maintenance can affect access. Review current notices before a long hike.
Bring Proper FootwearPreserve trails can be rocky, wet, uneven or steep. Rural trail systems are very different from a paved downtown walk.
Watch the Farm CalendarPick-your-own seasons and weekend activities depend on crop conditions and may require tickets or timed entry.
Expect WildlifeDeer, black bears and other wildlife are part of the Township landscape. Keep food secured and follow posted park guidance.
Pair Township + BoroughThe strongest Chester day combines Township history, farms and nature with Borough shopping and dining, while keeping the municipal distinction clear.
Visitor & Lodging Advertising Opportunities
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