Indian Rock is located on Allamuchy Pond Trail along the Westshore of Allamuchy Pond in Allamuchy Mountain State Park.  Before beginning the stories about Indian Rock, let me give you some basic background info.

LOCATION & PHYSICAL INFO:  Originally it was located on the old road leading from Allamuchy to Wiretown, (now known as Panther Valley).  Indian Rock was between the road and Allamuchy Pond.  Looking at our Photo of the Week, the present day Allamuchy Pond Trail facing north, was the old road, AND, that is the closest point the roadway came to the pond’s west shoreline.  (Note: walking the trail, you will notice remnants of asphalt mixed with the dirt path – looking closely, you may notice small remnants of the metal guidewire used as a guard rail along the pond side of the trail) 

Now turn your attention to the second photo, titled Philip Hoffman Stone, this is the image you would see facing south along the trail/road and it also shows, the closeness of the rock to both the road and the pond.  Here the roadway is about 8 feet above the pond’s shoreline, and the rock literally goes to the water’s edge!  (You go down one side of the rock and come up on the other side – Your feet are going to be wet!!)  While we are talking location, the easiest way to Indian Rock is to turn off CR 517 into the main entrance for Rutherfurd Hall & Mountain Villa School, then make your first right turn, there is signage, and proceed to a small parking area, walk straight down the trail along the pond and roadway you will come to Indian Rock. 

The History of Indian Rock is colorful and fun to relate, however, I have not seen any definite evidence, so far!  What we know has been passed down through time orally.  The following information concerning both stories comes from an excellent printed booklet titled “History of Allamuchy Township, Warren County, NJ – 100^th Anniversary 1873-1973” by Helen R. Johnson.  Helen Johnson was a long-time resident, teacher at Allamuchy School and our Town’s Historian.  I know I would have enjoyed talking with her.

Page 16, THE INDIAN ROCK

      “The Indian Rock, used as the cover of the Allamuchy History, was located along the old road leading from Allamuchy to Wiretown, now known as Panther Valley.  It is found near Allamuchy Pond and as long as that road was used the Indian head was kept painted as a reminder of its historical importance.

      “During the Revolutionary War, when this area was a part of Independence Township, William Burgoyne’s Army had been captured near Saratoga, NY.  Sir Henry Clinton was hurrying troops to their aid.  In order to prevent this aid from reaching them the prisoners were being hurried through New York State and New Jersey enroute to their destination in Virginia.  As they were passing Allamuchy Pond a prisoner named Philip Hoffman is said to have stepped behind this particular rock.  He was not missed by the guard.  He found himself among total strangers but settled down and spent the remainder of his life in this area having died a few miles from Hackettstown.”

NOTE & OBSERVATION:  CR 517 was realigned, I am guessing, in the mid fifties to sixties, so Indian Rock became out of sight and probably out of mind for quite a spell.  Allamuchy Pond Trail was put in about 2004.  Allamuchy Mountain State Park partnered with Allamuchy Township on this project.  Allamuchy had received several generous donations from MR & MRS. Erivan and Helga Haub (owners of the A&P Food Chain and worldwide Philanthropists) for the Township’s efforts in promoting Open Space, some of this funding was used for clearing of the two and one half mile trail, special metal trail markers with a picture of Rutherfurd Hall along with the trail and park’s name and the creation of a new entry road to Allamuchy Pond by re-clearing the rite of way for the old county road referred to above from the new entrance road to Rutherfurd Hall and the School.  When Indian Rock was rediscovered there was no paint noticeable!

Repeating myself here, we live in a great area!!  Rich in Culture, History and all amid some wonderful Natural areas and Parks.  I included the other photos telling about the Revolutionary War times in this area just to advise that our Indian Rock lore could have happened along with tossing out some hints for you to keep an eye out for these signs, really quite special and interesting!

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran

Director Open Space
Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman
Allamuchy Historical Society – President