The Deserted Village of Feltville (A Time Capsule in the Watchung Reservation)
Photo Courtesy: Union County
Is there a place in New Jersey where history sits quietly under tall trees, and you can walk through it without a crowd? The Deserted Village of Feltville feels like that kind of place. Tucked inside the Watchung Reservation, it is calm, a little eerie in the best way, and full of stories.
This guide lays out what you will find, a simple walking route, and nearby NJ hidden gems to pair with your visit. Expect to view most buildings from the outside, with two restored spaces sometimes open for programs.
Feltville at a glance: the Deserted Village inside Watchung Reservation
The Deserted Village sits in a shady pocket of the Watchung Reservation in Berkeley Heights. Picture a short lane with old worker houses, a church with a store attached, a carriage house, Masker’s Barn, and the quiet flow of Blue Brook nearby. Everything feels close together, which makes it easy to explore.
Officially, it is the Feltville Historic District inside a large county park. The village began in 1845 as a company mill town. David Felt, a New York printer, built a factory and a planned village here. At its peak, around 175 people lived and worked along Blue Brook. After 1860, things slowed. New owners could not keep the mill going. By the 1880s, the site turned into Glenside Park, a summer resort that lasted until 1916. In the 1920s, Union County added the area to the Watchung Reservation.
Why does it feel like a time capsule? The layout survives, several buildings still stand, and the setting has stayed simple. You can walk the lane, see the church/store, pass the cottage row, and imagine a workday in the 1850s or a summer day in the 1890s. It is usually uncrowded, great for a short historic walk, and easy to pair with nearby trails.
The short backstory: from mill town to summer resort to preserved site
David Felt bought roughly 760 acres in 1845 and built a printing factory on Blue Brook. A small company village grew around it, with worker housing, a church, a store, and a barn. The town thrived until Felt retired in 1860. After that, industry failed to stick, and families moved away. In 1882, investors launched Glenside Park, a mountain resort that drew city visitors with cool air and green views. By 1916, beach travel won out, and the resort closed. In the 1920s the county folded the land into the Watchung Reservation. Today the site is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
Why it feels like a time capsule today
What survives is rare for such a small site: eight houses, a church, a carriage house, and a general store, though some are fragile and remain closed. The church/store and Masker’s Barn have been restored. When staffed for programs, both offer accessible entrances and restrooms. Preservation teams are also working to protect unique cottage murals inside one of the houses. Add quiet streets, soft forest light, and traces of old stone foundations along Blue Brook, and you get a place that feels paused in time. Plan for outdoor viewing and treat the site with care.
Who will love this hidden NJ spot
- History fans who enjoy early industry, mills, and planned villages
- Hikers looking for an easy add-on loop before or after a longer trail
- Families who want a free, low-stress, educational walk
- Photographers who love moody scenes under big trees
Parking is simple, the walk is gentle, and the crowds are light. Pair it with a nearby trail or a small museum for a full day without the rush.
The story of David Felt and his village
History here reads like a short novel. David Felt ran a successful printing business. He wanted a steady water source, a quiet site, and enough room to build housing for workers. Blue Brook gave him all of that. He set up a small community so families could live close to steady work, school, and church. It worked for a time. Then markets shifted, leadership changed, and the village had to reinvent itself. That cycle, success then retreat, is part of the larger Watchung Reservation history.
Building a company town on Blue Brook in 1845
Felt chose Blue Brook for its water power and distance from crowded city streets. He built a printing factory and a planned village: worker houses, a church with meeting space, a general store for daily needs, and a barn. At the peak, about 175 people lived here. The brook had seen work even earlier, with sawmill use in the 1700s. The land has been producing and supporting families for a long time.
After 1860: decline, Glenside Park, and quiet years
When Felt retired in 1860, the factory passed to others, but business did not hold. People moved away, and the village fell still. In 1882, Glenside Park opened as a mountain resort, selling fresh air and cool nights to summer visitors. Families rented cottages, walked the woods, and escaped city heat. By 1916, new travel trends favored beaches and road trips, and the resort shut down. The village slowly faded into the trees.
Protected in the 1920s, restored for visitors today
Union County added the site to the reservation in the 1920s. That single step kept the village from being lost to time. Today, it is the Feltville Historic District with protection at the state and national level. Two key buildings, the church/store and Masker’s Barn, have been restored for community use when open. As of November 2025, restoration continues with limited funding. Infrastructure improvements are in place, such as utilities under the ground, which support further work. House #7 is stabilized, work is ongoing at House #4, and plans to safeguard mural art are waiting for more funding. The result is a living site that still needs care but welcomes visitors daily.
Plan your visit: trails, buildings, and tips for exploring Feltville
This is a friendly stop for curious explorers. You can see a lot in an hour, or slow down and add a short hike. Here is how to make it easy.
When to go, what is open, and accessibility
- The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk.
- The church/store and Masker’s Barn are the most likely to open for programs, and both have accessible entrances and restrooms when staffed.
- Fall brings color, winter is peaceful, spring has wildflowers, and summer gives good shade.
- Check for special weekends, open houses, or family days before you go, since hours for building interiors vary.
Union County posts updates and event details; keep an eye on their channels. Their main page for the site is here: The Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park.
A simple walking route and must-see stops
Try this easy loop, about 30 to 60 minutes:
- Start near the church/store. Take a few minutes to read the interpretive sign and look at the facade.
- Walk past the line of cottages. Note the house shapes, additions, and repairs that signal many lives over many decades.
- Continue to Masker’s Barn. If open, step inside for exhibits or programs.
- Follow the path toward Blue Brook. Look for old stonework and traces of mill foundations.
- Head back through the lane, stopping at signs that explain each building.
Best photo spots:
- The church/store under the canopy of trees
- Cottage row with dappled light on porches
- Blue Brook crossings and stonework near the water
Stay on marked paths, respect closed doors, and give the buildings space.
Trail connections for nature plus history
Several Watchung Reservation trails pass near the village. If you want to add a little mileage:
- Link a gentle loop toward Lake Surprise, roughly 1 to 2 miles, for easy terrain and water views.
- Sample a segment of the Sierra Trail for a bit more variety without committing to a long route.
- Aim for 1 to 3 miles total if you are bringing kids or a mixed group.
Safety, respect, and photography tips
- Visit in daylight and watch for roots and uneven ground.
- Do not enter closed structures. Some interiors are fragile, and others are private.
- Do not touch murals, woodwork, or old stone.
- Keep voices low near homes to respect residents and wildlife.
- Shoot in soft morning or late afternoon light. It fits the mood and reduces glare.
- Stay off porches and do not stage shots that take you off trail.
- Pack out all trash and leave the site better than you found it.
Make it a hidden gems day trip near Feltville
Build a full day around the Deserted Village with small, less crowded sites nearby. Always check hours; many are volunteer-run or open on select days.
Littell-Lord Farmstead (Berkeley Heights)
A small 18th and 19th century farm complex that shows everyday rural life. The farmhouse and outbuildings tell a local story that pairs nicely with Feltville’s industry and resort years. Tip: check the township or historical society for open house dates.
Drake House Museum (Plainfield)
A Revolutionary War era house with community history exhibits and a strong sense of place. It is quieter than large museums and worth a careful walk-through. Tip: add a coffee stop in downtown Plainfield to round out the visit.
Miller-Cory House Museum (Westfield)
An 18th century farmhouse where hearth cooking and crafts bring daily life into focus. Families often love the hands-on demos held on select days. Tip: programs are seasonal, so check the schedule before you go.
Greenwood Gardens (Short Hills)
A restored historic garden and estate with terraces, sculptures, and peaceful paths. It is a short drive and not as busy as bigger name gardens. Tip: some dates use timed entry, so check tickets and hours.
Practical notes on restoration and what to expect in 2025
As of November 2025, restoration is active but incomplete. The church/store and Masker’s Barn are restored and functional for programs. Utility lines are in place to support future work. House #7 is stabilized, work is active at House #4, and funding is needed to protect rare murals inside one of the cottages. A few homes in the village are still lived in, but most buildings are used for education and events when open. Expect interpretive panels outdoors, and count on the grounds being open daily from dawn to dusk without admission fees.
FAQ-style quick hits
- Is it haunted? Folklore says yes, history says it is simply quiet and old. If ghost stories make the walk more fun, read them, then let the place speak for itself.
- Can you go inside? Only during scheduled programs or open houses. Most interiors stay closed to protect fragile materials.
- Are there restrooms? When Masker’s Barn or the church/store is staffed for events, yes, both have restrooms and accessible entrances.
- Is it good for kids? Yes. Short walking, big trees, and signs to read make it easy and low stress.
- How long should I plan? One hour for the village, two to three hours if you add a short hike or a nearby site.
Conclusion
The Deserted Village of Feltville rewards slow steps and a curious eye. It is free, peaceful, and easy to pair with trails or small museums. As of November 2025, restoration continues, so most interiors are closed, but the grounds, signs, and setting make the visit well worth it. Check Union County for open dates at the church/store and Masker’s Barn, then add a nearby hidden gem to round out your day.
