Parsippany Rock House — Attraction in Parsippany-Troy Hills

A large outcrop of bedrock found at the end of Dale Road in Parsippany. The rock itself, while large, is a common feature in this landscape with the nearby route 80 being built atop two much larger outcrops. The geologic quadrangle survey of the area identified at least 13 other similar or larger outcrops.

This one however is special because of a handful of ancient carvings discovered by Dr. Edward J. Lenik in 1973 and later confirmed as authentic by Drs. George Theocratoff, Herbert C. Kraft, Ted M. Payne, and James Swauger. All reported on the findings and confirmed their authenticity as likely being carved thousands of years ago. The space within the rock is small and would likely not have been used as any type of long term shelter, at least not for a large number of people. It is more a tangle of boulders set upon one another. Sadly, there is far more modern graffiti in and around the rocks and I personally was not able to find the petroglyphs on my first visit. While the site is ancient, since it was only rediscovered recently it's no wonder it does not appear on any historic maps of the area.

The site is also one end of a short hiking trail. Something I will be back to explore, likely in the winter. There is free parking on the street, making accessing the site easy. However, there is a fire hydrant that can be easily missed, take care not to...

I was delighted to hear about this historic attraction. I lived in Parsippany until I went to college and never knew about it. I took my elderly father to see it as well. He sat on the lovely wooden seats that looked rather new. It was a hot and humid day in the 90s so we didn't stay too long, but I wouldn't mind going back again to find more petroglyphs. I did find one of a Native American taking aim with a bow and arrow.

Be careful when you go to the right of the rock house. There are many thorny bushes that look like roses. They can tear your pants or skin if you are wearing shorts. Definitely wear sneakers or hiking boots if you are going to explore and walk around the grounds.

There is also a hiking path, but we didn't explore...

This was an interesting place. I really can't say that I saw any Indian petroglyphs but there were a few "candidates". I also enjoyed the trail...