Photo: USGS, Stokes State Forest
Stokes State Forest has close to 50 miles of trails, including a 12.5 mile section of the Appalachian Trail, many were built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Located in the Kittany Mountains this 16,067 forest has stunning vistas and cool mountain forests punctuated by waterfalls and ravines.
Except for Sunrise Mountain (the second highest point in New Jersey) and Tillman Ravine Natural Area, most of the trails are lightly used even in the summer. There is a connecting trail leading to High Point State Park, the Parker Trail. Many of the smaller trails are interconnected so you can make your hike short or long, easy or strenuous. The area was once mined for lead and silver and remanents of old mines remain.
You are in bear country , deer tick country and areas containing hemlock forests, please be mindful of your responsibilities.
This video is only of Sunrise Mountain, the flute music accompanying the video makes you mindful of the native populations who once roamed this area freely.
Overnight camping is available within the park including tent, trailer, lean to and cabin facilities. The park is open year round. Fees are charged for developed areas from Memorial Day through and including Labor Day: Weekdays: $5.00 per vehicle Weekends: $10.00 per vehicle Directions: Take Route 206, four miles north of Branchville; Forest Office at 1 Coursen Road. Other areas explored in New Jersey:
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