STOKES STATE FOREST
The breathtaking and panoramic view from Sunrise Mountain along the Appalachian Trail rewards the hiker who has trekked up the steep side of the mountain. The view encompasses the pastoral farmland of New Jersey to the east and undeveloped forests and mountain ridges to the west. For those who don't relish the idea of climbing up the side of a mountain and following a sometimes rocky and steep trail for a few hours, there is a short drive to the pavilion at the top of the mountain.
Stokes is famous for its impressive beauty, whether it is at the top of a mountain ridge or in the cool and fragrant Tillman Ravine with its rushing stream and steep cliffs. Hikers, campers, fishermen and photographers are attracted to its wild setting.
Cabins Ten furnished cabins each with wood stove two single beds one double-deck bunk kitchen with cold and hot running water, refrigerator, electric stove half-bath with toilet and sink. Electric lights. Each accommodates four people. With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated. Cabins are adjacent to Lake Ocquittunk.
Cabins 7 15 Accommodate eight people. Facilities are the same as listed above, except they include a shower and hot and cold running water. Cabin 7 has a fireplace and cabin 15 has a wood stove. Accommodate. people with disabilities. Located 1/2 mile from Lake Ocquittunk.
Group Cabin 16 Accommodates twelve people. Facilities are the same as Cabin 15 and includes two sleeping areas and two full bathrooms and a Fireplace. Located one mile from Lake Ocquittunk.
Campsites 51 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Some camping areas available all year. $20 per night.
Group campsites Nine group sites with fire rings and picnic tables capacity varies. Open from April 1 through October 31.
Lean-tos Nine lean-tos with fire rings and picnic tables. Open year round.
Cottages and Cabins
Cedar Lakes is a gorgeous 500-acre estate surrounding twin cedar lakes. We have a selection of deluxe cottages for nightly or weekly rentals. Enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, tennis, and swimming on the property. Cottages have full kitchens, fireplaces, WIFI, and great amenities--all for the price of a hotel.
15.8 miles from park*
Search for a vacation rental
Swimming is no longer permitted anywhere in Stokes.
Small boats with electric motors are only permitted on the waters of Lake Ocquittunk and are subject to all applicable boating laws. There is no boat ramp.
Stocked annually by the Division of Fish & Wildlife, the Big Flatbrook and its tributaries provide some of the best trout fishing in New Jersey. Lake Ocquittunk and Stony Lake also are stocked with trout. The majority of the forest is open to hunting. Both fishing and hunting at Stokes State Forest are subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
Stokes State Forest is located near Dover, East Stroudsburg and Hopatcong
Stokes State Forest offers picnic areas, picnic tables and shelters. For larger groups, we also offer the Group Picnic Area on Kittle Field. It holds a capacity of 120 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee:
$55.00 per day, plus applicable parking fees for reservations for Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
$80.00 per day for reservations for the Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day.
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee: 50 percent of Fee.
*Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.
A 12.5-mile section of the Applachian Trail follows the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge through Stokes State Forest. This trail's designated use is restricted to hiking only for its entire length from Maine to Georgia. White blazes mark this narrow and sometimes very rocky trail. A brochure is available regarding New Jersey's portion of the trail at the park office.
Along Kittatinny Mountain are outstanding views of the surrounding landscape. Sunrise Mountain offers scenic vistas of the Kittatinny Valley to the east and the Delaware River Valley to the west.
In addition to the Applachian Trail, there are more than 33 miles of marked trails within Stokes State Forest. Trails vary in length from one half mile to four miles, and over terrains ranging from flat lowlands to rocky mountains. Many of the trails connect, offering the hiker a variety of trips from an hour to a full day.
Sunrise Mountain
The crest of Sunrise Mountain is one of the most frequently visited sites in Stokes State Forest. The mountaintop provides a breathtaking view at an elevation of 1,653 feet above sea level. The thin soil and harsh climate characteristic of Sunrise Mountain is a difficult environment in which few plants can survive. Mountain laurel, wild blueberry, pitch pine and scrub oak are among the natural vegetation found throughout the area. The pavilion at the summit was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Appalachian Trail runs along the ridge.Tillman Ravine Natural Area (525 acres)
This cool evergreen forest of eastern hemlock is ideally suited for the steep slopes carved by the rushing waters of Tillman Brook. Several trails wander through this spectacular ravine, providing views of waterfalls and ferns clinging to rock crevices. The area is home to the threatened barred owl and other endangered species.
Tillman Ravine Natural Area (525 acres)
This cool evergreen forest of eastern hemlock is ideally suited for the steep slopes carved by the rushing waters of Tillman Brook. Several trails wander through this spectacular ravine, providing views of waterfalls and ferns clinging to rock crevices. The area is home to the threatened barred owl and other endangered species.
Arts/Cultural/Drama
Peters Valley is a non-profit education center and gallery for craft arts. Tour the studios on weekends during summer. Workshops May to September, 2 to 5 days. Expert instructors from US and abroad. Commute or sleep over for a mini-vacation close-to-home. Wood turning, weaving, jewelry, ceramics, blacksmithing, photography, papermaking, beading and more.
3.5 miles from park*
Hotels/Motels
Located near popular recreational attractions, including the Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park, Steamtown National Historic Site and Promised Land State Park. NASCAR fans will enjoy a day at the races at nearby Pocono Raceway.
33.6 miles from park*
Take Route 206, four miles north of Branchville.
Arts Crafts
The store at Peters Valley Craft Center offers original handcrafted art, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, and home furnishings. Unique items from over 300 artists offer distinctive ideas to embellish the home, treat yourself,
or to select for a gift. Visit the Gallery upstairs for our latest exhibit of fine art craft.
3.5 miles from park*
The outhouses at tillmans are due for a clean. Plus the outhouse at the sunrise mountain turnoff parking lot. Everything else so great
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