Stokes State Forest NJ Guide: Sunrise Mountain, Trails and Cabins

Stokes State Forest NJ covers more than 16,000 acres of the Kittatinny Mountain ridge in northwestern Sussex County, with the forest office on Coursen Road just off Route 206 (Branchville mailing address) and land reaching into Sandyston and neighboring townships. It is one of the best places in the state to hike, camp in a cabin, fish a trout stream or drive up to a mountaintop view, and it is open year round.

Our team pulled everything in this guide from New Jersey’s official state park sources: the NJDEP Stokes trail guide and the state’s official NJ Outdoors reservation system. Below you will find the big three sights (Sunrise Mountain, Tillman Ravine and Stony Lake), the best trails with distances, a full rundown of camping, cabins and lean-tos with nightly rates, and the practical details you need before you go.

Stokes State Forest at a glance

• Office: 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, NJ 07826
• Phone: (973) 948-3820. Emergencies: 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337) or 911
• Size: about 16,447 acres along the Kittatinny ridge, per the state trail guide
• High point: Sunrise Mountain, 1,653 feet
• Trails: 24 marked trails totaling more than 62 miles, including about 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail
• Getting there: Route 80 West to Exit 34B, Route 15 North, then Route 206 North

Sunrise Mountain

At 1,653 feet, Sunrise Mountain is the high point of Stokes State Forest and its most famous view. From the ridge you look east over the Kittatinny Valley and west across the Delaware River Valley, and the state lists it as a hawk migration viewpoint, which makes spring and fall especially good. Sunrise Mountain Road climbs the ridge from Route 206, and the Appalachian Trail runs along the top.

If you would rather earn the view, the Tinsley Trail, Tower Trail and Swenson Trail all reach the Sunrise Mountain area, and the Swenson loop includes an overlook at the top. The Gren Anderson Shelter, a popular overnight stop for Appalachian Trail thru hikers, sits on the mountain’s southeastern side. For a seasonal version of this hike, see our roundup of fall foliage hikes in Sussex County, which includes Sunrise Mountain.

Tillman Ravine

Tillman Ravine is the forest’s most photogenic short walk. It is a narrow gorge of red shale and sandstone under tall hemlocks, with Tillman Brook running down from a spring in the Kittatinny Mountains. The hillsides are thick with hemlock and tulip poplar, with rhododendron and ferns below.

The white blazed Tillman Ravine Trail starts on the west side of the forest along Dimon Road, just before the seasonal gate and Walpack Cemetery. The state trail guide lists it at 1.5 miles but also describes it as a short one mile loop, so plan on about an hour at an easy pace. The trail is rated moderate because of uneven, rooty footing near the brook. For a longer outing, the 5 mile Red Maple Trail connects the upper Tillman Ravine parking area with the Lake Ashroe area.

Stony Lake

Stony Lake is the forest’s main trail hub. The Blue Mountain, Coursen, Stony Brook, Tower and Stony Lake trails all meet at or near the lake, and the Stony Lake parking area is the classic starting point for the climb to Culvers Lookout Tower. The easy 0.7 mile Stony Lake Trail makes a short loop along the south side of the lake with good views.

One important note: per the state’s current park information, swimming is prohibited in all lakes at Stokes. Boating is permitted at Lake Ocquittunk and Stony Lake.

Best trails in Stokes State Forest (with distances)

These distances and difficulty ratings come from the official NJDEP Stokes trail guide. Distances are one way unless the trail is a loop.

• Tillman Ravine Trail (white): about 1 to 1.5 miles, moderate. The best short hike in the forest.
• Stony Lake Trail (blue and brown): 0.7 miles, easy. Good for kids.
• Kittatinny Glacial Geology Trail (blue): 1 mile loop, moderate. An interpretive loop off the Tinsley Trail just downhill from Sunrise Mountain Road. Ask at the office for the interpretive guide.
• Tower Trail (green): 1.6 miles, difficult. A steep climb from Sunrise Mountain Road or the Stony Lake parking area to Culvers Lookout Tower via the Appalachian Trail.
• Tinsley Trail (yellow): 2 miles, moderate. Runs between Skellenger Road and Sunrise Mountain Road.
• Stony Brook Trail (brown): 2.8 miles, moderate. Runs from the Haskins group camping area off Kittle Road to the Appalachian Trail, passing Stepping Stone Falls, a series of short drops over the creek bedrock.
• Swenson Trail (red): 3.7 miles, moderate. Reaches the Sunrise Mountain overlook.
• Acropolis Trail (gold and brown): 1 mile, difficult. A steep climb from Route 206 across from Culvers Lake up to the ridge.
• Appalachian Trail (white): about 12 miles through the forest along the ridge, moderate, with many access points.
• Blue Mountain Trail (blue): 17.3 mile multi use loop, moderate. A full day or a mountain bike ride.

Many Stokes trails are multi use, so expect to share them with mountain bikers and, in some areas, horseback riders.

Camping, cabins and lean-tos at Stokes

Stokes has five camping areas, all with running potable water. Rates below are per night for New Jersey residents and nonresidents, as listed on the official NJ Outdoors reservation system as of fall 2026. A standard $5 transaction fee applies to each reservation.

Lake Ocquittunk

26 tent and trailer sites plus 13 cabins, including one group cabin, with showers and flush toilets. Most family cabins sleep 4 ($55 resident, $65 nonresident), two cabins sleep 8 ($100 and $110), and the group cabin sleeps 12 ($140 and $150). Family cabins are open April 1 to December 15, the group cabin April 15 to December 15, and sites T001 to T024 are open year round.

Shotwell

29 family sites and 9 enclosed lean-tos, with flush and pit toilets. Lean-tos sleep up to 6 and cost $35 resident, $40 nonresident. Shotwell lean-tos and some sites are open year round, and designated Shotwell sites are the only pet friendly sites in the forest.

Steam Mill

27 primitive tent sites with pit toilets, open April 15 to November 15.

Haskins and Lake Ashroe (groups)

Haskins has 9 group sites for 10 to 65 people, with showers and flush toilets. Lake Ashroe has a group campsite for up to 40 plus two sets of group lean-tos. Group sites are open April 15 to October 31, so check NJ Outdoors for current availability.

Camping rules worth knowing

• Tent and trailer sites are $20 resident, $25 nonresident per night, for up to 6 people.
• Reservations open up to 11 months ahead, and the reserver must be 18 or older.
• Tent sites and lean-tos have a 2 night minimum. Cabins have a 2 night minimum in spring and fall, and a 7 night minimum from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
• Check-in is mandatory at the forest office. Cabins check in at 3 p.m., lean-tos at 2 p.m., campsites at noon.
• Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited.
• Firewood is not provided but can be bought at the office during business hours.

Know before you go

• Fees: New Jersey charges seasonal summer entrance fees at some state park areas. Our team could not confirm current Stokes day use rates, so check the official NJ State Parks website or call the office before a summer visit.
• Hours: The forest is open year round. Office hours vary by season, so call (973) 948-3820 to confirm, especially if you are checking in to a campsite or buying firewood.
• Bears: Black bears live here. Keep food, coolers and scented items in a closed vehicle and use the garbage receptacles.
• Fishing: The Flatbrook is known for trout. A New Jersey fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.
• Hunting: The state trail guide notes Stokes is open to various hunting seasons year round, so wear bright colors when you hike.
• Winter: When conditions allow, the forest supports cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating.

Make a full day of it. High Point State Park is just up Route 23 (see our High Point fall foliage guide), and you can refuel afterward at one of the spots in our guide to where to eat in Newton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stokes State Forest free?

Seasonal summer entrance fees can apply at some New Jersey state park areas, so check the NJ State Parks website or call (973) 948-3820 before a summer visit. Camping, cabins and lean-tos require a paid reservation through NJ Outdoors.

Can you swim at Stokes State Forest?

No. Per the state’s current park information, swimming is prohibited in all lakes at Stokes. Boating is allowed at Lake Ocquittunk and Stony Lake.

How long is the Tillman Ravine hike?

The state lists the Tillman Ravine Trail at 1.5 miles and also describes it as a short loop of about one mile. Plan on about an hour at an easy pace.

Can you drive to Sunrise Mountain?

Sunrise Mountain Road climbs the ridge from Route 206. If you want to hike, the Tinsley, Tower and Swenson trails all reach the Sunrise Mountain area.

Can you bring a dog camping at Stokes?

Yes, but only at designated pet friendly Shotwell campsites. Pets are not permitted at the other camping areas, and NJ Outdoors adds a $5 per night pet fee.

Get Sussex County in your inbox. Our free weekly newsletter rounds up the best events, hikes, food and things to do across all 24 towns. Subscribe free here.

Primary sources for this guide: Stokes State Forest on NJ Outdoors, NJDEP Stokes State Forest trail guide, NJ Outdoors reservation FAQ and NJ State Parks: Stokes State Forest.

Featured photo: the Kittatinny Valley from Sunrise Mountain in Stokes State Forest. Photo by JackTheVicar via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.