Stokes State Forest
Northwest New Jersey’s Wilderness Anchor — 1,653-Ft Sunrise Mountain, Tillman Ravine Hemlock Gorge, Appalachian Trail, 3 Campgrounds, 15,000+ Acres
Stokes State Forest is a state forest at 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, Sussex County, New Jersey. The forest features Sunrise Mountain at 1,653 feet — NJ’s most scenic AT overlook with a CCC-era stone pavilion, Tillman Ravine with its ancient hemlock gorge and waterfall, 3 campgrounds (Lake Ocquittunk, Shotwell, Steam Mill) with family sites, cabins, and lean-tos, Appalachian Trail section with Gren Anderson Shelter, and 15,000+ acres of northwestern NJ wilderness.
Stokes State Forest is New Jersey’s wildest public land — 15,000+ acres of forested ridges, deep ravines, and mountain streams in the northwestern corner of the state. The 1,653-foot Sunrise Mountain — accessible via the Appalachian Trail or a seasonal road — offers 360-degree views from a CCC-built stone pavilion.
The Tillman Ravine is Stokes’ hidden gem — a narrow hemlock gorge with cascading waterfalls and moss-covered boulders. Vehicle access is seasonal (closed Dec 15 – Apr 15). The forest’s 3 campgrounds serve different needs: Lake Ocquittunk (family/cabins/showers), Shotwell (lean-tos/platforms), and Steam Mill (primitive/artesian well).
Campgrounds
| Campground | Type | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Ocquittunk | Family + cabins | Flush toilets, showers |
| Shotwell | Family + lean-tos + platforms | Flush toilets, some pit |
| Steam Mill | Primitive | Pit toilets, artesian well |
| Haskins/Lake Ashroe | Group | By reservation |
Things to Do
- Sunrise Mountain — 1,653 ft, CCC stone pavilion
- Tillman Ravine — hemlock gorge, waterfalls
- Appalachian Trail — section hike + shelter
- Camping — 3 campgrounds, cabins, lean-tos
- Hiking — 15,000+ acres trails
- Fishing — mountain streams
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Coursen Rd, Branchville, NJ |
| Size | 15,000+ acres |
| Elevation | Sunrise Mountain — 1,653 ft |
| Phone | (973) 948-3820 |
| Managed By | NJ State Parks |
| Coordinates | 41.2182° N, 74.7204° W (Sunrise Mountain) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sunrise Mountain in New Jersey?
Sunrise Mountain (1,653 ft) is in Stokes State Forest, Branchville, Sussex County, NJ. Accessible via the Appalachian Trail or a seasonal road, the summit features a CCC-built stone pavilion with 360-degree views. The forest also features Tillman Ravine hemlock gorge, 3 campgrounds with cabins and lean-tos, and 15,000+ acres of NW NJ wilderness.
Last updated: May 2026
