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
Wildlife & Nature
Stokes SF — 16,450 acres on the Kittatinny Ridge — includes Sunrise Mountain (1,653 feet) with panoramic views of the Appalachian Valley. The Appalachian Trail traverses the ridgeline. The forest’s mountain laurel, hemlock ravines, and hardwood forest support black bears, bobcats, and timber rattlesnakes. Migrating hawks ride the ridge updrafts in fall.
Nearby Attractions
Branchville — adjacent. High Point SP — adjacent. Tillman Ravine Natural Area — within — has a spectacular hemlock gorge. Delaware Water Gap NRA — 20 miles south.
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
