Hiking Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest
I’ve wanted to hike Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest for a while. It’s just over 2 hours and about a 14-mile hike, so it takes planning. Sunrise Mountain is worth the drive and it was one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done in New Jersey.
Stokes State Forest has several activities and camping hookups including group sites, sites with fire rings and picnic tables, tent and trailer sites, group campsites and camping areas. Plus it’s only a short drive from the Delaware Water Gap National Park and Buttermilk Falls.
You can drive up to Sunrise Mountain and there are several spots and parking lots you can park along the Appalachian Trail. Around the viewpoint on the Appalachian Trail, there are multiple viewpoints, so it’s more crowded.
There is a pavilion at the top of the Mountain with benches, a water tower, and picnic areas. We sat on giant rocks and ate our bagels.
The terrain at Stokes State Forest is relatively easy and not the rockiest terrain we’ve done. Even the Appalachian Trail isn’t as challenging. The trail does a short, steep, climb up to the summit of Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest.
The view at the top of Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest is beautiful and you can see the Poconos, Catskills, Wallkill valley, NJ Highlands, Delaware Valley, Tillman Ravine Natural area, and Pochuck Mountains.
Photos from hiking Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest:
The start and trailhead of Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest
Huts along Sunrise Mountain in at Stokes State Forest. There are plenty of group campsites and spots to stop an hike.
Climbing stairs towards the summit of Sunrise Mountain
There is a giant pavilion at the summit of Sunrise Mountain
As you can see Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest is worth it
As you can see Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest is worth the trip up. It’s one of my favorite hikes in New Jersey and I can’t wait to go back.
You can see all of the hikes here.
Questions for you:
Have you hiked the Appalachian Trail? Have you ever hiked Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest?
Where is your favorite spot to hike near you?