Stokes State Forest

Natalie Miller, of Newton, said she would be “devastated” if anything ever happened to Stokes State Forest, especially Sunrise Mountain. The soon-to-be senior at Rowan University said awaking at “around 4 a.m.” and driving, then climbing, to the mountain’s summit has become a homecoming tradition for herself and her best friends from Kittatinny. “It’s a ritual whenever we’re all home,” added Stillwater’s Amanda Gordon, who is entering her senior year at Clemson University, “It’s just part of being back home and we love it.” Sunrise Mountain affords visitors one of the most spectacular vistas in the area and is one of the most frequently visited sites at Stokes State Forest. With an elevation of 1,653 feet above sea level, it’s well worth the climb to the pavilion at the summit that was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. With it’s numerous camp sites, lean-tos and cabins, Stokes is a popular destination for family and friends to camp. In addition to Sunrise Mountain, it boasts Tillman Ravine Natural Area which is a verdant evergreen forest of eastern hemlock, with steep slopes carved by rushing waters of Tillman Brook. Lake Ocquittuk is a popular spot to enjoy the water. Stokes has two picnic areas at Stony Lake and Kittle Field, and the group picnic area at Kittle Field can accommodate 120 people plus has shelter, playfields and playground equipment. The Stony Lake picnic area has 45 tables with adjacent grills and is located next to the swimming area. Snuggled in along the Kittatinny Ridge with High Point State Park to the north and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to the south, Stokes has neither the most spectacular gap nor the highest mountain in the state, but still it possesses a magnetic charm. The Appalachian Trail cuts through the eastern edge of Stokes State Forest for more than 12 miles, and it’s rich with flora and fauna. Like all N.J. State parks, Stokes State Forest is safe for now, but undertones in the state government have indicated that it might not be forever. Legislators will take into consideration the number of people that visit Stokes and other parks if they consider closing parks next year. Reporter’s note: Though I didn’t move to Sussex County until 2000, a great appreciation of the area was instilled in me as a sixth grader when my class from Forrestdale Middle School, in central New Jersey, took a two day trip to Stokes. My best friend at the time, Wendy Bonello, and I were bunkmates, and I couldn’t get over waking up to the sound of Taps then spending the day gallivanting about Stokes. When fate made Sussex County my home, one of the first places I revisited was Stokes State Forest ... then I sent an e-mail to Wendy. Camping Campsites: 77 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Some camping areas available all year. $15 per night. Group campsites: Nine group sites with fire rings and picnic tables; capacity varies. Open from April 1 through Oct. 31. $1 per person per night, based on site capacity. Lean-tos: Ten lean-tos with fire rings and picnic tables. Open year round. $25 per night.