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Trail Guides
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Stephens State Park
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1
 
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800 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ
Phone: (908) 852-3790
www.njparksandforests.org
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
From I-80 West and East take Exit 25 for U.S. Route 206 North. After approximately 1.6 miles turn Left at the traffic light onto Waterloo Road and follow signs for the park. Proceed 1.1 miles; parking for the Sussex Branch Trail is on the Right. After 6.8 miles turn Left into Stephens State Park entrance. Proceed 0.3 miles and turn Right at stop sign; continue over the bridge into office parking area. Map
Hike the Red and Blue Trails and the two-mile section of the Highlands Trail.
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| Merlin | Kevin Karlson |
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| | This 850-acre park is situated along the scenic Musconetcong River and is a sister park to Allamuchy Mountain State Park. Visitors to Stephens will be treated to six miles of blazed trails, some of which parallel the Musconetcong River, and to a two mile stretch of the Highlands Trail. Hiking, camping and picnicking are all available. Stop in at the office to pick up a trail map and speak to staff about available interpretative programs and seasonal wildlife viewing. Fishing is allowed on the Musconetcong River, which is trout-stocked. A portion of the Morris Canal, once used to ship coal and iron, can also be found within the park. Signs marking its location can be found along CR 604 a few miles north of the Stephens entrance.
the man-made island just off the main parking lot. Enjoy the quick-flowing waters of the Musconetcong River while sitting on one of the benches. In spring this is a wonderful spot to listen for the returning nesting and migrant birds.
The Musconetcong River is a great scenic backdrop, especially after a snowstorm or when ice-laden during a cold snap; have a camera ready. Listen for the varied calls of Tufted Titmouse; look for the energetic Black-capped Chickadee flitting through trees looking for seeds or hibernating insects. White-throated Sparrow will be scratching in the leaves, and Dark-eyed Junco is easy to spot by the flash of white tail feathers.
The din of spring peepers announces the arrival of the season; wood, green and leopard frogs will begin laying their eggs. As the spring sun continues to warm the waters of the Musconetcong River and the migration of songbirds begins, make sure to visit in early morning to take a walk along the river. The Musconetcong is one of New Jersey’s premier trout fishing streams; look for hatching mayflies and other macroinvertebrates.
Watch as a “chattering” Belted Kingfisher dives headfirst into the water, hoping to surprise its prey. Many birds will be nesting in the area, including Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Carolina and House Wrens, Wood and Hermit Thrushes, Scarlet Tanager and Wood Duck. Painted and snapping turtles can be seen sunning themselves on rocks soaking up warmth. The poisonous northern copperhead may also be found taking advantage of the heat of the day, so be sure to admire from a distance. As the sun sets, look for little brown bats, which acrobatically pursue insect prey, including many mosquitoes. Black bear is common here, occasionally with cubs; be careful, as adult females may be fiercely protective of their young.
As temperatures begin to cool and leaves fall, take a walk on the trails and admire the autumn colors. Summer visitors like Gray Catbird, House Wren, Wood Thrush and Baltimore Oriole will be leaving for their wintering grounds – some as far as Central and South America. Passerine and hawk migration begins in late August to early September. Broad-winged, Cooper’s, Sharp-shinned and Red-tailed Hawks may be passing over or taking advantage of a woodland perch for a much-needed rest.
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