U.S. Route 206, Frankford and Sandyston Townships, NJ
Phone: (973) 948-3820
www.njparksandforests.org
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Return to CR 655 North by turning Left at the stop sign. After 0.3 miles turn Left onto CR 630 West/Union Turnpike. After 0.6 miles turn Left onto U.S. Route 206 North. After 0.1 miles note that there is a parking area for Bear Swamp WMA on the south side of the highway. After 2.1 miles turn Right into the Stokes State Forest entrance. To access Sunrise Mountain by car, take Mountain Road; where the road splits, bear Right to the parking lot. The summit is a short walk from there. Map
Located in the southwest corner of the park, Tillman’s Ravine Natural Area is known for its beautiful hemlock forest, carved by the waters of Tillman’s Brook. Hike the trails that traverse this natural area. Don’t miss the many waterfalls that provide perfect habitat for ferns that cling to rocky crevices. The area has the potential for nesting Barred Owl, along with Black-throated Green and Black-and-white Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager and Wood Thrush, just to name a few. In the northern section of the park take a walk along Steam Mill Trail where the handiwork of industrious beavers can be seen. The dam construction by beaver can alter the stream habitat. This trail can be accessed by taking Mountain Road, bearing Left past Sunrise Mountain towards Steam Mill Campsite, where parking is available.
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| Mountain Laurel - Appalachian Trail | Dwight Hiscano |
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| | Occupying the northwest corner of Sussex County, just east of the Delaware Water Gap and south of High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest consists of 15,482 acres of stunning vistas, lakes, streams, rocky ravines, hemlock forests and hiking trails that crisscross the park. Included are 12.5 miles of the Appalachian Trail that run along the Kittatinny Ridge. Excellent birding, hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, camping and picnicking, along with cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice skating are available along this stretch of the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge.
Sunrise Mountain, rising prominently 1,653 feet above sea level, with excellent views of the Delaware River Valley to the west and the Kittatinny Valley to the east. Aptly named, sunrise is the perfect time to experience the grandeur of this spot, as the valley below is illuminated. Although the views are excellent year round, spring and fall stand out.
Trail access is by hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The winter woods are extremely quiet especially with snow cover. Take notice of animal footprints, nut casings, vegetation browse and even scat (animal droppings) – these clues tell a rich story of the winter forest. Other activities include ice fishing and ice skating. Check with the forest office for conditions before venturing out.
Birding activity increases throughout the spring, with migration peaking in May. There will be ample species to challenge identification skills; warblers such as Black-and-white, Black-throated Green, Magnolia, Ovenbird and American Redstart are always a possibility. Look for Blue-headed, Red-eyed or Warbling Vireos and Wood, Veery, Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes, along with Eastern Wood Pewee and Least and Great-crested Flycatchers. All will be passing through and some will stay to raise their young. A few woodland raptors may also be around; perhaps a Cooper’s Hawk will wing through the woods or a Broad-winged Hawk will soar above. On warm sunny days butterflies are on the increase as well--look for Mourning Cloak, Eastern Comma and Compton Tortoiseshell.
Many returning spring species settle here to nest, such as Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Veery, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Great-crested Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo and Warbling Vireo. Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks are also possible breeders. Sussex County has perhaps the greatest diversity of dragonflies and butterflies on the East Coast. Darners, spiketails, skimmers and clubtails can be seen, along with Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, Little Wood Satyr, Common Wood Nymph and Red-spotted Purple. At dusk, several species of bats put on a show, swooping around the lakes in search of insects.
Bird migration is highlighted by the exceptional hawk watching from the pavilion at Sunrise Mountain. In mid-September, a flight of hundreds or thousands of Broad-winged Hawks are possible. Later in the season, try braving crisp autumn winds for a chance to view a Golden Eagle on the wing. Significant numbers of Red-shouldered, Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, along with American Kestrel, Merlin, Bald Eagle and Osprey can also be observed. Down on the forest floor, a day spent looking at songbirds also may include sighting a porcupine ambling by.
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