Taking a Hike

Return to Stokes State Forest, NJ

Stokes State Forest, located in Sussex County NJ, has become one of my favorite all season hiking locales in NJ. And there are many great hikes in NJ !

This time I returned to the Appalachian Trail by Culver's Gap. The last time it was with snow shoes and 3' of fresh snow. Spring has arrived. The pictures will tell the story. However, a rare treat was being invited into the Fire Tower' observation box. Great conversation with the forestry worker and an amazing view! I now know how to identify a Turkey Buzzard (over 30 in the area) - they fly in a drunk manner, a Hawk (they glide) and an Eagle (darts like a rocket).

 

My hike took four hours and seven (7) miles (I stopped to take pictures) - going from 800' to 1,550' diverting off the Appalachian trail at Stony Brook - then back to the parking lot via the Coursen Trail.

Trail hint - at 1.6 miles (from the Culver Gap parking lot), there is a small trail going left off the white blaze Appalachian Trail - which leads to a nice outcrop and vista (where I photographed some turkey buzzards in flight).

View pictures from my hike at Stokes State Forest, NJ.

Stokes State Forest, by Bicycle

Riding through the park offers a different perspective of Stokes State Forest, NJ. My first ride (haven't ridden  much in the past many years) was on 3/24 and my mission was to find the snow banks that (reportedly) still remained on Sunrise Mountain Road. On an earlier snow shoe hike, I was told that the road was completely blocked three (3) miles from Culver Gap. Blocked even for snow mobiles. 

No snow banks remained.

I returned on 3/28 with a mission to ride a complete 17 mile look around the park. I did fairly well until the return on 206 South, which is a long long hill ... up hill. In both cases, it was an enjoyable way to visit this magnificent forest.

Pictures from my bike ride through Stokes State Forest.

Stokes Forest - an Amazing Snow Shoe Hike

With over 3' of fresh snow, we ascended the Appalachian Trail from Culver's Gap in Stokes State Forest, NJ. Weather was sunny and brights at the base and the climbing was a fair challenge up to 1,400' (from around 800' at Culver's Gap). One hiker had already blazed the trail, making it slightly easier to follow the path. Except for the occasional snow mobile, the only sound was the crunching of the snow beneath our snow shoes.

Before we began our hike, a dog sled team was preparing to take off down the closed and snow covered Sunrise Mt road. The dogs yelped and jumped vertically in the air, anxious to go. The dogs were filled with so much energy. They were very loud. As the musher took control - the dogs instantly quieted down - and bolted down the snowy road. In an instant, they were gone. 

Upon reaching the top of the trail, the view was wondrous and beautiful. And it was very still and quiet. We began to walk with the Fire Tower our objective. Without a GPS or means to gauge our mileage, and having never walked this path - we had no clear idea how far the tower would be.

We noticed off into the valley the gathering clouds. You can clearly see the snow falling in the distance. On my earlier hike onto this ridge, I knew the clouds and weather changes quickly. When I walked this ridge in September, it was a clear day yet the clouds began to look menacing. Lightning would not be fun exposed on the ridge. On this winter hike, it looked like a storm was brewing overhead. Then just as quickly the clouds would part and the sun shine through. Yet off in the distance it began to look darker and more stormy.

 With what looked like a storm heading our way, we retraced our path and headed back. We did not reach the Fire Tower. And as we began our descent, the snow came. Since we were comfortable on the trail, we enjoyed the heavy snow fall (fortunately not blizzard conditions). It added an enjoyable element to this fantastic hike. And as we returned back to the car, the sun came back out . 

Pictures from our Stokes State Forest winter hike.

Post Note (4/24/2010) - with a new GPS in hand, I found we traveled 1.16 miles (from Culver's Gap) before we decided to turn back. The Fire Tower is 1.6 miles from the base.

Delaware National Park - Buttermilk Falls NJ

article coming soon.   Pictures from my hike at Delaware National Park's Buttermilk Falls trail (near Stokes)

Stokes State Forest & High Point - Revisted

article coming soon.  Stokes segment photos on Flickr.

stokes tower trail - Video

A video from the summit at Stokes State Forest - The Tower Trail.

Stokes State Forest, NJ - Tillman Trail

article coming soon.

Stokes State Forest (NJ)

Stokes State Forest, in Sussex County NJ may be one of the oldest parks in NJ, with 5,432 acres being purchased in 1907. I have fond memories of camping in Stokes with Troop #40 Boy Scouts. Once again, I showed up at the park without any pre-planning. I did, however - visit the Rangers/Visitors Office. The Stokes visitor center has maps and guides; plenty to read. And she offered me great advice for not only this trip, but future ones as well.

My first stop at the first parking lot off Rt 206 (Sunrise Mountain Road). Once again, I walking a few steps on the Appalachian Trail. Viewing the sign that pointed "South to Georgia", "North to Maine" was somewhat inspiring. 

Next, I drove to the Sunrise Mountain overlook, and walked South on the AT (Appalachian Trail). The vista views, especially at the Sunrise shelter, are exceptional. Prior to Sunrise, I spoke with a bike rider that told me about the Tower Trail, and the fire tower view. So when I began my walk, I set in my mind; reach the Tower at the Tower Trail. Again, without any pre-planning... 

Along the way, I met a thru-hiker who said it was about "one mile" further (from where we met0. He was wrong!

As I reached the top of the ridge, the clouds gathered and it looked quite menacing (even though there was no bad weather predicted). The dead tree's that were hit by lightning didn't help matters. I began to question my judgment on walked so far away from my car. Yet the nature along the trail makes you want to keep going, drives you (well it drove me). At Stony Brook Trail, I determined that the Tower Trail will wait another day. I turned onto the Stony Brook trail, which would lead me back to Sunrise Mountain Road, and  came upon another shelter. At this shelter, there was a log book, a small broom and a few lost items from prior hikers (including glasses). I felt like an intruder - me a day hiker - in a place where many "thru-hikers" stopped for the  night. However, it was enjoyable reading through the log book of the hikers that have passed through, including some that very day.

I found myself back on the road and, let me tell you - it was the long walk back on Sunrise Road, just about 2 miles… ugghh. 

Once back to the car, I felt a small sense of accomplishment. I also knew - this is a park I want to explore further. I will return! View pictures from my hike at Stokes State Forest on Flickr.

High Point State Park (NJ)

The highest point in New Jersey, the northern most park; High Point State Park is 1,803 feet above sea level. Perhaps not as impressive as the Rockies, yet just as magnificent in its own way. And at the summit is a 220 foot monument.

After climbing to the top of the monument (it was a very humid day and more so inside the tower), the views from the small windows were nice - yet also a disappointment. The state park commission could do so much better with the space on the observation deck. One window was not accessible, as it is located above the steps.

At the base of the monument, I asked the volunteer for advice on a good but relatively small trail.  She recommended the Monument Trail (red blaze) and learned a lesson on day hike pre-planning.

I begin my hike behind the monument, immediately descending down the mountain. I took a small side trip on the Appalachian trail (100  yards), to explore a small outcrop. I admit to a small thrill being on this well known trail.

The monument trail loops by Lake Marcia, then back into the woods,  over a nice mountain stream, then finally begins to ascend back up the mountain. This is where the trail is amazing and inspiring. Walking along one ridge, a fantastic view of the Delaware River and Port Jervis, then back down into the valley, then back up along a second ridge line.

The beauty of this ridge, overlooking the first ridge and the before mentioned Delaware river. Then only a few steps away, views of the valley into New York State. This is a must return when the Fall colors come out.

One lesson I learned: always plan hikes ahead of time, knowing the distance and terrain. I began to wonder if I missed a Blaze (I didn’t) because the trail kept going and going and the monument was now where in sight. It was a humid day (was prepared with water!). However, without a strong sense of distances, worry creeps into your mind as you keep moving, step after step. Is this the right direction? A compass, must buy a  compass.

When – finally the monument comes into sight, relief. Yet also a sense of accomplishment on this moderate 3.9 miles trail. A fantastic trail.  Next time, start from the lower parking lot, covering the ridge lines immediately. The early part of the trail is nice – but the final segment is outstanding.

This was my first real hike and I am ready to take on more challenges - next time, more prepared. And I will come back to High Point - highly (no pun intended) recommended. View my High Point State Park Pictures.