Sunrise Mountain Loop (Stokes State Forest) Hiking Guide
Sunrise Mountain is the high point of Stokes State Forest's stretch of the Kittatinny Ridge, a 1,650-foot summit topped by a stone and timber pavilion that the Civilian Conservation Corps built in the late 1930s. You can drive almost to the top, but the better day is a loop from Stony Lake: up through the center of the forest to the summit, south along the Appalachian Trail on the open ridge, and down the Stony Brook Trail back to the lake.
Permit: Stokes State Forest charges a daily vehicle fee at the Stony Lake day-use area on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: $10 for New Jersey residents, $20 for non-residents. Weekdays are free, and there is no fee the rest of the year.
The Loop
Start at the Stony Lake day-use lot. Hiking Project's version climbs to the ridge on the light-blue Blue Mountain Trail, follows the white-blazed Appalachian Trail south and downhill for about 2.5 miles from the summit, then leaves the AT on the brown-blazed Stony Brook Trail, which passes the Gren Anderson Shelter and Sunrise Mountain Road before dropping along Stony Brook back to Stony Lake. Mapping apps measure the loop at about 8.4 miles with roughly 1,200 feet of gain; Hiking Project lists 8.9 miles and about 1,060 feet. Mapping apps call it moderate and Hiking Project rates it intermediate to difficult, with rocky stretches along the ridge.
On Top
The state lists Sunrise Mountain at 1,653 feet; other references round to 1,650. From the pavilion and the rocks around it, the forest's guide describes views east over the Kittatinny Valley and west to the Delaware River valley. The mountain is one of the most visited spots in Stokes because Sunrise Mountain Road reaches a parking area near the top, so expect drive-up visitors at midday. Restrooms are near the summit parking lot.
Fees and Access
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Stony Lake charges a daily vehicle fee. The forest's own page lists it for weekends and holidays only, $10 for New Jersey residents and $20 for everyone else, with weekdays free. After Labor Day there is no charge. Sunrise Mountain Road, the drive-up route, closes to cars from December 15 to April 15 or whenever the weather makes it hazardous, so in that season plan on hiking up from below rather than driving to the summit.
Footing and Weather
The AT along this ridge is narrow and often very rocky, and the Stokes guide warns that conditions up high are often cooler and windier than in the valleys, so carry a layer even in summer. The lower trails cross small streams and can be muddy after rain. In winter, rock ledges on the ridge ice over. Water along the AT needs to be treated before drinking.
Dogs, Bears and Snakes
Leashed dogs are allowed on Stokes trails on leads of six feet or less. The Stokes trail guide tells hikers to watch for black bears, rattlesnakes and copperheads, and notes that the exposed, rocky scrub-oak ridgetops are prime snake habitat. Parts of the forest are open to hunting through much of the year, so wear orange in the fall.
Hiking tips for Sunrise Mountain Loop (Stokes State Forest)
- Start at Stony Lake and plan on a full morning for the 8-plus-mile loop.
- Budget for the Stony Lake vehicle fee if you hike between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.
- Carry a windproof layer; the ridge runs colder and windier than the valley.
- Watch where you put your hands and feet on the rocky ridgetop, which is snake habitat.
- Treat any water you collect along the Appalachian Trail before drinking it.
Nearby trails to explore
- Tillman Ravine Trail
- High Point Monument Trail
- Buttermilk Falls Trail (Walpack, NJ)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Sunrise Mountain is a long ridge day with a pavilion lunch stop at the top. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to Sunrise Mountain in the Delaware Water Gap. Download the TrailMates app to connect.