Sprawling across more than 16,000 acres in Sussex County, Stokes State Forest is one of New Jersey’s largest and most rugged public lands. Established in 1917, the forest stretches across Frankford, Montague, and Sandyston Townships along the Kittatinny Ridge, offering a surprisingly wild landscape just 70 miles from New York City.

The Appalachian Trail cuts through the heart of Stokes, making it a popular stop for thru-hikers and day-trippers alike. Sunrise Mountain, one of the park’s signature destinations, rewards a moderate climb with panoramic views of the Delaware Water Gap and the farmland of the Great Valley below — particularly stunning during fall foliage season. Tillman Ravine, a hemlock-shaded gorge with cascading waterfalls, provides a cooler, quieter counterpoint and feels remarkably remote for the Garden State.

Beyond hiking, visitors come for swimming at Stony Lake, fishing in Big Flatbrook (one of New Jersey’s premier trout streams), and cross-country skiing when winter settles over the ridge. Mountain biking and horseback riding are permitted on designated trails, and birders regularly spot warblers, hawks, and wild turkeys throughout the forest.

Stokes offers tent and cabin camping, with sites nestled among hardwood and conifer stands that feel far removed from the surrounding suburbs. Reservations fill quickly for peak weekends.

The best time to visit is mid-September through late October, when the ridge lights up in color and the summer crowds thin out. Spring wildflower season in April and May is a well-kept local secret.