Stokes State Forest Trails
Stokes State Forest encompasses 16,447 acres of mountainous woodlands in the Kittatinny Mountains, from the southern boundary of High Point State Park to the eastern boundary of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area. Stokes offers 24 marked trails for a total of over 62 miles. Many of the trails are multiuse (for hiking, biking and horseback riding), but some, including the 12-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, are hiking only. Permitted uses are indicated in the descriptions below and on trail signage.
The JerseyPhiles Notes: All mileage is the actual length of the trail, so be sure to double that when doing an out and back.
The trails tend to be rocky–some more so than others. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and good lug soles are recommended, as are a good pair of trekking poles.
Always check the park’s WEBSITE for the latest conditions and closures before heading out. Unless otherwise noted, the information below comes from the official park map, which can be downloaded HERE
NOTE: The trails information below is current as of 10/10/2025. However, changes are coming. The Blue Mountain Trail will be broken down into loops and will absorb some of the other trails. Also, some trails in the park are not noted in the current map, so I will fill in the gaps as much as I can.
Gold & Brown – 1.0 Miles – Hiking – Difficult
Trailhead: On the south side of Rt. 206, across from Culver Lake
See on Google Maps
Acropolis Trail is the steepest trail within Stokes with a continuous climb to the top the Kittatinny Ridge. Views of nearby Culver Lake and the Pocono Plateau are spectacular.
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White – 12 miles in Stokes -Hiking – Moderate
Trailhead: Numerous entry points. See park map.
Appalachian Trail (AT) is a historic national scenic trail, extending from Maine to Georgia. It is well-marked and well-traveled, with numerous rocks, bridges, boardwalks and changes in elevation.
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Light Blue – 17.3 miles – Multi-use – Moderate
Trailhead: There are numerous places to enter the Blue Mountain Trail. See official park MAP
Blue Mountain Trail is a new and extensive loop created by incorporating existing trails, as well as short sections of new trail. The trail encircles the heart of the northern portion of Stokes State Forest. With so many connections to other trails, there are many opportunities to plan a hike of almost any length.
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Blue – 0.33 Miles – Hiking – Moderate
Trailhead: Off Mountain Rd. in Walpack. Park either on the road in in small lot across from the cemetery. See on Google Maps
Cemetery Trail, which isn’t described on the current, official map, is a short climb up through the Tillman Ravine along the Tillman Brook and ends at the Tillman Ravine Trail.
The JerseyPhiles Notes: In our humble opinion, the Tillman Ravine Natural Area is the most scenic area of Stokes State Forest.
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Blue – 1.5 miles – Multi-use – Moderate
Trailhead: One mile from Route 206 on the north side of Sunrise Mountain Rd.
See on Google Maps
Coursen Trail is a gently sloping route along a hillside that connects with Stony Brook Trail near Stony Lake, encountering wetlands along the way.
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Gray & Teal – 2.2 miles – Multi-use – Moderate
Trailhead: Two access points on the north side of Grau Rd.
Criss Trail is moderately sloped, moving along a boulder-strew hillside. It follows an old road along a rocky stream bed. The trail loops from Grau Road near Cabin 12 to Grau Road near Forked Brook.
The JerseyPhiles Notes: “Boulder-strewn” is an optimistic way of describing this trail. We at The JerseyPhiles would describe it as the seventh circle of rock hell. Be sure to wear sturdy boots with ankle support.
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Red & Yellow – 1.2 miles – Multi-use – Moderate
Trailhead: Can be accessed from Criss Trail
See on Google Maps
Deep Root Trail follows a creek then climbs moderate slopes in a boulder-strewn hardwood forest. The trail levels out along the ridge-top and meets with upper reaches of DeGroat Road.
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Blue Triangles – 1.0 miles – Hiking & Interpretive – Moderate
Trailhead: This loop trail begins and ends on Tinsley Trail, downhill from Sunrise Mountain Road.
See on Google Maps
Geology Trail is narrow and winds through an area of glacial landforms. Along the way, numbered posts correspond with a interpretive guide (available a the Stokes office) that explains the numerous points of geologic interest.
The JerseyPhiles Notes: Very narrow and rocky
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Blue & Gray – 0.4 miles – Multi-use – Moderate
Trailhead: Access from Red Maple Trail on Woods Road
See on Google Maps
Ladder Trail is a steep trail that runs up the side of the Kittatinny Ridge to connect with the Appalachian Trail. Located in the remote southern end of the forest, mixed hardwoods, mountain laurel and blueberry are abundant.
The JerseyPhiles Notes: The trail blazes do not have dots as indicated by the park map. The blazes are a gray half circle over a blue half circle. Also, the trail is rocky especially at the top as you approach the Appalachian Trail.
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Blue & Gray – 0.7 miles – Mutli-use – Easy
Trailhead:
Lead MIne Trail runs from Coursen Road to the Blue Mountain Trail over generally level terrain. The trail includes an open clear-cut area from the mid-1980s.
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Red Maple Leaf – 5.0 Miles – Multi-use – Moderate to difficult
Trailhead:
Red Maple Trail connects the Lake Ashroe Recreation Area with the unique Tillman Ravine Natural Area
Blue & Yellow – 1.5 Miles – Multi-use – Easy
Trailheads: The west side of Deckertown Turnpike, one mile from Crigger Rd. You can park either along Deckertown or drive down the dirt road to a small parking area.
See on Google Maps
Just be aware that the road is often in poor condition and may not be advisable for low clearance vehicles.
Rock Oak Trail traverses a small ridge and passes an old logging deck. The trail highlights forest land in various stages of succession.
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Brown & Yellow 1.5 Miles – Multi-use – Moderate
Trailhead: South side of Dimon Road just past the Cook 4-H Camp
See on Google Maps
Shay Trail served as a fire control route in July 1966 when a major forest fire burned through 2,000 acres at the southern end of Stokes. The trail is moderately steep and rocky.
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Orange – 2.2miles – Multi-use – Moderate
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Black and Gray – 1.8 miles – Multi-use – Easy
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Blue and Gray – 0.7miles – Multi-use – Easy
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Brown – 2.8miles – Multi-use – Moderate
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Blue and Brown – 0.7 miles – Multi-use – Easy
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Red – 3.7 miles – Multi-use – Moderate
Trailhead: West side of Crigger Road.
Swenson Trail connects to and shares the path with Blue Mountain Trail through a section of forest that was clear cut in the last century. Over the last 90-100 years, natural succession has taken place, leading to the mature forest of oaks and other hardwood trees seen here today.
White – 1.5 miles – Hiking only – Moderate
Trailhead: West side of Stokes, along Dimon Road
Tillman Ravine Trail is a looped trail between ridges and ravine along Tillman Brook in the Tillman Ravine Natural Area. The ravine is a narrow red shale and sandstone gorge set among tall hemlock trees.
The JerseyPhiles Notes: The ravine is a great place to escape the summer heat. However, the rocks along the brook, especially near the waterfall and “Tea Cup” are extremely slippery when wet, as are the several wooden boardwalks along the trail.
Yellow – 2.0 miles – Multi-use – Moderate
Trailhead: Skellenger Road or Sunrise Mountain Road
Tinsley Trail connects the Blue Mountain Trail to Sunrise Mountain Road. It also provides access to the Geology Trail.
Green – 1.6 miles – Multi-use – Difficult
Trailhead: On Sunrise Mountain Road, 1.5 miles from Route 206
Tower Trail leads uphill to the Appalachian Trail with Excellent views of rural Sussex Couty. It leads downhill from the trailhead to Stony Brook Trail.