Stokes State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stokes State Forest |
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Stokes State Forest, Sussex County
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| Location | Sussex County |
| Area | 16,447-acre (66.56 km2) |
| Operated by | New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry |
Stokes State Forest is a huge natural area in Sussex County, New Jersey. It covers about 16,447 acres (66.56 km2) of beautiful mountains and forests. This forest is part of the Kittatinny Mountains. It stretches from High Point State Park all the way to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry takes care of this amazing place.
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History of Stokes State Forest
Stokes State Forest began in 1907. Governor Edward Stokes gave 500 acres (2.0 km2) of his land on the Kittatinny Mountains. The State of New Jersey also bought 5,432 acres (21.98 km2) more land. Because of the governor's gift, the forest was named after him.
The forest started with about 5,932 acres (24.01 km2). Over the years, more land was bought, making it over 16,000 acres (65 km2) today. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps helped build trails and plant white pine trees. Before this, many forests in New Jersey were cut down for farms and wood. Stokes State Forest was created to protect the forests on the Kittatinny Mountains.
How the Mountains Were Formed
Ancient Collisions and Rock Formation
About 500 million years ago, a chain of volcanic islands crashed into what would become North America. The North American land mass slid under these islands. This created the Highlands and Kittatinny Valley. Later, sand and small rocks were carried to an ancient sea. This material, mostly quartz, settled on top of the older rocks.
Around 400 million years ago, another landmass collided with North America. This squeezed the bedrock, forming the Kittatinny Mountains. The mountains were made from a hard rock called Shawangunk conglomerate. This rock is mostly quartz. It was bent and heated during the collision, making it very strong. This strength helps the mountains resist wearing away from weather.
The Impact of Glaciers
Over millions of years, wind, rain, snow, and ice slowly shaped the mountains. The Wisconsin Glacier covered Stokes State Forest from about 21,000 BC to 13,000 BC. When the glacier melted, it left behind hills of rock and dirt called moraines. It also created round holes called kettle holes and rocky fields.
The Big Flat Brook
The Big Flat Brook is a shallow stream that starts in a mountain swamp. It flows southwest and empties into the Delaware River. This stream is famous for fishing. The New Jersey Fish and Game department stocks it with rainbow trout and brown trout. It is one of the best fishing spots in New Jersey.
The Old Silver Mine
In the 1880s, a man named John Snook dug a mine in the forest. He found silver ore and made good money from it. However, the silver quickly ran out. Today, this old mine is filled with water. You can find it about a mile and a half north of the forest office.
Plants and Animals of Stokes Forest
Stokes Forest is a northern deciduous forest. This means it has trees that lose their leaves in the fall. You can find many types of trees here. These include oaks, hickories, maples, birch, chestnuts, and sycamores.
Many smaller plants also grow here. These include rhododendron, mountain laurel, and blueberries. You can also see various mosses and ferns.
The forest is home to many animals. Large animals like white-tailed deer and bears live here. You might also spot beavers, minks, and raccoons. Smaller animals include chipmunks, squirrels, and gray foxes. Even eastern coyotes and bobcats can be found in the forest.
Sunrise Mountain: A Scenic Viewpoint
Sunrise Mountain is part of the Kittatinny Mountains. It stretches from the New York state line to the Delaware Water Gap. This mountain was formed during the Silurian period. It is made of the same strong quartz rock as the rest of the Kittatinny Mountains. You can see this rock along the trails.
At the top of Sunrise Mountain, there is a pavilion. It is a great spot for a picnic. Look for the rock shaped like New Jersey while you are there! Sunrise Mountain is the second highest point in New Jersey. It is about 1,653 feet (504 m) above sea level. Hikers love the amazing views from the top. There is a special marker that shows the exact elevation.
You can reach the summit with just a quarter-mile hike from a parking lot. From the top, you can see much of Sussex County. On the eastern side, you can view the Kittatinny Valley and the Highlands. From the western side, you can see the Delaware Valley. You can even see three states from here: New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania!
The Appalachian Trail follows the ridge of the Kittatinny Mountains. You can follow this famous trail by looking for short white stripes on trees. These are called blazes.
Stony Lake: Fun in the Sun
Stony Lake is an eight-acre lake in the forest. It has a beach with picnic tables and showers. There are also new bathrooms with flushing toilets. Many people come to swim here in July and August. Lifeguards are on duty during swimming hours to keep everyone safe.
The lake is also a great place for fishing. You can explore the forest trails around the lake. There is a small fee to enter the lake area. There are also playgrounds nearby, like Kittle Field, which are perfect for younger kids.
Lake Ocquittunk: A Quiet Escape
Lake Ocquittunk is a 6-acre (24,000 m2) lake shaped like a U. It is also located in Stokes State Forest. There are eleven cabins around the lake that you can rent. The N.J. Fish and Game department stocks the lake with rainbow and brown trout three times a year.
You can also find perch, bass, and pickerel in the lake. A small stream flows into and out of Lake Ocquittunk.
Tillman Ravine: A Natural Wonder
Tillman Ravine Natural Area covers 525 acres (2.12 km2). It is a beautiful area with both evergreen and deciduous trees. Tillman Brook starts as a spring and flows all year round. Part of the ravine has an old-growth forest of 25 acres (0.10 km2). This forest has very old eastern hemlock trees and other hardwoods.
Several trails wind through this area. They offer views of waterfalls, pools, and interesting rock formations. Tillman Ravine is also home to the barred owl and other special animals.
The ravine was formed when the Wisconsin glacier melted. The meltwater flowed through cracks in the Kittatinny Mountains. Tillman Creek flows over Buttermilk Falls. It then joins the Flat Brook in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
New Jersey School of Conservation
The New Jersey School of Conservation is a special place within Stokes State Forest. It is run by Montclair State University. It is one of the largest university-run camps in New Jersey. It is also the oldest and largest university-operated environmental education center in the country.
The "school" hosts camps for music and environmental awareness. It is about 57 miles (92 km) from the main Montclair campus. It sits on 240 acres (97 ha) right in the middle of Stokes State Forest.
Each year, nearly 9,000 students from elementary and secondary schools visit the school. About 1,000 teachers also come for programs. The school offers courses for college students and workshops for teachers. These programs help people learn about the environment and how to protect it. The school is also a center for important environmental research.
Images for kids
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Stokes State Forest, Sussex County
