Jenny Jump State Forest is located in Warren County along the stunning rolling terrain of Jenny Jump Mountain Range.  Panoramic vistas of the Highlands and the Kittatinny Mountains and Valley to the west, and scenic views of the Great Meadows in the east dramatically greet the visitor who climbs the narrow path leading to the top of Jenny Jump Mountain.  Rocky outcroppings and boulders line the trail – evidence that great glaciers once covered what is now known as Jenny Jump State Forest.

 

These Glaciers receded from Jenny Jump Mountain near the end of the Wisconsin Ice Age, about 21,000 years ago.  Exceeding a mile in thickness, the ice advanced southward from Canada, gouging out valleys and rocks from mountain tops, incorporating sediment, boulders and debris into its mass.  Much of this debris was carried by the glacier or transported by melting water to the edge of the ice where it was deposited in huge ridges known as moraines.  The dramatic effects of this can still be seen in Jenny Jump State Forest.

 

Camping in the Forest

There are twenty-two tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables located in Jenny Jump State Forest.  Showers and toilets are within walking distance. The camping facilities are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $20 per night.

 

In addition there are two group sites available with a capacity of 25 campers at one site and 40 at the second site.  Fire rings, picnic tables and pit toilets are located on these sites.  Open from April 1 through October 31 one site rents for $25 per night – Capacity 25 campers and the other for $40 per night – Capacity 40 campers.

 

The forest website also lists eight shelters although from the description they sounded more like cabins.  I suggest checking with the park office for complete information regarding these sites. 

 

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

 

Highlights of Jenny Jump State Forest

UACNJ Observatory is located in Jenny Jump State Forest. The United Astronomy Clubs of NJ (UACNJ) leases property from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and in 1995 completed the Greenwood Observatory.  The UACNJ provides public programs on Saturday evenings from April through October, 8:00 to 10:00 pm, at which an astronomy presentation is followed by an observing session, weather permitting.

 

Trails in Jenny Jump State Forest offer eleven miles for hiking and three miles for hiking/mountain biking all with magnificent views of the mountains and scenic Mountain Lake.  The Summit Trail, at an elevation of 1,090 feet, offers a view of the Delaware Water Gap and the Pequest Valley.

 

Fishing, Boating and Canoeing is available and there is a car-top boat launch at Ghost Lake which provides access to excellent largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish fishing and additional access to Mountain Lake is available for shore line fishing.  The Division of Fish and Wildlife stock trout at Beaver Brook four times during the spring trout season.

 

Hunting is permitted in designated areas within the forest and is subject to the Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.  The forest contains a favorable habitat for deer, turkey and small game and therefore offers an excellent hunting opportunity for the sportsman.

 

Picnicking is provided in a small picnic available in a quiet, shaded area of the park. Tables and grills are provided for the patrons.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

 

Bear Alert!!  Jenny Jump State Forest has frequent sightings of black bears.  An educational brochure is available at the forest office.

 

Location:
Warren County
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 150
Hope, NJ 07844
DMS 40 54 79.30” N    74 55 32.10”W
Size: 4,324 acres
Fees: No entrance fee.

 

Directions:
Take Route 80 to exit 12 to Hope. Turn onto Route 519 north at blinking light. At third right, turn onto Shiloh Road. Approximately 1 mile, turn right onto State Park Road.
 

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