Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey State Park Service

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Jenny Jump State Forest Overview

Rolling terrain and rocky outcroppings greet visitors on the climb to the top of Jenny Jump Mountain.

Jenny Jump State Forest is located in Warren County along the stunning rolling terrain of the 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 anyone 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.

Towards the end of the Wisconsin Glaciation, about 21,000 years ago, glaciers receded from Jenny Jump Mountain. 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 meltwater to the edge of the ice where it was deposited in huge ridges called moraines. The dramatic effects of this can be seen in Jenny Jump State Forest.

United Astronomy Clubs of NJ (UACNJ) leases property from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and, in 1995, completed the Greenwood Observatory. UACNJ provides public programs on Saturday evenings from April through October at which an astronomy presentation is followed by an observing session, weather permitting.


Trail Map

Cross-country Skiing
The open terrain is ideal for cross-country skiing during the winter months.

Hiking
Fourteen miles of hiking trails offer magnificent views of the mountains and scenic Mountain Lake. Summit Trail, at an elevation of 1,090 feet, offers a view of the Delaware Water Gap and Great Meadows.

General Guide to the trails at Jenny Jump State Forest

Trail Map

Online reservations can be made at Camping.nj.gov(link is external).

Campsites
The park has 22 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Showers and toilets are within walking distance. Campsites are open from April 1st to October 31st.

Group Campsites
There are two group sites with fire rings, picnic tables and pit toilets. Capacity: 25 campers at one site, 40 at second site.

Shelters
The park provides eight shelters near the top of Jenny Jump Mountain. Shelters each have a furnished living room with woodburning stove and double-deck bunks that can accommodate four people. Showers and flush toilets are located nearby. Each has an outdoor grill for cooking, picnic table. Each accommodates six people, although only four beds are provided. Shelters are open year-round.

A car-top boat launch provides access to Ghost Lake and Mountain Lake.

Fishing
A car-top boat launch at Ghost Lake provides access to excellent largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish fishing and access to Mountain Lake and Lake Just-it are available for shoreline fishing. The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife stock trout at Beaver Brook during the spring trout season.

Hunting
Hunting is permitted in designated areas within the park and is subject to NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations. Favorable habitat for deer, turkey and small game offer excellent hunting opportunities for the sportsman.

Ice Fishing
During the winter months, Ghost Lake and Mountain Lake provide excellent ice fishing for perch and pickerel.

A small picnic area is available in a quiet, shaded area of the park. Tables and grills are available.

Jenny Jump State Forest is home to many species of birds and wildlife. Vistas of the Delaware Water Gap and Great Meadows provide an excellent opportunity to observe birds and other wildlife in its natural habitat. Please keep a respectful distance from all wild animals.

A NJ State Park Service Special Use Permit is required for various types of short-duration, organized activities and/or events within a state park, forest and/or historic site. Examples of organized activities and/or special events include, but are not limited to press events, commercial photography and/or filming, corporate events, fundraisers, festivals, demonstrations, walkathons and races, concerts, Televised events and/or commercial use of or on State Park Service lands and/or waters. 

To learn more about Special use Permits click here.

Access for Persons with Disabilities
Jenny Jump State Forest facilities are partially accessible for people with disabilities. Please contact the forest office for further information regarding disability access. Text telephone (TTY) users, call the NJ Relay & CapTel Service at 711 or 1-800-852-7897 for English or 1-866-658-7714 for Spanish.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Recreational use of ATVs is not permitted on NJ State Park Service property. This includes state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. Thank you for your help in protecting New Jersey’s natural and historic resources. [N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d)]

Smoking
State law prohibits the smoking of tobacco and use of electronic smoking (vaping) devices in all state parks, forests, historic sites, recreation areas, golf courses and marinas. [N.J.P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-56)]

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. [ N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.6 ]

Keep Your Park Clean and Green
Protect plants and animals and care for your parks by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. It’s like crowdsourcing trash management! Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles in this park. Thank you!

Swimming
No swimming.

Pets
Pets must always be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and under the control of the owner. Please clean up after your pets.

Tick Protection
Use insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, stay on trails, check yourself when you get home, shower and wash clothes immediately.

Be Bear Aware
Black bears are found throughout New Jersey. Do not approach or attract bears by making food available. Feeding bears is dangerous and illegal. Never run from a bear! To report an aggressive bear, call 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337) immediately. Please report any damage or nuisance behavior to the park office. Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at www.njfishandwildlife.com for additional information on bear safety.

Photo Gallery

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Related Links

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
Worthington State Forest

Park Map

Area Map

General

Phone Number
908-459-4366

Physical Address
330 State Park Rd
Hope, NJ 07844

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 150
Hope, NJ 07844

Email Address
JennyJump@dep.nj.gov

Park Hours

Park Open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Park Office Open daily 8 am to 4:30 pm

Park Fees

Entrance Fee None

Other Related Fees
Map / Directions

GPS Coordinates
40.912765, -74.922645