Sunrise Mountain Overlook - Branchville, NJ
Sunrise Mountain Overlook Dog-Friendly Hiking and Views in Branchville, New Jersey
Discover breathtaking scenery and pet-friendly trails at Sunrise Mountain Overlook, located along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Branchville, New Jersey. This scenic destination offers easy vehicle access, ample parking, and panoramic eastward views, making it a favorite for dog owners seeking great hikes with their furry companions. The overlook is a short, scenic walk from the parking lot to a rustic shelter, where visitors can relax, take in the views, and even enjoy a picnic.
Hikers and dog owners alike will appreciate the well-marked trails, fresh air, and tranquil forest surroundings. Sunrise Mountain is ideal for those looking to experience a dog-friendly hiking adventure in Sussex County, with opportunities for bird watching, meditation, and picnicking along the way. While Sunrise Mountain doesn’t feature a traditional fenced dog park, its accessible trails and overlook provide a memorable day out for you and your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Sunrise Mountain Overlook is located on the Appalachian Trail and offers access to extensive hiking opportunities.
- Is there a covered shelter or shade available? Yes, at the top of the overlook there is a pavilion-style shelter and plenty of shaded areas along the trail.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a dedicated parking lot at Sunrise Mountain Overlook with space for about 20 cars, offering easy access to the trails and views.
- Are picnics allowed? Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and relax at the shelter or other scenic spots near the overlook.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park is right on the Appalachian Trail, offering extensive hiking and wilderness experiences for you and your dog.
Reviews
What a great day hiking the Appalachian trail. Highly recent and would do it again
What a great day hiking the Appalachian trail. Highly recent and would do it again
Wow what a view!! Hiked here from High Point on the Appalachian Trail. There is parking close by so lots of people were up here at the time, some bird watching.
Wow what a view!! Hiked here from High Point on the Appalachian Trail. There is parking close by so lots of people were up here at the time, some bird watching.
Wow what a view!! Hiked here from High Point on the Appalachian Trail. There is parking close by so lots of people were up here at the time, some bird watching.
What’s not like. Nestled on the Appalachian Trail sunrise mountain provides epic views prodimantly eastward, hence the name sunrise mt. It’s easily accessible for anyone w a vehicle. You can drive thru stokes state forest to a dedicated parking lot. The lot provides good views but its only a 2 minute walk on the trail to the sunrise mountain shelter where you’ll have great views. Bring a picnic basket and relax!
What’s not like. Nestled on the Appalachian Trail sunrise mountain provides epic views prodimantly eastward, hence the name sunrise mt. It’s easily accessible for anyone w a vehicle. You can drive thru stokes state forest to a dedicated parking lot. The lot provides good views but its only a 2 minute walk on the trail to the sunrise mountain shelter where you’ll have great views. Bring a picnic basket and relax!
What’s not like. Nestled on the Appalachian Trail sunrise mountain provides epic views prodimantly eastward, hence the name sunrise mt. It’s easily accessible for anyone w a vehicle. You can drive thru stokes state forest to a dedicated parking lot. The lot provides good views but its only a 2 minute walk on the trail to the sunrise mountain shelter where you’ll have great views. Bring a picnic basket and relax!
Stopping at the Stokes State Forest office. Nice set up. Staff were very helpful/ informative. Bought a few t shirts with the Stoke State Forest logo, and a FABULOUS pack of 4 maps called Delaware Water Gap and Kittatinny trails, 2021, 8th edition (I have to see if there’s an updated version).
Drove up to the top of Sunrise Mountain. It is a one way, tarred road that kind of runs parallel to the Appalachian Trail. Parked ( room for about twenty cars), then walked about eighth of a mile to the very top where the shelter is. Temp was 92º, humid, but bareable with the breeze and water.
Great views and picture taking.
Met an Appalachian Trail NoBo hiker. Talked about the hike and Shaw’s Hostel ( great place for thru-hikers) Monson, close to the start of the Hundred Mile Wilderness trail to Mt. Katadin.
☆☆☆Saw a rattlesnake (black and white) halfway up the mountain lying on the road! He rattled at us as we drove by. Sorry for disturbing your sunbathing, buddy!
Along the way, there are several turn offs, with signage, that lead to large, accessible ponds and camps. Signage for trails, along the road, are easily seen also. They often lead you to the Appalachian trail. See photos.
It’s a long drive, but if you like the forest silence with some birds singing, an occasional deer and lots of opportunity to visit mountain ponds and lakes, you will love it.
☆☆☆ The next day started the unbelievably terrible air quality from ozone, and maybe Canadian fires. Hope the hikers were ok. 🫤
Stopping at the Stokes State Forest office. Nice set up. Staff were very helpful/ informative. Bought a few t shirts with the Stoke State Forest logo, and a FABULOUS pack of 4 maps called Delaware Water Gap and Kittatinny trails, 2021, 8th edition (I have to see if there’s an updated version).
Drove up to the top of Sunrise Mountain. It is a one way, tarred road that kind of runs parallel to the Appalachian Trail. Parked ( room for about twenty cars), then walked about eighth of a mile to the very top where the shelter is. Temp was 92º, humid, but bareable with the breeze and water.
Great views and picture taking.
Met an Appalachian Trail NoBo hiker. Talked about the hike and Shaw’s Hostel ( great place for thru-hikers) Monson, close to the start of the Hundred Mile Wilderness trail to Mt. Katadin.
☆☆☆Saw a rattlesnake (black and white) halfway up the mountain lying on the road! He rattled at us as we drove by. Sorry for disturbing your sunbathing, buddy!
Along the way, there are several turn offs, with signage, that lead to large, accessible ponds and camps. Signage for trails, along the road, are easily seen also. They often lead you to the Appalachian trail. See photos.
It’s a long drive, but if you like the forest silence with some birds singing, an occasional deer and lots of opportunity to visit mountain ponds and lakes, you will love it.
☆☆☆ The next day started the unbelievably terrible air quality from ozone, and maybe Canadian fires. Hope the hikers were ok. 🫤