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New Jersey
9

New Jersey State Parks

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USA Parks
New Jersey
Skylands Region
Stephens State Park
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Stephens State Park Entrance To Stephens State Park © Gene Moretti
This is the entrance to Stephens State Park
Stephens State Park Limestone Kiln © Gene Moretti
Limestone Kiln used in 19th century.
Stephens State Park Stephens State Park © Gene Moretti
Picnic area overlooking river.
Stephens State Park Walkway © Gene Moretti
Walkway up to camping area at Stephens State Park.
Stephens State Park Stephens State Park © Gene Moretti
Near the entrance to Stephens State Park.
Stephens State Park Welcome Center © Gene Moretti
Welcome center at Stephens State Park
Stephens State Park Stephens State Park © Gene Moretti
Facilities at park
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STEPHENS STATE PARK
STEPHENS STATE PARK
800 Willow Grove St.
Hackettstown, New Jersey   07840

Phone: 908-852-3790
Reservations: 908-852-3790
The Musconetcong River, an excellent freshwater fishing spot, flows over and around boulders through Stephens State Park. An easy walking, but rocky path follows the river with places for picnicking in shaded areas.
History of the Area
Less than one mile east along Waterloo Road at Saxton Falls are the remains of one of the Morris Canal?s twenty-three locks and a section of the old canal?s towpath. The original canal was 90 miles in length, stretching from Newark to Phillipsburg, and was used to ship coal and iron across the state. However, the canal could not compete with the development of the Morris and Essex Railroad in the late 1800s, and the canal was eventually abandoned.
Camping
Campsites: Forty tent and small trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31.
Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
Whistling Swan Inn - Stanhope, NJ
BBs / Inns
Nestled in the beautiful Skylands Region of New Jersey, the house now known as The Whistling Swan Inn was built in 1905 by Justice of the Peace, Daniel Best, for his wife, Sarah. Come visit Northwest NJ's finest Victorian Inn Voted Top Ten BB in US by Inn Traveler Magazine
6.7 miles from park*
Boating
Electric motors and gas motors boats are allowed to be on the Musconetcong River. Each person must have on a wearable Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Fishing
The Musconetcong River provides excellent trout fishing. During the spring the Division of Fish and Wildlife stock the Musconetcong River with brown, rainbow and brook trout.

Approximately 400 of the total acreage is designated a NO HUNTING area.



Picnicking
Picnic sites are available along the scenic Musconetcong River and at the upper picnic area. Tables, charcoal grills and sanitary facilities are provided. Playground equipment and a small open play field are available at the upper picnic area. All picnic facilities are on a first come first serve basis, except for the group picnic shelter which can be reserved. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

For larger groups, we also offer a Group Picnic Shelter. It may be reserved for a fee:

Group Picnic Cancellation Fee: 50 percent of Fee

*Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.

Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can explore a six-mile loop trail, but be aware it's shared with hikers and horseback riders.

The terrain is moderately challenging, featuring both flat areas and hills; beginners should proceed carefully.

Off-road biking on unmarked trails is permitted too, however caution must be exercised due to uneven surfaces.

Remember that helmets are mandatory for cyclists under 17 years old in New Jersey - safety first!

Avoid cycling after dark as the park closes at dusk and there isn't sufficient lighting along the paths.

Please note: during winter months some routes may become inaccessible or dangerous due to snowfall or ice formation.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling
The Rock Climbing area is located near Waterloo Village on Waterloo Road A waiver is Required. Contact park office for specific information.
Trails
There are six miles of marked trails at Stephens State Park for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail surfaces range from flat to steep and rocky.

A 2-mile section of the Highlands Trail runs the length of Stephens State Park.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 100 species spotted, including migratory and resident birds. The Musconetcong River attracts waterfowl while the forested areas are home to woodland species. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats along six miles of marked trails or from designated observation points throughout the area.
Nature Programs
Park Programs

Stephens State Park invites you to participate in our Summer/Fall Interpretive Nature Programs. Naturalist Lori Tournillon will be presenting a variety of informative and educational programs. These programs are sponsored by the park free of charge and attendees meet at the end of the main parking lot at 1:00 pm. In case of inclement weather, you are urged to contact the park office to determine if a program has been canceled or rescheduled. Check the Calendar of Events for Stephens State Park's current programs.
Area Attractions
Waterloo Village

Waterloo Village takes the visitor through time from a 400-year old Lenape (Delaware) Indian village to a bustling port along the once prosperous Morris Canal. This early 19th-century restored village contains a working mill complex with gristmills and sawmills, a general store, blacksmith shop and several historic houses.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 30 I <3 THIS PLACE by Foaly
park review stars; one to five I looove this place. Its great 4 fishing, n its sooooo pretty!
June 30
park review stars; one to five Camping now cost 20 dollars a night, but is worth it.
April 12 Great relaxing & Picnic spot by Zain
park review stars; one to five Its a great place for familly and for relaxing..this is one of our favourite place. We come here often and Hackettstown is a great place to visit.
write a review
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Area Campgrounds
Delaware River Campground
100 U.S. 46
Knowlton Township, NJ
908-475-4517
Delaware River Family Campground
100 Route 46
Delaware, NJ
Fla-Net RV Park
20 Flanders Netcong Road
Flanders, NJ
973-347-4467
Triple Brook Camping Resort
58 Honey Run Road
Blairstown, NJ
Panther Lake Camping Resort
6 Panther Lake Road
Andover, NJ
Goodland Country Club and Spa
Drakestown Road
Hackettstown, NJ
908-850-1300
Windy Acres Campground
294 Newton-Swarstwood Road
Hampton, NJ
973-897-8695
Green Valley Beach Campground
68 Phillips Road
Newton, NJ
973-383-4026
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Willow Grove Street (Route 604), 2 miles east of Hackettstown or 7.5 miles west of Route 206 on Waterloo Road (Route 604).

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New Jersey
9

New Jersey State Parks

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