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Section 5 - US 206 to Millbrook-Blairstown Road Displayed from North to South

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Mile
Marker
 
Hiker Rated
Parking Safety
Directions Comments Number of Vehicles  Map   &  
 Weather  
Source
0.0
Culvers Gap (US 206)
   Poor           Great




The southern end of Section 4 (and the northern end of Section 5) are at the crossing of US 206 in Clulvers Gap. It is near the intersection of US 206 and County Road 636 (AKA Upper North Shore Road). The marker on the attached map indicates this intersection. Depending on the starting point there are many routes from the east. The map can be used to generate these. Those that utilize US 206 will probably pass through Branchville. From Branchville take US 206 north for about 3.5 miles to Culvers Gap and the trail crossing. GPS N41.1772 W74.7914 White blaze is on guardrail next to sign shop. The immediate area at the trail crossing is quite built up and parking is limited to non-existent. There is an AT parking lot 0.3 miles to the north. SE mm14.1. The southbound trail reaches the highway just to the west of County Road 636 (see north street view on map), turns left and follows the south side of the highway highway before going right and re-entering the woos. Appalachian Deli is closed as of November2020. Use online Stokes State Forest Map from Brinks Road to Deckertown Turnpike.11/29/20 Small pull off for 2-3 cars.
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ATEditors @ rohland.org
Here is a route that I used from I-84 if coming from the east. Google Maps will not give it unless forced. Take Exit 2 off I-84 in New York. Follow Mountain Road south about 3 miles to the state line where the road becomes County Road 519. Stay on this route for the next 17 miles. It makes a number of turns which are usually well-marked. Turn right onto County Road 636 (Upper North Shore Road). Go 3.3 miles to US 206. The turnoff to the AT parking are is to the right 0.2 miles before reaching US 206. Here is a route to Culvers Gap from I-84 if coming from the west. Take Exit 46 off I-84 In PA. Go east on US 6 for about 2.5 miles to Milford. At the intersection with US 209 continue south on US 209. In 0.9 miles go left on US 206. This crosses into New Jersey on a toll bridge and reaches Culvers Gap in 10 miles. Hike a short distance in front of gas station/restaurants and hunting store. Directly across from store is a trail that leads to Stokes State Forest Headquarters and natural spring that is well used by locals. Trail is not marked, but used, just stay to right until you merge with blue trail and stay left. You will reach park road and make left for office stay straight on road for spring. Much safer option to reach headquarters. Walking 206 can be dangerous. ACROPOLIS TRAIL is a steep trail with parking for maybe 1 car. It is south of the Culvers Gap crossing and would be a better option that cuts off road walking on 206 if interested in going to Jumboland Diner, Farm Stand, Dale's Market or Dairy Queen.11/29/20
 

 

ATEditors @ rohland.org
0.0
Culvers Gap (Parking Area)
   Poor           Great




This official AT parking area is actually in Section 4. See mm 14.1 of that section for more details. This is the only place in Stokes State Forest where overnight parking is allowed. 8/6/19
 

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ATEditors @ rohland.org
3.6
Tilman Ravine Upper and Lower Parking (Access from West)
   Poor           Great



 
Upper Tilman Ravine Parking: Access from US 206. Struble Road leaves US 206 about a mile west of Culver's Gap.

This would be a left turn if westbound on US 206. Struble Road eventually becomes Damon Road. Turn right on Tilman Road. (The road to the left is Brink Road.) The upper Tilman Ravine parking lot is another 0.3 miles. This is the closest parking for AT access via Brink Road. The marker on the attached map indicates this parking area. GPS: N41.1584 W74.8586. The route is mostly on good grail roads. For a realtime video showing the drive from US 206 see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NSG3qCOzM8 Road is gated most of the year.
One can hike southeast up Tilman Road past the intersection with Damon Road and continue on Brink Road. There is a new beaver pond blocking the road just after the section with Shay Road (blazed with an acorn icon). There is a cairn in the woods about a hundred yards before the pond. This may be hard to see. Turn right here. The Red Maple Trail is reached in about 50 feet. This is marked with red maple leaf/acorn blazes. Turn left bypassing the pond. Another road is soon reached. The Red Maple Trail turns left and follows this. The intersection with Brinks Road is about 100 yards further. Turn right here. The AT is about 0.2-0.3 miles further. The new Brinks Road Shelter is passed on the way. At the AT, northbound is left, southbound is right. If the cairn is missed, one can bushwhack to the right at the pond to reach the Red Maple Trail. Total distance about 1.5 miles. UPDATE: Beaver pond has subsided and road/trail is easily traversed. This could change in spring as beaver activity is still apparent in area. 1/26/20

Alternatively one can Follow the Red Maple Trail all the way from Tillman Ravine. For a good map of the roads and trails in this area see https://www.nynjtc.org/sites/default/files/NYNJTC_Stokes-South2017-WebsiteMap.pdf

4/21/21
12
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ATEditors @ rohland.org
Lower Tilman Ravine: Access from County Road 615 (Walpack - Flatbrook Road). Follow Main Street through the almost deserted village of Walpack Center. Just past the Walpack Cemetery, the road name changes to Tilman Road. It is a good gravel road. The lower Tillman Ravine parking area is 1 mile from County Road 615. That parking area is indicated by the marker on the attached map. GPS N41.1569 W74.8622. The upper parking area is 0.2 miles further. The upper area is the closer to the AT so normally would be the first choice. See previous listing. Please specify upper or lower lot if submitting a Parking Safety rating. The road is gated at the cemetery and where Struble Road becomes Dimon Road during the winter months. 1/26/20 Formerly it was at least theoretically possible to drive up Brinks Road (AKA Bevans Road) to the intersection with Woods Road. From there it was only a short walk past Brink Road Shelter to the AT. A high clearance vehicle was required. The map of Stokes State Forest still shows parking there. However it now appears that Brink Road is gated much if not all of the year. The same appears to be true for most of the other dirt access roads in the area. A beaver pond has flooded a portion of Brink Road. The closest parking now is at the two parking areas for Tillman Ravine. Upper lot holds fewer cars than lower lot. Beaver pond is gone and road is easily traversable as of 4/17/21 12
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ATEditors @ rohland.org
3.6
Bevans Road Easement (Access from East)
   Poor           Great



 
West Owassa Turnpike goes southwest from US 206 about a mile east (compass south) of Culver's Gap. Follow West Owassa Turnpike for 3 miles. Look for the beginnings of a dirt road on the right. It is near Mecca Lake. This is Bevans Road. See street view on the attached map. Just beyond this West Owassa Turnpike bends to the left and becomes Mountain Road. There is some parking along the side of the dirt road. See the satellite view on the map. Grassy areas on both sides of the access are on private property Hike uphill on the old road which is somewhat rocky. The AT is reached in about 0.5 miles. Here the northbound AT is right while the southbound is left. Straight ahead leads to Brink Road Shelter. The route is unmarked but is shown on the Stokes State Forest map. See: https://www.nynjtc.org/sites/default/files/NYNJTC_Stokes-South2017-WebsiteMap.pdf4/21/21
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ATEditors @ rohland.org
Access easement to the AT is on an unmarked trail which begins near 41.145588, -74.838369 We have received an update that the grassy areas on either side of the unmarked AT access easement is private property. There are no parking signs indicating such. Please only park in gravel areas when using the access easement. This may make this location better for drop off/pick up only. We would appreciate any information from our hiking community that helps to clarify the description of the area. 10/01/21
 

 

ATEditors @ rohland.org
7.7
Buttermilk Falls Trail
   Poor           Great




From Walpack Center on County Road 615, go east on Main Street. Go 0.5 miles and turn right onto Brook Road. (This is the first right after leaving County Road 615 and comes just past the Walpack Cemetery.). Brook Road becomes Mountain Road. After the right turn it is 2.0 miles to the Buttermilk Falls Trailhead. The parking area is on the right (west) side. The marker on the attached map marks the location of the parking area. GPS N41.1370 W74.8891 The blue line shows the route from Wallpack Center. The first 2-3 minutes of the following video shows parts of the route, the falls and the parking area: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTauz3C8ojQ
ROAD FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS CLOSED. You must walk in and this has been extremely crowded and popular during pandemic.
See Parking Safety for other comments.
Buttermilk Falls is the highest waterfall in New Jersey. The blue-blazed Buttermilk Falls Trail leads past the falls and climbs, sometimes steeply, to meet the AT in 1.6 miles. The elevation difference is about a thousand feet. Coordinates at the AT junction are 41.1196 -74.8851. At the intersection the northbound At goies left, the southbound goes right. 06/26/18 Trail crosses an old woods road that is now blazed yellow. A right will take you to picturesque Hemlock Pond and a left will eventually connect with the AT not far from the border of the DWG and Stokes State Forest. 4/1/21
10-12
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ATEditors @ rohland.org
Road is gated the winter past the bridge from the south and past the cemetery to the north. It is 1.9 miles from cemetery and a little over a mile from one lane bridge. Potholes are rough, but passable right after bridge. Road is greatly improved compared to yesteryear. Spot by bridge is popular fishing spot and the Flatbrook meanders it's way throughout the Water Gap and Stokes and fishing all along it is quite popular and you would have to imagine quite lucrative.3/17/20 Recent chat with hiker and he said it was difficult for his sedan to drive to gate from south as of 5/24/20. Area gated because of virus at present time. 4/1/21 Area is extremely crowded durning pandemic. These are recent comments from Rbrahmase @ hotmail.com about the route from the south (words in parentheses added): " From the other direction (south) it is probably better in a high clearance vehicle and depends on the season. There are huge divets/ potholes that fill up and a driver ends up playing an unappealing game of "dodge the hole". I would probably come in from the other (north) side especially during the wet season." 07/07/18 Update 10/19/19 road has been improved. It has been graded from the south similar to improvements made on nearby Old Mine Road. It is still not great immediately after one lane bridge from the south. I would still say a higher clearance vehicle will have a better time. 4/1/21 10-12
 

 

ATEditors @ rohland.org
8.7
Crater Lake Trail (northernmost junction)
   Poor           Great



 
ALERT: This access road has seasonal AND sometimes weekend closures. Be sure to visit Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area website to determine if you will have access to this parking location

See directions to the trail crossing of Blue Mt. Lakes Road (Mile 10.6). Just beyond the crossing and before the barricade which marks the end of Blue Mt. Lakes Road, a gravel road goes left (north). When I was there, the intersection was unsigned, but apparently the gravel road is called Skyline Drive. Follow it 2.5 miles to its end at good size parking lot on the east side of Crater Lake. The green arrow indicates the parking area.
Kiosk in lot shows orange-blazed trail. The trail follows gravel and dirt roads from the parking lot along the north shore of the lake. The route was clear even when there were no blazes. The trail climbs to the top of the bluffs above the lake. At the intersection, the AT is following an old development road. Southbound is left, northbound is right. The Crater Lake Trail continues west to Hemlock Pond. Coordinates at the intersection are 41.1119 -74.8967 Wonderful area with views, ponds and lakes. Many loop hikes possible. April 2023 update: This is an area that having a downloaded map on your phone will help through the trail mazes. 15-20
 

 

ATEditors @ rohland.org
GPS N41.06.565 W074.53.534

To get to Crater Lake parking from US 206 (Culvers Gap). Turn right onto Sunrise Mountain Road out of the Culvers Gap parking lot. Turn right on NJ 636. Turn left on US 206 south. Turn right onto NJ 521. Turn right onto NJ 617. Turn right on Old Schoolhouse Road. Turn left on Shannon Road. Turn right on Birch Ridge Road. Turn right on NJ 602. Turn right on Millbrook Flatbrook Road in Millbrook. Turn right on Blue Mountain Lakes Road. Continue past the parking area and turn left onto a dirtroad before the road block. Our map calls this Skyline Drive. Look for pull-offs on Skyline Drive with nice views of farms etc. Follow this dirt road to the parking lot at Crater Lake.
National Park style bathrooms in parking lot. Kiosk has detailed map and information. Crowded during nice summer days. Better parking during summer at intersection on Blue Mountain Lakes Road. This has Radio Tower an old water fountain and plenty of parking in the area.(Use pictures at 10.6 as a guide) Revalidated April 2023 20 - 30
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ATEditors @ rohland.org
9.2
Crater Lake Trail (Southernmost Jct.)
   Poor           Great



 
ALERT: This access road has seasonal AND sometimes weekend closures. Be sure to visit Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area website to determine if you will have access to this parking location

See Mile 8.7 for directions and a map to the parking area at the east end of Crater Lake
When I was there this route was unblazed, but according to "Kittatinny Trails" by Robert Boysen, it is now part of the orange-blazed Crater Lake Trail. A gated dirt road goes south then west from the east end of the parking area. This road soon turns west and reaches the AT in about 1/2 mile. Coordinates ther are 41.1068 -74.9002. The southbound AT goes left, the northbound AT goes right and starts the steep climb past the rock overhand known as Harding Lake Shelter. The Crater Lake Trail continues straight ahead, still following the road. It meets the AT again at the top of the cliffs. Though longer than the AT route (0.4 miles vs. 0.1 miles) this avoids the steep climb on the AT. This point is the official "southern" terminus of the Crater Lake Trail (Coordinates 41.1078 -74.9001).
 

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ATEditors @ rohland.org
GPS N41.06.565 W074.53.534 Lot can hold 20-30 vehicles. There is also two standard National/State Park bathrooms. If standing looking at lake from kiosk easily discernible path to left is orange trail and gated dirt road to right is northern access. Additional comments for this mile marker by DCullen are very accurate. 11/29/20 (revalidated April 2023) 20-30
 

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Rbrahmase @ hotmail.com
10.6
Blue Mountain Lakes Road
   Poor           Great




Start from the intersection of NJ 94 and County Route 602 in Blairstown. This intersection is about a half mile southwest of the intersection of NJ 94 and County Rte. 521. I think there is a road sign for Route 602 at the intersection. The route initially follows Main Street then bears left. Follow Route 602 about 7 miles to Millbrook Village, a collection of historic buildings being restored by the National Park Service. Go right on County Rte. 615, a paved road. In about 1.5 miles go right on paved Blue Mountain Lakes Road (formerly Flatbrookville Road). At the crest of the ridge in approximately 2.7 miles, the road is barricaded. 50 yards past barricade is stream water source for area a black plastic hose. Pump near AT intersection is no longer working. Near radio tower. The AT crosses few hundred feet west of this barricade. There is a parking lot on the north side of the road just west of the trail crossing. Some roadside parking may also be possible. Blue Mt. Lakes Road may also be marked as County Route 624. The northbound AT goes left (north) towards Rattlesnake Mt. The southbound AT follows the road east for about a hundred feet then goes right (south) along what was a development road for cabins that were torn down when the Federal Government bought the land. ACCESS ROAD CLOSED AT BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKES PARKING AREA 4/1/21 6-8
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ATEditors @ rohland.org
Here is a route from the north (I-84). There are other possibilities, but I know this one works. Take Exit 46 off I-84 in Pennsylvania and go south on US 6 for about 2.5 miles to the center of Milford. At the intersection with US 209 continue straight ahead (south) on US 209. In 8 miles in the 'town' of Dingmans Falls, go left on Dingmans Turnpike and cross the bridge (toll) into New Jersey. In about a quarter mile past the bridge, go sharp right onto Old Mine Road which becomes Walpack Road . In 2 miles go right staying on Walpack Road, now County Route 615.In approximately ten miles turn left at Old Mine Road and go 0.6. This .6 is currently filled with potholes and extremely rough. Go Slow!!! Turn left on Blue Mountain lakes Road and go 2.7 miles to the trail crossing and parking. UPDATE: Old Mine Road has been repaved and there is now paved parking area with a Handicapped spot directly across from intersection of Blue Mountain Lakes Road and old rundown houseN41.089345 W074.913067 7/22/19 On Blue Mountain Lakes Road you pass a parking area with bathrooms that holds a good 20-30 cars. There is a kiosk with map and many options to hike up to the AT. If you go to Hemlock pond you can either hike up to AT on orange blazed Hemlock Pond Trail or use old woods road and continue on to middle of Buttermilk Falls trail and up to the AT. There are many options for loop hikes of all desired lengths and difficulty. There are two areas to park and other spots that would be feasible. Past gate on east side old road(Fairview Lake Road) leads down less than a mile to Fairview Lake area and another parking access that is popular with summer campers and dog walkers. Not far down from gate is a black hose from stream that is used by hikers for water. It replaces the well pump that is still in area, but is not operational.ACCESS ROAD CLOSED AT BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKES PARKING AREA 4/1/21 4-5 in one 4-5 in another and quite a few roadside etc.
 

 

ATEditors @ rohland.org
Start from the intersection of NJ 94 and County Route 602 in Blairstown. This intersection is about a half mile southwest of the intersection of NJ 94 and County Rte. 521. I think there is a road sign for Route 602 at the intersection. The route initially follows Main Street then bears left. Follow Route 602 northwest 7.7 miles to Millbroook Village. This is an historic village that is easy to identify. There are various tours and displays performed periodically throughout the year.(The Water Gap website has dates and more info.) Make a right next to village(bathrooms) and continue uphill to old house on right hand side and turn right. Straight at village leads to Route 80 and many of the trailheads in section 6. Road is gated and closed here in the winter when it snows. Road has been beautifully repaved and is open. 6/17/20 NOTE: Gate is closed at the Blue Mountain Lakes parking area as of 6/16/20. due to Virus restrictions. Check DWG website for informationACCESS ROAD CLOSED AT BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKES PARKING AREA 4/1/21
 

 

ATEditors @ rohland.org
14.4
North Junction Millbrook-Blairstown Road
   Poor           Great



 
N41.0594 W074.963467

See Mile 10.6 for directions to County Route 602. Follow Route 602 northwest 6.2 miles from Blairstown to the trail crossing. It is another 1.1 miles to Millbrook Village. There is a small parking lot where the northbound trail re-enters the woods. This is on the right side of the road (coming from Blairstown).
The northbound AT (to Section 5) initially follows a gated road from the parking area. The official southern end of Section 5 can be reached by going left on Route 602 (AKA Millbrook-Blaiirtown Road) for about 0.1 miles to the point where the trail goes right onto a wood road. See Mile 14.5. There is a nice lot about a quarter of a mile downhill toward Millbrook Village. Lot can hold at least 6 cars. 1/21/21 (revalidated April 2023) 2-3
 

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ATEditors @ rohland.org
Here is a route from the north (I-84). There are other possibilities, but I know this one works. Take Exit 46 off I-84 in Pennsylvania and go south on US 6 for about 2.5 miles to the center of Milford. At the intersection with US 209 continue straight ahead (south) on US 209. In 8 miles in the 'town' of Dingmans Falls, go left on Dingmans Turnpike and cross the bridge (toll) into New Jersey. In about a quarter mile past the bridge, go sharp right onto Old Mine Road which becomes Walpack Road . In 2 miles go right stayig on Walpack Road, now County Route 615.In approximately ten miles turn left at Old Mine Road and go 2.2 miles to Millbrook Village. There turn left on County Road 602 and go 1.5 miles to the trail crossing. Via this route the parking lot will be on the left. Many pullovers before and after the AT. This area has been busy especially during pandemic. Northbound leads toward beaver pond and then up to ridge toward Blue Mountain/Crater Lake area. Southbound leads past gate and up to ridge and Catfish Fire Tower. 1/21/21 (revalidated April 2023) 2-3 Muddy at times.
 

 

ATEditors @ rohland.org
14.5
South Junction Millbrook-Blairstown Road
   Poor           Great




See Mile 14.4 The map attached here shows where the southbound trail leaves Millbrook-Blairstown Road and follows a fire road into the woods to Section 6. This is the official southern end of Section 5 and northern end of Section 6. Rotate the street view on the map to the west to see the southbound trail and possible parking. Rotate to the north to see the northbound route to Section 5 which follows the road 0.1 miles to the parking lot on the right. 11/29/20 (revalidated April 2023) 2-3
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ATEditors @ rohland.org

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