JENNY JUMP STATE FOREST
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.
Jenny Jump State Forest is located in Warren County, New Jersey, and has a rich history dating all the way back to the Native American era. The forest derives its name from a local legend involving a young girl named Jenny who jumped from a cliff to escape from hostile Native Americans.
Prior to European colonization, the native Lenape people inhabited the region. They called the area "Jenny Jump" or "Jenny's Leap," believing that the spirit of Jenny protected them from evil. The Lenape were forced to leave their lands due to the westward expansion of European settlers.
In the mid-18th century, the land encompassing Jenny Jump State Forest was acquired by the Johnson family. William Johnson, a landowner and ironmaster, built a charcoal blast furnace in the forest in the 1770s, which was used to produce iron for the Revolutionary War effort.
During the Revolutionary War, the forest and its surroundings witnessed several military activities. General George Washington's troops camped in the region, and the nearby "Wreck Pond" was used to hide sunken barges, which acted as a blockade to prevent British naval ships from sailing up the Musconetcong River.
After passing through various owners, the land was eventually purchased by the state of New Jersey in 1959, and Jenny Jump State Forest was established. The forest covers approximately 4,650 acres and is renowned for its natural beauty, offering scenic vistas, rugged terrain, and diverse wildlife.
Campsites: Twenty-two tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Showers and toilets are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31. $20 per night.
Group campsites: Two group sites; capacity: 25 campers at one site, 40 at second site. Fire rings, picnic tables, pit toilets. Open April 1 through October 31. $25 per night - Capacity 25 campers, $40 per night - Capacity 40 campers.
Shelters: Eight shelters near the top of Jenny Jump Mountain, with furnished living room with woodburning stove, two rooms each with double-deck bunks. Showers and flush toilets are located nearby. Outdoor grill for cooking, picnic table. Each accommodates four people. With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated. Open year round. $10 a bunk per night, based on the number of bunks.
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
11.1 miles from park*