New Jersey Snowmobile Trails

The snow is falling and there is a bitter bite in the air: snowmobiling season is upon you. Whether you are a novice or expert snowmobiler, you can have fun blazing through the trails of New Jersey. After registering your snowmobile, bundle up and head to Stokes State Forest or Wawayanda or Ringwood State Parks.

  1. Stokes State Forest

    • The 12.5-mile portion of the Appalachian Trail is reserved strictly for hikers; however, there are 33 additional trails in Branchville's Stokes State Forest, ranging from one-half mile to four miles in length and covering terrain from flat lowlands to rocky mountains. To protect the safety of all patrons, the park office reserves the right to change approved trails. Visit them at One Coursen Road or call 973-948-3820 before embarking on your snowmobiling journey. While you're there, you may want to visit the Sunrise Mountain Overlook for a breathtaking view of Northern New Jersey at an elevation of 1,653 feet above sea level. Stokes State Forest is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is $5 per vehicle on weekdays and $10 on weekends, as of 2010.

    Wawayanda State Park

    • Because of its high elevation of 1,140 feet above sea level, Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt experiences vast accumulations of snow, making it ideal for snowmobiling through much of the park's 60 miles of trails. Among other winter activities, snowmobiling is allowed on designated trails and various areas within the park. Stop in at the park office, located at 885 Warwick Turnpike, or call 973-853-4462 for an updated list of the spots where snowmobiling is allowed. The park has a "carry in, carry out" policy, so you must dispose of your trash outside of the facility, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance to Wawayanda State Park is $5 per vehicle on weekdays and $10 on weekends, as of 2010.

    Ringwood State Park

    • Ringwood State Park is located in Ringwood, New Jersey, and offers nearly 50 miles of trails, many of which are suitable for snowmobiling. The snowmobile trails are located in the Skylands section of the park and can be identified by markers at each trail head and crossing. If you have any questions about a specific trail, stop by the office at 1304 Sloatsburg Road or call 973-962-7031. You'll need to make arrangements for any trash you may accumulate, as this park has a "carry in, carry out" policy. During your visit, you may want to tour the historic Ringwood and Skylands Manors. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance to Ringwood State Park is free.