The Kittatinny Sunrise cache is part of The Northern New Jersey Cachers ( NNJC ) 9th annual Geocachers of the North East ( G.O.N.E. ) caching and camping event 11/2/13 located at Stokes State Forest.
This year's theme is celebrating "NJ's Mountains and Forests" with the cache placed near The crest of Sunrise Mountain which is one of the most frequently visited sites in Stokes State Forest. Thanks to Treequest for the cache donation. Thanks also to the Superintendent of Stokes State Forest for granting permission to place this cache at this beautiful Sunrise Mountaintop location.
The mountaintop provides a breathtaking view at an elevation of 1,653 feet above sea level. The thin soil and harsh climate characteristic of Sunrise Mountain is a difficult environment in which few plants can survive. Mountain laurel, wild blueberry, pitch pine and scrub oak are among the natural vegetation found throughout the area. The pavilion at the summit was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Appalachian Trail runs along the ridge.
The breathtaking and panoramic view from Sunrise Mountain along the Appalachian Trail rewards the hiker who has trekked up the steep side of the mountain. The view encompasses the pastoral farmland of New Jersey to the east and undeveloped forests and mountain ridges to the west. For those who don’t relish the idea of climbing up the side of a mountain and following a sometimes rocky and steep trail for a few hours, there is a short drive to the pavilion at the top of the mountain.
Stokes is famous for its impressive beauty, whether it is at the top of a mountain ridge or in the cool and fragrant Tillman Ravine with its rushing stream and steep cliffs. Hikers, campers, fishermen and photographers are attracted to its wild setting.
The Kittatinny Mountains are a long ridge traversing across northwestern New Jersey running in a northeast-southwest axis. The name comes from a Lenape Native American word meaning "endless hill" or "great mountain". It is the first major ridge in the far northeastern extension of the Ridge and Valley province of the Appalachian Mountains, and reaches its highest elevation (the state's highest), 1,803 feet, at High Point in Montague Township. The second ridge is Wallpack Ridge which reaches its highest elevation at 928 feet above sea level.
The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in Northern New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.
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