Stokes State Forest Spring, Branchville, NJ

## Overview Stokes State Forest Spring is a convenient, drive-up natural spring located within the scenic Stokes State Forest in Sussex County, New Jersey. Situated along Coursen Road near Branchville, this public drinking spring has long been a popular stop for hikers, campers, and water enthusiasts exploring the roughly 16,000-acre forest that straddles the Kittatinny Ridge along the Appalachian Trail corridor. The spring flows through a metal spout, making it easy to fill jugs, bottles, and other containers without any special equipment. Visitors have historically used this spring as a reliable source of fresh water, and many report the water tastes clean and refreshing. Access to the spring itself is free, though standard Stokes State Forest parking or entrance fees may apply depending on the season. Stokes State Forest — named after former New Jersey Governor Edward C. Stokes, who donated the original land in 1907 — is one of New Jersey's oldest and most beloved state forests. The surrounding landscape features mixed hardwood and hemlock forests, rocky ridgelines, and numerous streams fed by the region's underlying geology of Paleozoic-era sedimentary rock. Springs like this one emerge where groundwater meets the surface along fractures and bedding planes in the local shale and sandstone formations. ## Directions The nearest address to use for navigation is **1 Coursen Road, Branchville, NJ 07826**. From there: 1. Continue following Coursen Road deeper into the park. 2. When you reach the first intersection, turn **left**. 3. Follow the road until you see the spring on the **right-hand side**. 4. You can pull your vehicle directly up to the spring for easy loading. The GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately **41.198437, -74.784882**. A detailed trail and road map is available on the [Stokes State Forest Map](https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/stokesforest.html) page from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. ## What to Expect This is one of the most accessible natural springs in northern New Jersey — you can literally drive right up to it. The water flows from a metal spout, so filling containers is straightforward and mess-free. There is no need to hike or carry water long distances. The spring is reported to be accessible **24 hours a day**, though the surrounding forest roads may have seasonal restrictions or limited visibility after dark. During peak seasons (spring through fall), the area can see moderate traffic from campers and day-trippers visiting Stokes State Forest. The forest surrounding the spring is beautiful year-round, with vibrant fall foliage in October, lush green canopy in summer, and a quiet, snow-dusted stillness in winter. If you're making a day of it, the forest offers over 60 miles of trails — including a stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail — along with Tillman Ravine, Sunrise Mountain, and several campgrounds. Keep in mind that while visitors have long used this spring as a drinking water source, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. Bringing your own containers is recommended, as there are no cups or dispensers provided at the site.