In this edition of The Best NJ Hiking Trails, we visit Jenny Jump State Forest and its famous Ghost Lake. The spooky history behind this forest make it a particularly fun hike during the fall season, and closer to Halloween. But no matter when you go, you can expect lovely views and a number of trails for all skill levels.
Jenny Jump State Forest is a 4,466-acre park in northern Warren County. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Parks and Forestry maintains it. The park offers 11 miles of hiking trails, three of which provide views of mountains, lakes, and streams. Then there’s the giant Jenny Jump Mountain, which shares space within Frelinghuysen, Hope, Independence, and Liberty Townships.
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The Story of Jenny Jump State Forest
Jenny Jump State Forest is brimming with lush greenery and rocky hills. But perhaps even more intriguing is how the forest got its name. Legend states that a young girl named Jenny was somewhere in these woods with her father about two centuries ago. While out amongst nature, the two were ambushed by a tribe of Native Americans. Jenny and her father ran away, but they soon came upon the mountain’s edge, halting their escape.
With the tribe just steps behind them, Jenny’s father jumped down, but Jenny was frozen; she couldn’t muster the courage to take the leap. The pounding stomps of the rushing tribe got louder and louder with each passing second. Jenny’s father then looked up to his daughter and extended his arms. “Jump, Jenny!” he shouted. “Jump!”
At this point, however, versions of the tale begin to diverge. Some believe that Jenny did in fact leap into her father’s arms, as the two ran to safety. Meanwhile, one more grim telling claims Jenny’s leap was too weak, and she fell to her death. But both versions end the same, with Jenny’s spirit coming back to roam the forest.
Hitting the Ghost Lake Trail
Jenny Jump State Forest offers several different points of interest for visitors. This includes a cave (not open to the public) as well as Mountain Lake. The Summit Trail (yellow) is 1.5 miles and provides a view of the Delaware Water Gap and Pequest Valley. However, one of the most captivating parts of the forest is the aptly named Ghost Lake.
Ghost Lake is not far from Interstate 80. Parking is available right at the lake’s boat launch, off Shades of Death Road in Great Meadows. (No, we’re not making that name up.) Click here to see a more exact entrance to the lot via Google Maps. The lot sits right beside the lake, though you’ll have to traverse some large rocks to reach it.
If you prefer a less intense route, you can park near 330 State Park Road in Hope. From there, follow the yellow trail north and it will lead you directly to Ghost Lake Trail (blue). Turn right onto the blue trail, where you’ll find some twists and turns as you head farther north. After that, you’ll start moving east and come right up to Ghost Lake. Both the yellow and blue trails can be hilly and rocky, but it’s not a difficult hike. In other words, these trails are safe for novice hikers.
Final Notes
The massive Ghost Lake is available for fishing, boating, and canoeing. There are also camping areas around the yellow, white, and red trails throughout Jenny Jump State Forest.
A trip to Jenny Jump State Forest is great during the crisp fall weather. But it’s even better with a visit to Ghost Lake during the Halloween season. To learn more about this park, click here to visit the website.
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All Photos: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ