The forest contains the Dunnfield Creek Natural Area, a protected zone characterized by old-growth forest remnants.
The Appalachian Trail runs for roughly 7 miles through the forest, ascending toward Mount Tammany.
Old Mine Road was surveyed in the 17th century by Dutch settlers to connect their mines in the Poconos to the Hudson River.
The park's Mount Tammany summit offers a prominent view of the Delaware Water Gap, a massive gorge carved by the Delaware River.
The forest is part of the Kittatinny Ridge, a globally significant migratory corridor for hawks and other raptors.
Worthington State Forest is a 7,000-acre protected area located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in New Jersey. The forest is defined by its rugged terrain, including a significant segment of the Appalachian Trail that traverses the Kittatinny Ridge. A primary feature is the Dunnfield Creek Natural Area, which contains one of the state's most pristine trout streams. The forest floor is dominated by hemlock and hardwood trees, providing habitat for black bears and wild turkeys. Visitors can access multiple trails leading to viewpoints overlooking the Delaware River. The site features primitive campsites located along the riverbank and within the forest interior. Old Mine Road, which runs through the park, is historically significant as one of the oldest European-established roads in North America.
The summit of Mount Tammany looking down into the Delaware Water Gap.
Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, as the trails are consistently rocky and steep.
Arrive early on weekends during the summer and fall to secure parking, as lots fill to capacity quickly.
Carry a physical map, as cellular service is highly inconsistent throughout the forested valleys.
Do not attempt the Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail if you are unprepared for a steep, strenuous, and rock-scrambling ascent.
Campsites are seasonal and typically closed during the winter months.
Practice Leave No Trace principles; pack out all trash and remain on marked trails to protect sensitive alpine vegetation.
