Take in the views from New Jersey’s High Point State Park
The highest point in New Jersey is 1,803 feet above sea level in the Kittatinny Mountains in the far northwestern corner. Aptly named High Point, today it’s protected as a New Jersey State Park that attracts visitors worldwide.
High Point State Park is more than 15,000 acres and offers many outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and much more, there is something for everyone at the park. And it’s only about an hour and a half from New York City.
High Point Monument
A visit to the park would not be complete without visiting the High Point Memorial. The 220-foot obelisk is a memorial to New Jersey veterans. It marks the highest point in the garden state. It opened to the public in 1930. The monument’s interior is hollow, like the Washington Monument. Schedule permitting, visitors can climb the 291 stairs to the top. Once there, they are greeted with incredible views of the Pocono Mountains to the west, the Catskills to the north, and Wallkill River Valley to the southeast.
Things to do in High Point State Park
Bring your boots because High Point State Park has incredible hiking. The park features more than 50 miles of trails. Some of them are available to mountain bikers and horseback riders. Others are strictly foot traffic only. They vary in length from about a half mile to more than 4. Roughly 18 miles of the Appalachian Trail run through the park. Hikers can create several different fantastic loop hike options using the AT. There are three designated overnight shelters along the AT. These are the only areas that allow you to camp on the trail. Another cool hike is the Cedar Swamp Trail. The 2.5-mile lollipop loop takes hikers through the heart of the Dryden Kuser Natural Area. It loops around a unique Atlantic white cedar bog. This bog type is typically located at lower elevations along the coastal plain.
Camping at High Point State Park
If you want to stay a night or two, reserve a campsite along Sawmill Lake. There are 50 sites that all feature standard amenities such as a fire pit and picnic table. There are also a couple of group campsites and cabins available for rent.
During the hot summer months, visitors can cool off in the spring-fed waters of Lake Marcia or cast a line in the park’s lakes and streams. Several are stocked with trout, largemouth bass, and other species.
