High Point State Park
4.7(3.2K)google
4.2(66)yelp
Hiking TrailCampingScenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhotography SpotMust-SeeMountainForestLake
Overview
High Point State Park is a state park straddling the border of Wantage Township and Montague Township in Sussex County, within the Skylands Region of northwestern New Jersey, United States, near the border with New York State and Pennsylvania. The park covers 15,413 acres (62.37 km2). Part of the Kittatinny Mountains, the highest point in the state of New Jersey, the aptly named High Point, sits in the northern reaches of the park, at elevation 1,803 feet (550 m).
Practical Info
Every day8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeEarly October transforms this mountain summit into a breathtaking autumn masterpiece, earned by its status as the absolute highest geographic peak in New Jersey (elevation 1,803 feet). Scale the mountain parkway to the historic 220-foot granite High Point Monument on a crisp morning between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM; witness a magnificent sea of heavy valley fog completely filling the tri-state Delaware River basin below.
Getting ThereTucked inside the far northwestern mountainous apex of Sussex County at 148 Route 23 North. Driven travel via a dedicated road trip is mandatory given its secluded backcountry location. Take NJ-23 North all the way up through Sussex, climbing the winding mountain terrain for 45 minutes straight into the state park gatehouse. A standard vehicle DNR entry fee applies, opening to vast paved lots.
Travel Tips
- Ascending the 220-foot masonry obelisk monument involves steep interior stairs; the tower structure faces immediate structural gate closures during lightning-active forecasts, winter snow, or icing episodes.
- Summer weekend park entry enforces a steep out-of-state vehicle premium pricing mandate at the main gates; automated toll wickets accept major credit cards with zero cash processing options.
- Backcountry paths traverse sharp volcanic rock faces and loose talus; this alpine zone hosts black bears and timber rattlesnakes, necessitating keeping personal bear spray externally clipped to gear packs.
Reviews
Positive
- As NJ's highest geographic point at 1,803 feet, the peak rewards you with an unobstructed, magnificent view spanning NJ, NY, and PA.
- The peak houses a grand 220-foot stone obelisk war monument, creating a highly photogenic landmark with immense visual impact.
- Features flawlessly mapped alpine trail networks including the Appalachian Trail; Lake Marcia offers great freshwater swimming and picnicking.
- The entry fee is budget-friendly, well-equipped with spotless restrooms, campgrounds, and shaded family picnic pavilions under great management.
Heads up
- Climbing to the top window of the stone monument involves over 200 tight stone steps without an elevator, becoming hot and sticky in summer.
- As a prime autumn foliage hotspot, October peak weekends face suffocating crowds, with mountain access roads and peak lots severely backed up.
- Winds at the peak are fierce and freezing in cold seasons; the high elevation leaves cell service drops along remote trails, requiring offline maps.
- During winter snows, gates to the top monument close for safety, and the nature center shuts down entirely, leaving the park empty.