Explore the Journey Through High Point Trails in New Jersey
The High Point Monument, a memorial dedicated to New Jersey's veterans, offers a unique hiking experience along a section of the Appalachian Trail. Located within High Point State Park, this 2.8-mile out-and-back trail is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Starting at the parking area near the park office, cross the road and follow the Appalachian Trail marked by an AT sculpture or signs leading into the woods. The trail gradually climbs to the High Point Monument, which stands at an elevation of 1,803 feet—the highest point in the state.
Along the way, you'll pass a less-visited scenic overlook that is not accessible by car. The monument itself offers spectacular views into New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. On a clear day, you can even see into multiple states from the base of the monument. When open, visitors can climb its 291 steps for panoramic vistas.
Equipment-wise, trail runners or sneakers with a good grip are recommended for the hike, as full hiking boots are overkill. Ticks and bugs are common at High Point, so insect repellent is advised. A daypack like the Osprey Hikelite 26 is a good choice for carrying essentials, while the Altra Lone Peak 9 is a recommended shoe for its improved grip.
For those seeking additional safety, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 offers 100% reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry. For up-to-date trip reports and additional features like offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync, AllTrails Plus is recommended.
Please note that the High Point Monument's steps can be icy in winter, so micro-spikes and trekking poles may be necessary. Also, when the monument is not open, visitors can still enjoy the views from the base.
High Point is located at High Point State Park Office, 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461. It's approximately a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from San Diego and 1 hour and 45 minutes from LAX (by air).
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, the hike to the High Point Monument provides a rewarding but relatively easy hike with impressive summit views and the symbolic experience of hiking part of the Appalachian Trail to the state's highest peak. Don't forget to bring at least 0.5L of water for the hike.
Visitors are encouraged to check the park site for information on when the High Point Monument is open before planning their visit. Happy hiking!
- To enhance your hiking experience at the High Point Monument, consider bringing a daypack like the Osprey Hikelite 26 to carry essentials.
- For the hike, trail runners or sneakers with a good grip are recommended, as full hiking boots are overkill.
- Insect repellent is advised on the trail due to the presence of ticks and bugs at High Point.
- For those seeking additional safety, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 offers reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry, and AllTrails Plus provides up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, and additional features.
