The view from High Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level, is a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush valleys in three states. The blue line of the Delaware River divides the verdant ridges of New Jersey from those of Pennsylvania. High Point offers superb trails for hikers and skiers and quiet spots for campers and anglers.
The land for High Point State Park, donated by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser, was dedicated as a park in 1923. The pleasant landscaping was designed by the Olmsted Brothers of Boston, a prominent landscape architectural firm of that time. The brothers were the sons of the eminent Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park.
Facilities & Activities:
Visitors center
High Point Monument
Interpretive Programs
Lake Marcia
Trails
Appalachian Trail
Cedar Swamp Trail
Cross-Country Ski Center
Camping
Fishing
Picnicking:
picnic tables, picnic shelters, group picnic facilities, group picnic shelters, food concessions, playground
Boating/canoeing:
(Sawmill Lake, Steenykill Lake) electric motors only, trailer launch, cartop launch
Swimming:
(Lake Marcia), bathhouse
Winter sports:
cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling
Trails:
Hiking
Self-guided nature trail
Horseback riding
Mountain biking
Appalachian Trail
Swimming
The spring-fed waters of the 20-acre Lake Marcia are cool and refreshing for swimmers. Swimming is permitted in the designated swimming area while lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse and food concession adjacent to the beach. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.
Boating
Boats may be launched at specific locations at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake. Boating is permitted subject to New Jersey's boating regulations and NJ State Park Service rules. Check with the park office for launch sites. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are required for each boat occupant. Power boats are limited to electric motors only.
Fishing
Excellent fishing can be found in High Point's lakes and streams, which are well-stocked with trout, large mouth bass and other species.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in designated areas within the park and is subject to Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
Trails
With over 50 miles of trails, High Point State Park offers visitors a variety of trail options throughout the year, Designated multiple-use trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding and snowmobiling. Trails vary in length from one half-mile to 18 miles and take visitors through unique and diverse landscapes including an Atlantic white cedar swamp, mountain ridge tops with 360-degree views, dense forests, fields and wetlands.
Appalachian Trail
18 miles of the Appalachian Trail follows the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge through High Point State Park. This trail's designated use is restricted to hiking only for its entire length from Maine to Georgia. White blazes mark this narrow and sometimes very rocky trail.
To the south, the Appalachian Trail follows a rocky ridge which offers many scenic views of the valleys and mountains surrounding the area. To the north, the trail drops off the ridge through hemlock gorges into former agricultural fields with a view of the surrounding countryside and the High Point Monument in the distance.
There are 3 designated overnight shelters: Mashipacong shelter, Rutherford shelter and High Point shelter. These are the only overnight locations that allow you to stay overnight on the trail. Camping is limited to 1 night per shelter.
Each shelter has a bear box
No fires are permitted at the shelters or on State of NJ property
Pets must be leashed at all times
Carry out all trash
10 people maximum per shelter
Limited water sources can be found via a stream at High Point Shelter, or at the park office. You should plan to carry sufficient water for your hike as water along the trail may not be suitable for consumption. All water obtained along the trail should be chemically treated or boiled for 5 minutes.
No motor vehicles of any kind are permitted on AT. The Appalachian Trail is for foot travel only.
Overnight parking is located at the Appalachian Trail Parking Lot on Route 23 just South of the Park Office. A permit is required and can be obtained during Park Office business hours. This is the only designated overnight parking for the AT in High Point State Park.
Cedar Swamp Trail
The Dryden Kuser Natural Area includes a distinctive bog, locally called the Cedar Swamp. The Cedar Swamp Trail makes a one and a half mile loop around the bog. The trail guide described the spring-summer vegetation and other features of the bog and the surrounding area. The descriptions in the guide correspond to numbered posts on the trail. As you enjoy the natural beauty of this area, please remember to leave it undisturbed for future visitors.
High Point Cross Country Ski Center
Winter months find cross-country skiers on the 15 km of groomed trails in the park. Cross-country skis and other winter sports equipment are available for rent. A blazing fire, hot soup and other hearty food greet visitors at the center on Lake Marcia. For information, call (973) 702-1222;
Camping
Campsites: 50 tent sites (no trailers) along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31.
Group campsites: Two group campsites with drinking water and pit toilets. Each campsite accommodates up to 25 people. Open year round. During the winter months visitors must bring in their own water or obtain it at the park office.
Picnicking
Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups, we also offer three reservable picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 75 people each. In addition, group picnic Shelter #1 has playground equipment and Shelter #2 offers play fields and playground equipment.
