High Point State Park
🗽 New Jersey’s Highest Point — 1,803 Feet With Tri-State Views, a 220-Foot Monument, and the Appalachian Trail — A 16,000-acre park on the Kittatinny Ridge with the iconic High Point Monument, Lake Marcia swimming, AT access, cedar swamp preserve, and year-round camping — Sussex County, New Jersey
High Point State Park sits atop the Kittatinny Ridge at 1,803 feet — the highest elevation in New Jersey. The park’s defining feature is the 220-foot High Point Monument, a stone obelisk dedicated to the state’s war veterans, rising from the summit with 360-degree views across three states: New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. On clear days, you can see the Catskill Mountains, the Pocono Plateau, and the Wallkill River Valley.
Beyond the monument, this 16,000-acre park encompasses a remarkable range of terrain: the Appalachian Trail traverses the ridgeline, the spring-fed Lake Marcia offers a mountain swimming beach, and the Dryden Kuser Natural Area protects a rare Atlantic white cedar swamp — one of the highest-elevation cedar bogs in the world. It’s a four-season park with camping, hiking, swimming, and some of the best cross-country skiing in the state.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High Point Monument | 220-ft obelisk at summit | Tri-state views, climb to top (seasonal) |
| Appalachian Trail | AT traverses the park | Ridge hiking, shelters nearby |
| Swimming | Lake Marcia (20 acres) | Spring-fed, beach, bathhouse, lifeguards |
| Camping | Tent sites + cabins | Near Sawmill Lake, fire rings |
| Cedar Swamp | Dryden Kuser Natural Area | Rare high-elevation Atlantic white cedar |
| XC Skiing | Winter trail system | Some of NJ’s best Nordic skiing |
| Mountain Biking | Designated trails | Multi-use trails on ridge |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 40–65°F | Peak foliage from monument, AT hiking |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 68–82°F | Lake Marcia swimming, camping, monument |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 42–62°F | Wildflowers, AT thru-hikers, quiet |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 18–35°F | XC skiing, ice skating, snow views |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parking (NJ Resident) | FREE weekdays | $5 weekends (Memorial–Labor Day) |
| Parking (Non-Resident) | $10 weekends | $7 weekdays (Memorial–Labor Day) |
| Campsite | $20–$30/night | Tent only, no trailers |
| Cabin | $55–$75/night | Furnished, seasonal |
| Day Trip | $0–$10 | Monument + trails + views |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I climb the monument?
Yes — seasonally. The 220-foot High Point Monument is open for interior stair climbing during warmer months. Check the NJ State Parks website for current hours.
Is the Appalachian Trail accessible here?
Yes. The AT runs directly through the park along the Kittatinny Ridge. Multiple trailheads provide access for day hikes or longer backpacking trips.
What is the Dryden Kuser Natural Area?
A protected Atlantic white cedar swamp at 1,500+ feet elevation — one of the highest-elevation cedar bogs in the world. A unique and fragile ecosystem worth exploring on the boardwalk trail.
🗽 New Jersey’s Rooftop
1,803 feet with tri-state views, a 220-foot veterans monument, the Appalachian Trail, and Lake Marcia swimming — the highest point in the Garden State.
Wildlife & Nature
High Point SP — home to the highest point in New Jersey at 1,803 feet, marked by a 220-foot obelisk monument visible for miles. The park’s Appalachian Trail section, cedar swamp, and mountain ridgeline support black bears, bobcats, and timber rattlesnakes. Bald eagles soar over the Kittatinny Ridge. Dryden Kuser Natural Area preserves a rare Atlantic white cedar swamp at 1,500 feet elevation.
Nearby Attractions
Sussex — adjacent. Stokes SF — adjacent. Delaware Water Gap NRA — 30 miles south. Appalachian Trail — through the park.
