You probably think of New Jersey and immediately picture the Turnpike, the neon lights of Atlantic City, or maybe just a sprawling suburbia that never seems to end. It’s a common trope. But if you drive far enough north—past the malls and the traffic—you hit a landscape that feels more like the rugged wilds of Vermont than the Garden State. This is where you’ll find the highest point of New Jersey. It’s sitting right there in Sussex County, tucked into the Kittatinny Mountains, and honestly, the views are kind of shocking if you’ve spent your life stuck in North Jersey gridlock.
Standing at 1,803 feet above sea level, the peak isn't exactly Everest. Not even close. But for a state often mocked for being "flat," it’s a significant geological milestone.
The summit is marked by the High Point Monument, a 220-foot obelisk made of granite, quartz, and native sandstone. It looks a bit like a skinnier Washington Monument that wandered off into the woods. When you’re up there, the perspective shifts. You’re looking down on the Delaware River, the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, and the Catskills of New York. It’s a literal three-state view that catches people off guard.
The Geological Reality of High Point
Why is it here? Geology isn't usually the most exciting dinner conversation, but the story of the highest point of New Jersey is actually a saga of massive tectonic collisions. About 400 million years ago, during the Taconic Orogeny, the earth’s crust buckled and folded. This created the Kittatinny Ridge. The rock here is mostly Shawangunk Conglomerate—a super-hard, quartz-rich stone that resists erosion like a champ.
While the softer valleys around it washed away over millions of years, this ridge stayed put. It’s stubborn rock.
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Interestingly, while 1,803 feet is the official number, the experience of being there feels higher because of the "prominence." You’re rising sharply out of the Wallkill Valley. Most people assume the highest spot in the state would be somewhere near the Appalachian Trail, and they're right—the trail actually crosses right through High Point State Park.
The Monument: A Gift with a History
The obelisk isn't just a random state project. It was a gift from Anthony and Susie Dryden Kuser. They donated the land and the funds for the monument back in the 1920s. Construction started in 1928 and finished in 1930.
It’s built to honor war veterans.
If you’re feeling brave—and if the monument is open (it’s seasonal and weather-dependent)—you can climb the 291 steps to the top. There are small windows at the peak. On a clear day, the view stretches for miles. You can see the silhouette of the Poconos to the west. To the north, the Shawangunk Mountains (the "Gunks") reach up toward New Paltz. It’s quiet up there. Except for the wind. The wind at the highest point of New Jersey can be brutal, even when it’s a calm day in the valley below.
Hiking Beyond the Obelisk
Don't just drive to the monument, take a picture, and leave. That’s what most tourists do, and they miss the best parts of the park. High Point State Park covers over 16,000 acres.
The Cedar Swamp Trail is a personal favorite for many locals. It’s weird. It’s an Atlantic White Cedar swamp at an elevation where you typically wouldn't find one. Walking through it feels prehistoric. The trees are gnarled, the moss is thick, and the air is noticeably cooler. It’s a glacial remnant. Basically, it’s a living fossil of what the region looked like thousands of years ago after the glaciers retreated.
Then there’s the Appalachian Trail (AT) section. New Jersey’s portion of the AT is surprisingly technical. It’s rocky. It’s steep in sections. Thru-hikers coming from the south often think Jersey will be a "flat" break before the White Mountains, but the Kittatinny Ridge humbles them pretty quickly.
Why Winter is the Secret Season
Most people visit in the fall for the foliage. The colors are spectacular, sure. But winter at the highest point of New Jersey is a different beast. Because of the elevation, this park often gets snow when the rest of the state is just getting a cold rain.
They have designated cross-country skiing trails. They even have a lodge with a fireplace. There’s something deeply satisfying about being at the top of the state when everything is buried in a foot of powder. It feels isolated in a way that’s hard to find in the most densely populated state in the country.
Common Misconceptions and Local Lore
One thing people get wrong? They think the monument itself is the "high point." Nope. The ground the monument sits on is the natural summit. The tower just adds extra height so you can see over the trees.
There’s also a bit of local legend regarding the "cursed" nature of some of the surrounding woods. Old-timers in Sussex County sometimes talk about the "Jersey Devil’s" northern cousins or strange lights over the ridge. While most of that is just campfire talk, the sheer darkness of the park at night makes it easy to believe. It’s one of the few places in Jersey where you can actually see the Milky Way clearly. Light pollution is surprisingly low here because you’re buffered by state forests and the Delaware Water Gap.
Environmental Challenges
It’s not all pristine wilderness. High Point faces real issues. Invasive species like the emerald ash borer have done a number on the local tree population. Climate change is also shifting the timing of the "peak" foliage, pushing it later into October or even early November.
The park staff—shout out to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection—works overtime to maintain the trails, but budget cuts often make it a struggle. When you visit, stay on the marked paths. The thin soil at the summit is fragile. Once the vegetation is trampled, it takes years to grow back because the growing season at 1,800 feet is much shorter than it is in Trenton or Cape May.
Wildlife You’ll Actually See
You might see a black bear. Honestly, it’s almost likely. Sussex County has the highest black bear density in the state. They aren't usually a problem if you keep your distance and don't leave your ham sandwich on a picnic table.
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Timber rattlesnakes and Northern copperheads also live on the ridge. They like the rocky outcroppings. They aren't aggressive, but they are there. Watch where you put your hands when you’re scrambling over rocks near the highest point of New Jersey.
- Birding: The ridge is a major migratory flyway. In the fall, hawk watchers gather to count thousands of broad-winged hawks, ospreys, and bald eagles riding the thermals along the mountain.
- Lake Marcia: Right below the monument is a spring-fed lake. You can swim there in the summer. It’s incredibly cold. Even in July, that water will wake you up faster than a double espresso.
How to Plan Your Visit
If you’re coming from the city, give yourself about an hour and a half to two hours. Take Route 23 North until it basically ends at the park entrance.
There is an entrance fee during the summer months (usually Memorial Day through Labor Day). It’s cheaper for NJ residents, but even for out-of-staters, it’s a bargain for a full day of hiking.
Bring a jacket. Seriously. Even if it’s 80 degrees in Newark, it can be 10 degrees cooler at the summit with a biting wind.
Actionable Tips for Your High Point Trip
- Check the Monument Hours: Don’t assume you can go inside the obelisk. Call the park office or check the official NJ State Parks website before you drive out if the climb is your main goal.
- Pack Water: There are fountains at the main office, but once you’re out on the trails toward the highest point of New Jersey, you’re on your own.
- Visit the Interpretive Center: It’s a small building but packed with info on the local flora and fauna. It’s great for kids.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is spotty at best once you dip into the valleys or head toward the Delaware River. Use AllTrails or a similar app and download the maps for Sussex County ahead of time.
- Sunrise vs. Sunset: Sunrise at the monument is breathtaking because you see the sun come up over the Wallkill Valley. Sunset is equally good as it drops behind the Pennsylvania hills. Just remember the park gates close at dusk unless you’re camping.
High Point State Park isn't just a checkbox for high-pointers (people who try to visit the highest spot in every state). It’s a genuine escape. It reminds you that New Jersey has a wild heart, one that is rugged, rocky, and surprisingly high up. Whether you’re a serious hiker or just someone who wants a nice picnic with a view that goes on forever, this spot delivers. Just respect the land, watch out for the bears, and don't forget to look up.
To make the most of your trip, start at the park office to grab a physical map—the paper ones are actually better for seeing the interconnectedness of the Monument, Shawangunk, and Steer trails. Plan to spend at least four hours if you want to do more than just the "drive-up" experience. If you have extra time, head five minutes down the road to Port Jervis, NY, for a post-hike meal; it’s a classic river town that’s seen a lot of revitalization lately.