When people think of New Jersey, they usually think of the Shore, the Sopranos, or maybe a crowded stretch of the Turnpike. They definitely don't think of mountains. But if you head way up north, almost to the spot where you can chuck a rock into New York or Pennsylvania, things change. You find the Kittatinny Ridge. And right at the top sits High Point, the highest mountain in New Jersey.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a shock the first time you see it. You’re driving through Sussex County, past barns and rolling hills, and then suddenly this massive stone obelisk just stabs the sky. It looks like the Washington Monument got lost on its way to D.C. and decided to settle down in the woods.
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At 1,803 feet above sea level, it isn't exactly Everest. But in a state where a lot of the land is basically at sea level, 1,800 feet feels like the roof of the world.
The Monument and the View That Won’t Quit
The centerpiece of High Point is the High Point Monument. It’s a 220-foot obelisk made of New Hampshire granite and Shawangunk quartz. Colonel Anthony Kuser and his wife Susie donated the land and the money for the tower back in the 1920s to honor New Jersey’s veterans.
If the tower is open, you’ve gotta climb the 291 steps. It’s narrow. It’s a little claustrophobic. Your calves will definitely be screaming by the time you reach the top. But the reward? It’s a 360-degree panorama that covers three states. On a clear day, you can see the Poconos in Pennsylvania, the Catskills in New York, and the lush Wallkill River Valley in Jersey. It’s arguably the best view in the Tri-State area, period.
Even if you stay on the ground at the base of the monument, the views are spectacular. You’re standing on a ridge that was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. The air feels thinner and cooler up here.
Quick Facts About the Summit
- Elevation: 1,803 feet (The highest mountain in New Jersey).
- Monument Height: 220 feet.
- Stair Count: 291 steps to the viewing platform.
- Designers: The Olmsted Brothers (the same guys whose dad designed Central Park).
It’s Not Just a Peak, It’s a Weird Ecosystem
One of the coolest things about the highest mountain in New Jersey isn't the height, but what's growing there. High Point State Park is home to an Atlantic White Cedar swamp. Normally, you find these things down by the coast in the Pine Barrens. Finding one at 1,500 feet on a mountain ridge is basically a botanical miracle.
There’s a 1.5-mile trail that loops through the swamp. It feels like you stepped into a different world. The ground is spongy, the moss is neon green, and the air smells like cedar and damp earth. It’s quiet in a way that’s almost eerie.
If you’re into hiking, the Appalachian Trail (AT) cuts right through the park. In fact, about 18 miles of the AT are inside High Point State Park. You’ll see the "thru-hikers" with their massive packs and grizzly beards trekking through. They usually look exhausted, but hey, they’re walking from Georgia to Maine, so give 'em a break.
Why People Get This Place Wrong
A lot of folks think the highest mountain in New Jersey is just a quick photo op. You drive up, take a selfie with the monument, and leave. You're missing out if that's all you do.
Basically, the park covers over 15,000 acres. There’s Lake Marcia, which is a spring-fed lake right near the summit where you can actually swim during the summer. The water is freezing, even in July. It’s refreshing, sure, but it’ll wake you up faster than a double espresso.
Then there’s the winter. People forget that North Jersey gets real snow. When the powder drops, High Point turns into a hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. They even have a dedicated winter sports center. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can actually get a decent workout on skis without heading to a massive commercial resort.
How to Actually Do High Point Right
If you're planning a trip, don't just put "High Point" into your GPS and hope for the best. Here is the move:
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- Check the Weather: If it’s foggy, don't bother. You won’t see a thing. Wait for a crisp, clear day, especially in the fall. The foliage up here is legendary.
- Bring Cash: Entry fees apply during the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), and the snack stand by Lake Marcia is usually cash-only.
- Hike the Monument Trail: It’s about 3.5 miles. It takes you past the lake, through the woods, and right up to the base of the monument. It’s moderately tough but totally doable for anyone in decent shape.
- Visit the Tri-States Monument: It's nearby, where the Delaware and Neversink rivers meet. You can literally stand in three states at once. It’s a nerd's dream.
High Point is a reminder that New Jersey has a wild side. It’s rugged, it’s scenic, and it’s a lot higher than you’d expect. Whether you’re there for the history of the veterans' memorial or just to see the Catskills from a distance, it’s a spot that deserves a slot on your weekend bucket list.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Download the Avenza Maps app and grab the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference maps for High Point; cell service can be spotty in the valleys.
- Pack a picnic for the Interpretive Center area rather than relying on the snack bar, which has limited hours.
- Aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday if you want the monument stairs to yourself; weekends in October are a madhouse.
- Wear sturdy boots—the terrain on the AT section is famously "rocky-Jersey," meaning lots of small, ankle-turning stones.