High Point State Park: A Scenic Escape
Adventure Destination

High Point State Park: A Scenic Escape

Explore the scenic High Point State Park in Sussex, NJ. With its stunning 360-degree views and diverse hiking trails, the park is ideal for family-friendly adventures. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience and enjoy swimming at Lake Marcia.

Hiking5.5/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

High Point State Park, located in Sussex, New Jersey, is a breathtaking destination offering spectacular views of the tri-state area. Its most prominent feature is the High Point Monument, positioned on the highest elevation in New Jersey at 1,803 feet. Visitors are greeted with panoramic vistas of lush forests, rolling hills, and shimmering lakes. This natural treasure, established in 1923, spans over 15,000 acres and is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

The park boasts an array of hiking trails, catering to all skill levels, with the Appalachian Trail passing through it. One of the unique features of High Point State Park is its geological significance, sitting atop the Kittatinny Ridge, a part of the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can find serenity along the park’s pristine lakes or challenge themselves on rugged hikes with rewarding summit views.

Whether capturing the beauty of autumn foliage or enjoying a summer picnic by the lake, High Point State Park invites you to step into nature's embrace and create lasting memories.

Editorial Assessment

High Point State Park offers a beautiful mix of natural features and outdoor activities, but lacks the global recognition of more iconic destinations. Its regional charm and diverse trails make it a delightful visit for local adventurers, offering serene landscapes and historical significance without the crowds of more famous parks.

High Point State Park: A Scenic Escape

Adventure Guide to High Point State Park: A Scenic Escape

1

High Point Monument Hike

  • Details:

    Special Feature: Offers sweeping 360-degree views.

  • Details:

    Key Amenities: Hiking trails, picnic areas.

  • Details:

    Local Insight: This monument was constructed to honor war veterans.

  • Details:

    Visitor Tips: Best visited during fall for vibrant foliage. Bring a camera and snacks. Accessible via NJ-23, approximately 1.5 hours from NYC.

2

Lake Marcia

  • Details:

    Special Feature: A clear mountain lake perfect for swimming.

  • Details:

    Key Amenities: Lifeguard-supervised swimming, picnic spots.

  • Details:

    Local Insight: Named after Marcia, the daughter of a wealthy local family.

  • Details:

    Visitor Tips: Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Don't forget sunscreen and swim gear. Family-friendly ambience.

3

Appalachian Trail Adventure

  • Details:

    Special Feature: Part of the famed 2,190-mile trail.

  • Details:

    Key Amenities: Trail markers, camping sites.

  • Details:

    Local Insight: Spot wildlife such as deer and migratory birds.

  • Details:

    Visitor Tips: Spring and fall are ideal for hiking. Carry water and a map. The trailhead is accessible from the park entrance.

Reviews

R
Ruth Adamika week ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

T
Tommy B.2 weeks ago

Beautiful park. All sorts of activities to do in the winter. Ice fishing. Cross country skiing. Snowshoeing. I'm sure it's a blast to hike around in the summer too. The Rangers were friendly and helpful.

P
Patti Jenigen3 weeks ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

S
Supriya Khopkar3 weeks ago

Enjoyable day and best time with kids

S
Suburban Excavating3 weeks ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Augmented Darts — Lane 1: A One‑Hour, Projected Darts Experience in Vernon Township7.99 mi
Vernon Township, New Jersey

Augmented Darts — Lane 1: A One‑Hour, Projected Darts Experience in Vernon Township

A one-hour session at The Glenwood that projects AR graphics directly onto a bespoke board, turning traditional darts into an immersive, illuminated target game.

7.99 miView Trips & Details →
Five Days of New York: Museum Bible Tour and Manhattan Sightseeing with Bethel Coach Tours13.7 mi
Bethel, New York

Five Days of New York: Museum Bible Tour and Manhattan Sightseeing with Bethel Coach Tours

A five-day guided itinerary that pairs a Metropolitan Museum of Art Bible tour with classic Manhattan sightseeing and visits to NY Branch sites—useful for planning logistics and bookings.

13.7 miView Trips & Details →
Digital Bullseyes: Two Hours of Axe Throwing Tech in Middletown18.0 mi
Middletown, New York

Digital Bullseyes: Two Hours of Axe Throwing Tech in Middletown

A 2-hour session at The Zone @ Clemson in Middletown pairs real axes and wood targets with projected digital game modes—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

18.0 miView Trips & Details →
Greenhouse Wreath Workshop at Pierson’s Farm: Craft a Lasting Holiday Statement18.1 mi
Middletown, New York

Greenhouse Wreath Workshop at Pierson’s Farm: Craft a Lasting Holiday Statement

A hands-on, all-ages wreath-decorating workshop in a heated greenhouse where you choose ribbons, eucalyptus, berries and natural accents and leave with a finished holiday wreath.

18.1 miView Trips & Details →
Fresh-Cut Traditions at Pierson’s Farm: Find, Cut, and Carry Home the Perfect Tree18.1 mi
Middletown, New York

Fresh-Cut Traditions at Pierson’s Farm: Find, Cut, and Carry Home the Perfect Tree

A concise guide to Pierson’s Farm cut‑your‑own and precut Christmas trees in Middletown—what to expect, how to prepare, and how reservations work.

18.1 miView Trips & Details →
Celebrate Under Middletown Skies: Rent Pierson’s Farm Event Spaces for Birthdays and Engagements18.1 mi
Middletown, New York

Celebrate Under Middletown Skies: Rent Pierson’s Farm Event Spaces for Birthdays and Engagements

A concise guide to renting versatile spaces at Pierson’s Farm in Middletown for birthday parties, engagements and other special announcements.

18.1 miView Trips & Details →