High Point Monument — New Jersey’s Highest Summit

What to bring

Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →

What to Expect on the Trail

High Point State Park sits in the northwestern corner of New Jersey where the Kittatinny Ridge reaches its apex. The monument — a 220-foot stone obelisk built in 1930 — is visible for miles and marks the state’s highest ground. The trail to the monument is wide, well-maintained, and gentle enough for hikers of any ability level. The summit clearing provides views into New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey simultaneously.

The monument itself can be climbed via interior stairs (when open) for an even higher vantage point. The surrounding park has a network of longer trails for hikers who want more distance after the monument visit. The Appalachian Trail passes through the park and several day-hike sections are accessible from trailheads near the monument.

How Hard Is This Trail, Really?

Easy. The trail to the monument is about 3.5 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain — the parking area is already near the ridgetop. This is the summit hike for hikers who do not usually hike. If you can walk 3.5 miles on a gentle grade, you can stand on the highest point in New Jersey. It is also the gentlest introduction to trail hiking for dogs new to the activity.

Before You Go

High Point State Park is on Route 23 near Sussex, NJ. Entrance fee during summer season. Parking at multiple areas near the monument. Restrooms at the park office. Dogs are allowed on leash. Cell service is good at the summit. The monument is sometimes closed for maintenance — check park website before visiting if climbing the interior stairs is your goal. The drive from NYC is about 75 minutes. Combines well with Stairway to Heaven, about 30 minutes south.

Gear for this hike

Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →