Where is High Point NJ?

High Point is located in the northwest corner of New Jersey, where NJ, PA, and NY meet. It’s part of High Point State Park and sits about an hour north of the Delaware Water Gap.

How hard is the High Point Monument hike?

The hike to High Point Monument is short and moderately easy, with just enough climbing to make it feel earned. It's suitable for most fitness levels.

Can you drive to the top of High Point?

Yes, you can drive to the top of High Point, but hiking gives you access to views and spots—like the overlook platform—that most people driving never see.

Is the High Point Monument open to climb?

You can climb the 291 steps to the top of the High Point Monument when it's open. Check the state park’s official site for current hours and availability.

What gear do I need for the High Point hike?

You don't need much. Trail runners or sneakers with grip work fine. Bring bug spray, at least 0.5L of water, and micro-spikes in winter conditions.

What trail do you take to High Point Monument?

You’ll follow the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail for most of the hike, then switch to the blue-blazed Shawangunk Ridge Trail to reach the monument.

How high is High Point NJ?

High Point sits at 1,803 feet above sea level, making it the highest elevation in New Jersey.

Is there a fee for High Point State Park?

There’s no fee to park or hike at High Point during most times of the year. However, fees may apply on peak weekends and holidays—check with the park office.

PLAY VIDEO

High Point NJ Hike

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated July 25, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 2.8 miles
Time: 1.5-2.5 Hours
Total Climbing: 540 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Quiet
Dogs: Leashed
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: High Point State Park

You can drive to the top of High Point, but this short hike gives you just enough effort to make it feel earned. You’ll hike a mellow stretch of the Appalachian Trail and reach a scenic overlook that most visitors don’t know about and can’t access by car. From there, it’s a short stretch of trail to the monument at New Jersey’s highest point.

Where is High Point?

High Point Nj Location — High Point NJ is in the northwest corner of the state, where NJ, PA, and NY meet. It's about an hour north of Delaware Water Gap, but not part of that park.

Trailhead Address:

High Point State Park Office,1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461

Fees:

Free!

High Point Nj Hike Parking Lot 2 — I spoke with the park, and on weekdays (non-busy times) you can park in the lot by the office. On weekends and crowded days, they ask that you park down the road in the Appalachian Trail parking lot and walk over on the connecting trail.

High Point Nj Hike Parking Lot — The parking lot by the office is large and you shouldn't have a problem finding a spot.

Gear Recommendations

You're best served by trail runners or sneakers with a good grip. The trail is rocky in spots, but full hiking boots are overkill. Just look at the Appalachian Trail hikers, 99% of which are in trail runners.
Ticks and bugs are a thing here. Wear insect repellent.
Bring at least 0.5L of water.
If you're doing this in the winter, the rocky trail can also be icy. Bring micro-spikes and trekking poles if that's the case.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Reliable SOS Everywhere on Earth
Sawyer + CNOC Water Filter: Easy & Reliable Safe Water
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp: Running late? Get home safe
AllTrails Plus (30% off): Good All-Around Hiking App
Full October 2025 Gear List →

High Point NJ Trail Maps

High Point Nj Hike Trail Blaze — We'll be following the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail (AT) for most of the hike.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Elevation Profile

High Point Nj Elevation — There's a small amount of climbing, but nothing major as you hike along the highest ridge in NJ.

High Point NJ Hike Directions

High Point Nj Hike Directions 3 — Follow the white blazes of the AT as we gently climb up the ridge.

High Point Nj Hike Directions 4 — When you pop above the trees into the shrubs, look to the right for your first glimpses of High Point Monument.

The High Point Monument is a 220-foot obelisk built in 1930 as a memorial to New Jersey’s veterans. It sits at 1,803 feet above sea level, the highest point in the state. On a clear day, you can see views into New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania from the base.

High Point Nj Hike Directions 5 — At about a mile into the hike you'll arrive at the monument viewing platform. Head to the top for some postcard perfect views of High Point Monument.

High Point Nj Hike Directions 6 — After the platform you'll descend. When the AT makes the sharp turn right, go left on the blue-blazed Shawangunk Ridge Trail.

High Point Nj Hike Directions 7 — After the turn the blazes are a different color (blue for the Shawangunk Ridge Trail).

High Point Nj Hike Directions 8 — You'll cross the road.

High Point Nj Hike Directions 9 — And then make the immediate right toward the monument.

High Point Nj Hike Directions 10 — This short stretch is the steepest on the hike.

High Point Nj Hike Directions 11 — And then in about 1.4 miles you'll reach High Point Monument, the highest spot in NJ!

You can climb the 291 steps to the top when the monument is open (check the park site for info). Otherwise just enjoy the views from the base. From here just return the way you came up, and that's the hike!

Originally published July 25, 2025

Related Guides
Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail Guide – The Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail is New Jersey’s most popular hike for a reason. The steep, rocky climb to the top of Mount Tammany delivers big views of the Delaware Water Gap and the river below. But in this guide I’ll also show you how to get back down without wrecking your knees. Along the way, we’ll check out a waterfall and finish with a short stretch on the famous Appalachian Trail before it’s all said and done.
Mount Minsi Trail Guide – The Mount Minsi Trail is a classic Delaware Water Gap hike with multiple jaw-dropping views of the river, a stretch on the iconic Appalachian Trail, and even the remains of an old fire tower. In this guide, I’ll show you how to hike Mount Minsi the easy way; you just bring the leg power.
Hackers Falls Hike Guide – This Hackers Falls hike gives you a little bit of everything: a classic waterfall, views into 3 states from the Cliffside Trail, a scenic pond, and quiet forest paths away from the crowds. It's a classic Delaware Water Gap hike that not only shows you Hackers Falls, but also the hidden gems that most others miss. And it's not even that hard!
More Hiking Trails
More Delaware Water Gap Hikes