Things to Do at High Point State Park: Trails, Monument & More
High Point State Park in New Jersey is a destination where hiking, scenic views, lakes, wildlife, camping, and outdoor recreation come together. The park covers more than 15,000 acres according to one visitor guide, while Komoot describes the hiking area as covering over 16,000 acres. Its defining landmark is the High Point Monument, located at an elevation of 1,803 feet (550 meters), with views extending across 3 states.
For a first visit, you do not need to plan dozens of activities. The most useful approach is to combine the monument and a short trail with Lake Marcia, a scenic drive, or another outdoor activity.
Planning a visit to High Point State Park? Below you’ll find the best trails, the famous monument, and other must-see attractions worth exploring.
1. Visit the High Point Monument
The High Point Monument should be near the top of your list if you are visiting for the first time. It is the park’s most recognizable landmark and can be reached by car or on foot. The surrounding area represents New Jersey’s highest point and provides broad views of the landscape.
Komoot’s Monument Trail Loop provides a particularly useful option for visitors who want to combine the monument with a hike. The loop is 3.7 miles (6.0 km) and takes about 1 hour 38 minutes, with approximately 342 feet (104 meters) of elevation gain. It is classified as easy.
The route also passes Lake Marcia, making it possible to experience two of the park’s main attractions during one outing.
Can You Climb the Monument?
Komoot notes that the monument has 291 steps. However, the monument operates seasonally, so visitors who specifically want to climb it should check current local information before their trip.
That distinction is useful: visiting the monument and climbing the monument are not necessarily the same experience.
2. Hike the Monument Trail Loop
If you want one hike that provides a strong introduction to High Point State Park, the Monument Trail Loop is an efficient choice.
The route covers:
- 3.7 miles
- Approximately 1 hour 38 minutes
- About 342 feet of elevation gain
- Easy difficulty
- Views of Lake Marcia
- Views of the High Point Monument
- Access to panoramic scenery
Komoot describes the trail as suitable for most hikers and notes that leashed dogs are welcome. Parking is available close to the monument.
The route moves through varied scenery, including rocky sections and shaded forest. It can work well as a morning or afternoon outing rather than requiring an entire day.
3. Try the Blue Dot Trail for a Short Walk
Not every visitor wants a multi-hour hike. The Blue Dot Trail provides a much shorter option.
The route is:
| Trail Detail | Blue Dot Trail |
|---|---|
| Distance | 0.40 mile |
| Time | 13 minutes |
| Elevation gain | 0 ft |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Komoot describes it as a short, easy walk in High Point State Park.
This makes it particularly useful when you have limited time, are adding a walk between other activities, or simply want a brief introduction to the park’s landscape.
4. Explore Lake Marcia
Lake Marcia is one of the park’s major natural attractions and offers a different experience from the hiking trails.
Activities mentioned across the information include:
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Picnicking
- Photography
- Relaxing near the water
The Tourist Checklist specifically mentions fishing for species such as bass and panfish, while The Nature Seeker highlights the swimming area, scenic hills, overlooks, meadows, and views toward the monument.
For photographers, the combination of the lake, surrounding scenery, and distant monument creates an especially useful viewpoint.
Lake Marcia for a Relaxed Visit
You do not have to make every visit an intensive hiking trip. Lake Marcia can be the slower part of your itinerary: enjoy the scenery, have a picnic, take photographs, or spend time near the water before continuing to another part of the park.
Swimming is available in the designated area, according to the information.
5. Take the Scenic Drive
The Nature Seeker recommends beginning a first visit with the park’s scenic drive.
The drive itself takes about 10 minutes without stopping and follows a one-way, counterclockwise road. Within a few minutes, visitors can pull over for an observation area and a short walk to an overlook.
This is a practical choice if you are short on time or want to understand the park’s layout before choosing a trail.
A simple approach is:
Enter → take the scenic drive → stop at an overlook → continue toward the monument → choose a hike or lake activity.
6. Explore the White Trail and Appalachian Trail
The White Trail is associated with the Appalachian Trail and passes through High Point State Park. The Nature Seeker emphasizes that it is not a loop, so visitors should not simply continue along it expecting it to circle back through the park.
Komoot also notes that sections of the Appalachian Trail are part of the park’s extensive hiking network. One community entry refers to approximately 9 miles of the Appalachian Trail running through the park.
For anyone unfamiliar with the trail network, navigation matters. Carry a map or downloaded route information rather than assuming every trail will return you to your starting point.
7. Walk the Kuser Natural Area Loop
The Kuser Natural Area provides a different hiking environment from the monument area.
The Nature Seeker describes the route as approximately 1.5 miles and a loop, making it a relatively short option. The trail passes through a swampy but scenic environment and includes a bridge over the wetland area.
It is described as beginner-friendly, but visitors should remain on the designated trail because the protected swamp area should not be entered.
This makes Kuser Natural Area a useful choice when you want scenery without committing to one of the park’s longer hiking routes.
8. Choose a Longer Hike Around Sawmill Lake
Experienced hikers have several substantially longer choices.
Komoot lists the Sawmill Dam Waterfall – Small Lake Loop at:
- 8.19 miles
- 3 hours 43 minutes
- 825 feet of elevation gain
- Moderate difficulty
The route passes through forested areas and water features.
Another option is the Small Lake Loop from Rutan Hill:
- 8.87 miles
- 3 hours 52 minutes
- 650 feet of elevation gain
- Moderate difficulty
This route loops around Sawmill Lake.
These routes require considerably more time than the Monument Trail Loop, so they are better suited to visitors planning a dedicated hiking outing.
9. Take on the 11.8-Mile Summit Loop
For a much longer challenge, Komoot lists the Small Lake – High Point State Park Summit Loop from Appalachian Trail Parking.
Its figures are:
| Detail | Route Data |
|---|---|
| Distance | 11.8 miles |
| Time | 5 hr 14 min |
| Elevation gain | 1,025 ft |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Fitness level | Very good fitness required |
This is a completely different commitment from the 0.4-mile Blue Dot Trail or the 3.7-mile Monument Trail Loop. If you choose it, allow enough time for the distance and elevation rather than treating it as a casual walk.
High Point State Park Hiking Options Compared
| Trail | Distance | Time | Elevation Gain | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Dot Trail | 0.40 mi | 13 min | 0 ft | Easy |
| Monument Trail Loop | 3.7 mi | 1 hr 38 min | 342 ft | Easy |
| Sawmill Dam Waterfall Loop | 8.19 mi | 3 hr 43 min | 825 ft | Moderate |
| Small Lake Loop from Rutan Hill | 8.87 mi | 3 hr 52 min | 650 ft | Moderate |
| Small Lake–Summit Loop | 11.8 mi | 5 hr 14 min | 1,025 ft | Hard |
The figures above make the choice easier: short walk, easy half-day route, moderate long hike, or full challenging outing.
What Do the Hiking Difficulty Levels Mean?
Komoot’s difficulty system gives visitors a useful way to compare routes.
- Easy: Up to 2 hours and 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
- Moderate: Up to 5 hours and 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
- Hard: More than 5 hours or 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
The technical rating is based on the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) Hiking Scale.
Remember that these are route classifications, not guarantees about how every person will experience a trail.
Other Things to Do at High Point State Park
Hiking is only part of the experience. The guides also identify several other activities and facilities.
Camping
Camping is available, with designated campsites and basic amenities mentioned by The Tourist Checklist. Picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and group camping areas are included in its visitor information.
Fishing and Boating
Lake Marcia supports fishing and water activities such as canoeing and kayaking. The park’s wider recreational offering also includes boating.
Swimming
The designated swimming area at Lake Marcia makes summer visits especially attractive for people who want to combine hiking with time near the water.
Birdwatching and Wildlife
The park provides opportunities to observe wildlife including deer, foxes, and various bird species. Visitors are encouraged to keep their distance from wildlife and avoid feeding animals.
Biking and Horseback Riding
The Tourist Checklist also identifies biking and horseback riding among the recreational opportunities, with designated trails supporting different outdoor activities.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
High Point State Park is described as a year-round destination, but the experience changes substantially by season.
| Season | What You Can Expect |
|---|---|
| Spring | Mild conditions, blooming wildflowers, hiking |
| Summer | Longer days, swimming, fishing and picnics |
| Fall | Colorful foliage, hiking and comfortable outdoor conditions |
| Winter | Snowy scenery, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing |
Spring and fall are highlighted as particularly appealing seasons. Summer can be busier, especially on weekends, while winter requires more preparation for snow and changing trail conditions.
How Long Should You Spend at High Point State Park?
Your ideal visit depends on what you want to accomplish.
A short visit can focus on the 10-minute scenic drive, monument area, and 0.4-mile Blue Dot Trail.
For a more complete first visit, combine the 3.7-mile Monument Trail Loop with Lake Marcia and the monument. The route itself takes approximately 1 hour 38 minutes, leaving time for sightseeing and relaxing.
Experienced hikers can instead dedicate several hours to routes such as the 8.19-mile, 8.87-mile, or 11.8-mile options.
What Should You Bring?
A little preparation can make a hiking day considerably easier.
Recommended basics:
- Water
- Snacks
- Sturdy footwear
- First-aid kit
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Extra layers
- Park map or downloaded map
- Picnic supplies if you plan to eat outdoors
- Fishing equipment and required license if fishing
- Swimming or aquatic gear if using Lake Marcia
The Tourist Checklist specifically recommends carrying water, snacks, a first-aid kit, suitable footwear, layers, sun protection, and a map because some areas may have limited cell reception.
High Point State Park Safety Tips
A good outdoor experience depends on choosing a route that matches your ability and preparation.
Stay on Marked Trails
This is especially important around the protected wetland at Kuser Natural Area and when following the White Trail.
Carry Navigation Information
A downloaded map or physical map can be useful where cell reception is limited. Do not assume a trail is a loop simply because it appears close to another route.
Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from animals and do not feed them. The park is home to deer, foxes, birds, and other wildlife. The Nature Seeker also notes that bears occur in the area but are very rare.
Check Conditions Before Winter Trips
Snow and winter conditions can change the hiking experience. The visitor guidance recommends checking weather conditions and park advisories before winter visits.
How to Get to High Point State Park
The listed park address is:
1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461
The Tourist Checklist estimates the drive from both New York City and Philadelphia at approximately 1.5 hours. Its directions reference Interstate 80 and Route 23 for New York travelers and I-95 and Route 23 for Philadelphia travelers.
Because travel time can change with traffic and weather, treat the 1.5-hour figure as an approximate planning estimate, rather than a guaranteed journey time.
Nearby Places to Add to Your Trip
If you have additional time, the guides identify several nearby destinations.
Stokes State Forest
Stokes State Forest is approximately 9 miles from High Point State Park. Hiking, fishing, birdwatching, picnicking, and camping are among the activities mentioned.
Raymondskill Falls
Raymondskill Falls is described as a 150-foot, three-tiered waterfall. The area offers opportunities for photography, short hikes, and picnicking.
Grey Towers National Historic Site
The Grey Towers National Historic Site is another nearby attraction highlighted by the visitor guide. Its address is 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford, PA 18337, and the property is associated with Gifford Pinchot.
Stairway to Heaven Trail
The Nature Seeker places the Stairway to Heaven Trail about 20 minutes from High Point State Park by car and also connects it conceptually with the Appalachian Trail route.
A Simple First-Day Itinerary
If this is your first visit, a practical itinerary can look like this:
| Part of Day | Suggested Activity |
|---|---|
| Start | Scenic drive — about 10 min without stops |
| Next | Observation deck and views |
| Morning | Monument Trail Loop — 3.7 mi / 1 hr 38 min |
| After hiking | High Point Monument |
| Afternoon | Lake Marcia |
| Later | Picnic, photography, or relaxing |
| Extra time | Blue Dot Trail or another nearby attraction |
This combination gives you a taste of the park without immediately committing to an 8–12 mile hiking route.
High Point State Park FAQ
What are the best things to do at High Point State Park?
The key activities include visiting the High Point Monument, hiking, taking the scenic drive, exploring Kuser Natural Area, spending time at Lake Marcia, camping, fishing, swimming, boating, birdwatching, and enjoying scenic overlooks.
How high is High Point in New Jersey?
The High Point Monument area sits at 1,803 feet (550 meters) above sea level.
How long is the Monument Trail Loop?
The Monument Trail Loop is 3.7 miles (6.0 km) and takes approximately 1 hour 38 minutes according to Komoot. It is classified as an easy hike.
Is there a short trail for beginners?
Yes. The Blue Dot Trail is listed at 0.40 mile and approximately 13 minutes, with an easy classification.
How many steps are at the High Point Monument?
Komoot states that the monument has 291 steps. The monument operates seasonally, so check current information before planning to climb it.
Can you swim at High Point State Park?
Yes. The information identifies a swimming area at Lake Marcia.
Is High Point State Park open year-round?
The Tourist Checklist and Komoot describe High Point State Park as a year-round destination, with different activities available across the seasons.
What is the longest hiking route listed here?
Among the routes highlighted by Komoot, the Small Lake – High Point State Park Summit Loop is 11.8 miles and takes approximately 5 hours 14 minutes, with 1,025 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as hard.
How far is Stokes State Forest from High Point State Park?
The Tourist Checklist places Stokes State Forest approximately 9 miles from High Point State Park.
How far is Stairway to Heaven from High Point State Park?
The Nature Seeker estimates the drive to the Stairway to Heaven Trail at approximately 20 minutes.
Final Takeaway
High Point State Park is easiest to enjoy when you choose activities according to your available time and fitness level. A short visit can center on the monument, scenic drive, and 0.4-mile Blue Dot Trail. A more complete outing can combine the 3.7-mile Monument Trail Loop with Lake Marcia. Experienced hikers can spend several hours on routes ranging from 8.19 miles to 11.8 miles.
The park’s biggest advantage is its variety: mountain views, forests, wetlands, lakes, hiking routes, a historic monument, swimming, camping, and nearby attractions can all fit into the same trip. Planning around your route length, season, weather, and preferred activities will help you get considerably more from your visit.
Hi, I’m Marcus! I love exploring the outdoors and discovering incredible places. Through ExploreNatureTrips blog, I share my travel experiences, useful tips, and recommendations for the best sights, trails, and destinations to visit.
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