New Jersey, High Point (1,803 feet)

NJ-HP

Photo courtesy of my mom

Date: December 29, 2014
Distance: Drive up

Born and raised in New Jersey, I was excited that my Mom was able to join in this adventure surrounding our normal holiday celebrations.  What I love about this state highpoint, other than the fact that it sports Washington Monument-esque glory, is that it’s called High Point.  NJ is the only state to identify their highest natural point with such literal words.  The other positive about High Point is that the drive, unlike some highpoints, is easy and well marked.

The approach offers nice views of the obelisk, a sense of impending excitement.  Driving in the state park was peaceful and largely empty, likely because we visited in the dead of winter.

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Waterfall on the approach to High Point

Judging from the signs in the park, it appears as though camping in High Point State Park may be popular during the summer.  If you’re camping or traveling with kids, you’ll have your pick of several playgrounds to keep them happy.  Over 50 miles of hiking trails run through the state park, including part of the Appalachian Trail.

At the top, you’re rewarded with views of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.  We visited on a cold, windy day, long enough to get the feel for the joint.  In the summer, this would be a gorgeous park to take a picnic lunch and perhaps enjoy a cool breeze.  The obelisk is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  While the park will charge a fee to enter during that time (half price for NJ residents…or double the rate for out of staters, depending on how you dice it), you will gain the benefit of warmer weather and also be permitted inside the tower.

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View from Summit

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Walk from the parking lot to the obelisk

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For your bathroom needs, the Visitor’s Center is a great option.  The summit also may have bathrooms.  I wasn’t fully paying attention, but I noticed a building near the top, which I’m assuming is equipped with flushing toilets.

Nearby in Milford, PA is the Grey Towers Historic site.  Tours weren’t running when we were there, but the building is at least worth driving by.  For a good lunch, assuming you haven’t enjoyed a picnic lunch at the summit, check out Joey’s Pizza, down the road from Grey Towers.

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4 Responses

  1. David says:

    Great post. Can’t wait to read about more adventures

  2. Summit Dude says:

    Thanks to Summit Chicks for inspiring me to start highpointing! I’m already an avid hiker, and as I was hiking Stokes State Forest yesterday, I decided to make a little detour and my first state highpoint. NJ certainly won’t be my last.

    Jill, highly recommend climbing Mt. Tammany in Del Water Gap area if you make it back. Scramble down the rock face at the pinnacle for amazing views.