High Point State Park Monument Loop

Sussex Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Sterling Ridge Trail: Blue blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:00 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.6 miles
Level of Difficulty: Easy (though conditions difficult)
Level of Recommendation: Recommended
Points Of Interest: Expansive ridge views, tower, Lake Marcia
Pros: Excellent views abound
Cons: Lack of extensive trail loops, lots of people, lots of non-natural structures

Google Map of Parking:

View 2014 Hiking Locations in a larger map

The peak of autumn was arriving, and I had wanted a mountain with very good vistas, which this area certainly has. I had a tradeshow nearby in New Jersey, and headed nearby to High Point to check out the place. Although it was sunny, it was an extremely code day for October, and the wind was howling on top of the mountain. It was the type of steady wind that can almost make you fall. Though I wanted this hike to take longer, I was simple worn out at the end and cut out and turned around earlier than I had intended to.

Parking here is free after Labor Day, but during the summer it costs $10 to get in (New Jersey residents pay $5.) I parked near the tower and walked inside. It was the last day that the park staff were allowing people to climb the tire prior to closing it for the winter, so I am glad I arrived when I did. I climbed all 200 or so feet of the tower, but was disappointed to find nothing in top, with dirty and hazy windows.

After climbing the tower, I went along on the Sterling Ridge Trail, and then took it down the hill down to the end of the trail where it meets the Appalachian. Took the Appalachian up the next hill, and then cut across to the road to take pictures of the lake, Lake Marcia. I then cut back up to the Appalachian Trail and then continued on the Appalachian Trail back to Sterling Ridge Trail, and then took the road to the tower back to my car.

Map of the Route.
Kittatinies Northern Map

View From High Point Facing Northeast

View from High Point Facing West Towards the Delaware Gap

View from High Point Facing East

View of the Monument

Another View of the Monument

View of Port Jervis and the Delaware River from High Point.
Facing Northwest.

Rocky Promenade from Atop High Point, near the Tower.
Facing North.

Staircase Inside the Tower

View on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail Heading South.

View of the Monument from the Shawangunk Ridge Trail

Interesting Tree on the Appalachian Trail

View of the Monument from the Distance on the AT Trail. Facing Northeast.

View from the Lookout Plan on the Appalachian Trail

Lake Marcia Through the Trees

Another View of Lake Marcia

And One More View of Lake Marcia

Dense Foliage on the AT

On the Return Route Back to the Monument

The Southern Terminus of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, with the new Blaze

Lake Marcia from the Northern Shore