The view from High Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level and overlooking three states, is a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush valleys.  The blue line of the Delaware River divides the verdant ridges of New Jersey from those of Pennsylvania.  High Point offers superb trails for hikers and skiers and quiet spots for campers and anglers.

 

The land for High Point State Park, donated by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser, was dedicated as a park in 1923.  The pleasant landscaping was designed by the Olmsted Brothers of Boston, a prominent landscape architectural firm of that time.  The brothers were the sons of the eminent Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park.

 

Camping in the Park

There are 50 tent sites (no trailers) along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic tables  at each site.  Flush toilets are within walking distance.  The sites are open from April 1 through October 31 with a charge of $20 per night.

 

The Park offers two group campsites.  Each site accommodates 25 to 35 people and offers drinking water and pit toilets.  These sites are open from May 15 through October 15.  Site A – $35 per night, Site B – $25 per night.

 

There are two cabins available at High Point State Park, each with a furnished living room that has a woodstove.  They also contain three bedrooms -one room with a double bed and two rooms with twin beds. The kitchen has hot and cold running water an electric stove and a refrigerator.  The bathroom has a shower, toilet and sink.  Electricity is available in each cabin.  Located on the eastern shore of Steenykill Lake, each cabin accommodates six people.  With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated.  The cabins are open from May 15 to October 15 and rent for $65 per night or $455 per week.

 

In addition to the above, there is one group cabin available in the park.  The group cabin has a living room with a woodstove, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with double bunks, bathrooms and showers.  It accommodates up to 28 people and is open from May 15 through October 15 with a charge of $155 per night and a two-night minimum stay is required.

 

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

 

Highlights of High Point State Park

 “Homeowner Firewood Program” is a program to help you keep warm this winter by cutting your own firewood in designated areas of the park.  The program is available at seven state parks and forests statewide for $20 a cord while supplies last.  Homeowners are responsible for cutting and removing their own firewood.  Advance reservations are required and can be made for any two consecutive days.

 

Special Deer Hunting occurs each November when High Point State Park allows hunters to participate in a deer hunt in a designated area of the park (Deer Management Zone 67). To participate, hunters must purchase a Zone 67 permit from a licensed agent or via the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Internet license sales.  The bag limit is unlimited antler less deer and ONE antlered deer.  The hunter’s first deer must be antler less.  Successful hunters may then harvest an antlered deer if in possession of an Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit.  Any antlered deer taken in Zone 67 must have at least one antler with three antler points.  A total of 350 permits will be available.

 

High Point Monument was built through the generosity of the Kusers, in honor of all war veterans.  Construction was started in 1928 and completed in 1930.  At the top of the 220-foot structure, observers have a breathtaking view of the ridges of the Pocono Mountains toward the west, the Catskill Mountains to the north and the Wallkill River Valley in the southeast.

 

Park Programs offer a variety of interpretive and educational programs on a year-round basis with nature hikes, stream walks and talks conducted by the park naturalist.  The park maintains a Calendar of Events for High Point State Park's which lists the current programs.

 

Swimming is available in the spring-fed waters of the 20-acre Lake Marcia which is cool and refreshing for swimmers.  The beach is protected by lifeguards and there is a bathhouse and food concession adjacent to the beach.  Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.  Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted.  Pets are prohibited on the beach.

 

Boating is available and boats may be launched at specific locations at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake.  Boating is permitted subject to New Jersey's boating regulations and NJ State Park Service rules.  Check with the park office for launch sites.  Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are required for each boat occupant.  Power boats are limited to electric motors only.

 

Fishing is excellent and can be found in High Point's many lakes and streams, which are well-stocked with trout, large mouth bass and other species.  Please refer to Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

 

Dryden Kuser Natural Area (1,500 acres) is situated 1,500 feet above sea level, and the Atlantic white cedar swamp in Dryden Kuser Natural Area is the highest elevation swamp of its kind in the world.  A self-guided trail booklet for those who wish to hike the swamp trail is available at the park office.  Endangered species include the three-tooth cinquefoil and Cooper's hawk.  The Dryden Kuser Natural Area includes a distinctive bog, locally called the Cedar Swamp.  The Cedar Swamp Trail makes a one and a half mile loop around the bog. The trail guide corresponds to numbered posts on the trail and describes the spring-summer vegetation and other features of the bog and the surrounding area.  As you enjoy the natural beauty of this area, please remember to leave it undisturbed for future visitors.

 

Trails are available throughout the park.  Consisting of over 50 miles of trails, High Point State Park offers visitors a variety of trail options throughout the year.  Designated multiple-use trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobiling.  Trails vary in length from one half-mile to 18 miles and take visitors through unique and diverse landscapes including an Atlantic white cedar swamp, mountain ridge tops with 360-degree views, dense forests, fields and wetlands.

 

The Appalachian Trail to the south follows a rocky ridge which offers many scenic views of the valleys and mountains surrounding the area.  To the north, the trail drops off the ridge through hemlock gorges into former agricultural fields with a view of the surrounding countryside and the High Point Monument in the distance.
High Point Cross Country Ski Center operates during the winter months.  Here cross country skiers will information on 15 km of groomed trails in the park half of which are covered by artificial snow.  Cross-country skis and other winter sports equipment are available for rent.  A blazing fire, hot soup and other hearty food greet visitors at the center on Lake Marcia.  For information, call (973) 702-1222 (973) 702-1222.

 

Picnicking may be found in several picnic areas with table and grills located throughout the park.  For larger groups, we also offer three picnic shelters that can be reserved for a fee and can accommodate up to 75 people each.  In addition, group picnic Shelter #1 has playground equipment and Shelter #2 offers play fields and playground equipment. 
$55.00 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day through Labor Day
$80.00 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee

 

Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance.  Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent.  Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.
Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form
Location:
Sussex County
Mailing Address:
1480 Route 23
Sussex, NJ 07461
 (973) 875-4800 (973) 875-4800
GPS Coordinates
DMS 41° 18’ 23.04” N 74° 40' 14.78 " W
Size: 15,827 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
$ 5.00
weekdays
$10.00
weekends
N/A
walk-in/bicycle

 


Directions:
Take Route 23 approximately 7 miles north of the town of Sussex, NJ, or 4 miles south of Port Jervis, NY.
 

Tags: ,