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| High
Point
State Park
Location:
Sussex County
Mailing Address:
1480 Route 23
Sussex, NJ 07461
(973) 875-4800
Size: 15,827
acres
Fees: Entrance
fees are only charged from Memorial Day weekend
to Labor Day.
| $
5.00 |
weekdays |
| $10.00 |
weekends |
| N/A |
walk-in/bicycle |
Link to the Related
Fees page Directions:
Take Route 23 approximately 7 miles north of the
town of Sussex, NJ, or 4 miles south of Port Jervis,
NY.
Facilities
& Activities:
- Visitors center
- High
Point Monument
- Lake
Marcia
- Trails
- Appalachian
Trail
- Cedar
Swamp Trail
- Cross-Country
Ski Center
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking:
picnic tables, picnic shelters, group picnic
facilities, group picnic shelters, food concessions,
playground
- Boating/canoeing:
(Sawmill Lake, Steenykill Lake) electric motors
only, trailer launch, cartop launch
- Swimming:
(Lake Marcia), bathhouse
- Winter sports:
cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing,
snowmobiling
- Related Links
- FAQ's
Trails:
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The view from High
Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level, is a spectacular
panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush
valleys in three states. 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.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean
and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided
throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.
The 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.
The park offers a variety of interpretive and educational programs on a year-round basis. Nature hikes, stream walks and talks are conducted by the park naturalist. Check the Calendar of Events for High Point State Park's current programs
The spring-fed waters of the 20-acre Lake Marcia are cool and refreshing for swimmers. The beach is protected by lifeguards
and there is a bathhouse and food concession adjacent to the
beach.
| Dryden Kuser Natural Area
(1,500 acres) |
At 1,500 feet above sea level, 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.
There are 11 named and marked trails
in High Point State Park, in addition to a stretch of the Appalachian
Trail which transects the area. These trails are maintained
for the enjoyment of all visitors, whether they are hikers,
bird watchers, wildflower photographers or Sunday afternoon
strollers. The trails range from less than half a mile to over
four miles; take from half an hour to over two hours to walk
at a moderate pace;, and range from easy walking for visitors
of any age to difficult rocky terrain for experienced hikers.
each of the High Point trails are marked with colored blazes
to make them easy to follow. There is also a self guided nature
trail through the Kuser Natural Area. If you're interested,
ask for the guide book at the park office.
To the south, the Appalachian Trail 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.
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 described the spring-summer vegetation and
other features of the bog and the surrounding area. The descriptions
in the guide correspond to numbered posts on the trail. As
you enjoy the natural beauty of this area, please remember
to leave it undisturbed for future visitors.
Winter months find cross-country skiers
on the 15 km of groomed trails in the park. Half of the trails
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.
For forms and information
on booking a campsite visit our: reservations
page
Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.
Campsites: 50 tent sites
(no trailers) along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic
tables. Flush toilets are within walking distance. Open April
1 through October 31. $20 per night.
Group campsites: Two group
campsites, accommodate 25 and 35 people each. Drinking water,
pit toilets. Open May 15 through October 15. Site A - $35.00 per night, Site B - $25.00 per night
Cabins: Two cabins each
with furnished living room with a woodstove; three bedrooms
-one room with double bed, two rooms with twin beds; kitchen
with hot and cold running water, electric stove, refrigerator;
bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. Electricity. Cabins
are located on eastern shore of Steenykill Lake. Each accommodates
six people. With prior permission from the superintendent,
two additional people may be accommodated. Cabins are open
from May 15 to October 15. $65 per night, $455 per week.
Group cabin:
Living room with woodstove, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with
double bunks, bathrooms, showers. Accommodates up to 28 people.
Open May 15 through October 15. $155 per night; Two-night
minimum.
Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:99 KB
back
Several picnic areas with table and
grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups,
we also offer three reservable picnic shelters that can accomodate
up to 75 people each. In addition, group picnic Shelter #1
has playground equipment and Shelter #2 offers playfields
and playground equipment. These areas may be reserved for
a fee:
$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.
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• High
Point Cross Country Ski Center
• Sussex
County Weather Network
• Appalachian
Trail Conference
• New York - New Jersey
Trail Conference
• NJ Division
of Fish and Wildlife (information regarding fishing and hunting)
• Lusscroft Farm - Heritage & Agriculture Association, Inc.
| FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions) |
| What are the snow conditions like?
|
Please call the High Point Ski Center at (973) 702-1222
or access their website at the above mentioned link |
| What interpretive programs are offered? |
Please call the Interpretive Center directly at (973)
875-1471 for schedules and information. |
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