Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Commemorating New Jersey veterans of all wars, its dedication reads “To The Glory and Honor and Eternal Memory of New Jersey’s heroes by land, sea, and air, in all wars of our country.”

The monument was built through the generosity of Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser from Bernardsville, NJ, who also donated the land for High Point State Park, in honor of all New Jersey war veterans. Construction was started in 1928 and completed in 1930. At the top of the 220-foot-high 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.

Monument: The area around the New Jersey Veterans’ Memorial is open to visit during regular park hours. Winter access might be weather-related and depend on road conditions. 

Starting on May 27, 2023 the interior of the monument will be open to climb 291 stairs to the top from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday for the season. Schedule subject to change based on weather and staffing. 

Learn more about the Monument

How can I get to the monument?

With more than 50 miles of trails, High Point State Park offers visitors a variety of trail options throughout the year. Designated multi-use trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding and snowmobiling. Trails vary in length from one half-mile to 4.4 miles and take visitors through unique and diverse landscapes including an Atlantic white cedar swamp, mountain ridgetops with 360-degree views, dense forests, fields and wetlands. In addition, approximately 18 miles of the Appalachian Trail are included in the park. There are many opportunities to loop trails together for a variety of distances.

Trail Maps

High Point State Park Trail Map

Step-by-step Trails Guide to High Point

Cedar Swamp trail Guide

HIGH POINT STATE PARK WINTER TRAIL USE INFO (December 1 through April 1)
When the High Point Cross-country Ski Center is in operation, a trail pass is required for all use of any trail north of Route 23 (with the exception of the Appalachian Trail). When the ski center is not in operation (when there is not adequate snow cover) trails are open for designated use without a trail pass. Trail passes and rentals may be obtained at the ski center lodge adjacent to Lake Marcia. Parking is available in the Lake parking lot. Trail conditions can be found at xcskihighpoint.com.

All trails south of Route 23 are open for designated use at all times without a trail pass. Parking is available off Route 23 at the Appalachian Trail parking lot, park office or winter use lot located on Park Ridge Road. Refer to "Stokes State Forest/High Point State Park Winter Activities Map" for more information. PLEASE NOTE THE PIPELINE IS NO LONGER A DESIGNATED SNOWMOBILE TRAIL.  Trail condition information is available by calling 973-875-4800

The Appalachian Trail is open to foot travel only (including snowshoeing) at all times and a trail pass is never required.

Click here for our Winter Activities Map for more information.

Appalachian Trail (AT)
18 miles of the Appalachian Trail follows the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge through High Point State Park. This trail's designated use is restricted to hiking only for its entire length from Maine to Georgia. White blazes mark this narrow and sometimes very rocky trail.

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.

There are 3 designated overnight shelters: Mashipacong Shelter, Rutherford Shelter and High Point Shelter. These are the only overnight locations that allow you to stay overnight on the trail. Camping is limited to 1 night per shelter.

• Each shelter has a bear box.
• No fires are permitted at the shelters or on State of NJ property.
• Pets must be leashed at all times.
• Carry out all trash.
• 10 people maximum per shelter.
• Limited water sources can be found via a stream at High Point Shelter or at the park office. You should plan to carry sufficient water for your hike as water along the trail may not be suitable for consumption. All water obtained along the trail should be chemically treated or boiled for 5 minutes.
• No motor vehicles of any kind are permitted on AT.  The Appalachian Trail is for foot travel only.
• Overnight parking is located at the Appalachian Trail Parking Lot on Route 23 just South of the Park Office. A permit is required and can be obtained during Park Office business hours. This is the only designated overnight parking for the AT in High Point State Park.
• Information regarding the Appalachian Trail in NJ can be found by clicking here.

Cedar Swamp Trail
A distinctive Atlantic white cedar bog is located at the heart of the Dryden Kuser Natural Area. This type of bog is common at lower elevations along the coastal plain, but it is very unusual to find such a habitat near the top of a mountain. An easy 2.5-mile-long trail encircles the bog. An interpretive guide, which corresponds to numbered posts along the trail, can be obtained here, at the park office or the interpretive center. The guide introduces hikers to the unique features of the bog habitat and some of the plant and animal species that make their home there.

The spring-fed waters of the 20-acre Lake Marcia are cool and refreshing for swimmers.  Swimming is only permitted during the summer months when lifeguards are on duty.
There are changing rooms and a snack stand adjacent to the beach  Cash only at the snack stand, and there is no ATM available.

Inner tubes, rafts, and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Only U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach. Ball playing is prohibited on the beach and designated picnic areas. Amplified music or speakers of any kind is not permitted. Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty.
There are picnic tables and charcoal grills located adjacent to the beach, available on a first come-first serve basis. Canopies are permitted, maximum size is 12’ x 12’. You may bring your own grill, however it must be elevated and can’t be used on the beach.

You must bring your own trash bags and take all your trash and belongings home with you.

Beach We expect to open the swimming area around the 3rd week of June.  Check back for updates!

Note Boats and personal watercraft, including kayaks and paddleboards, are not permitted in Lake Marcia.

Reserve a campsite at camping.nj.gov. 

Alcohol is prohibited.

2022 General Camping Rules

Rules, Bear and Tick Information

Important Camping Information

A non-refundable service fee of $5.00 will be charged to the customer for each reservation.Changes to the reservation that occur prior to the start/check-in date will incur a non-refundable fee of $5.00. Changes made after the start/check-in date will be charged a service fee according to the following:

• If the total fee is greater then or equal to $50.00 then a fee of $5.00 will be charged.
• If the total fee is less then $50.00 then the fee of $2.00 will be charged.

Pet Friendly Campsites Sawmill Lake Sites: 1-4, 16-18, 24-27, 29-50

Campsites There are 50 family campsites along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic tables. All sites can accommodate approximately 2 tents, and some can also accommodate small trailers. Pit toilets that flush are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31. Fee: NJ Resident $20 per night; Non-resident $25 per night. There is a 2-night minimum for advanced reservations. Same day reservation can be made for one night only until 2:00 pm. After 2:00 pm, contact the park office for same day reservations.

Group campsites Two group campsites with drinking water and pit toilets. Each campsite accommodates up to 25 people. Open From April 1 – October 31.  Fee: NJ Resident $50 per night; Non-resident $100 per night.

Cabins Two cabins are located on eastern shore of Steenykill Lake. Each cabin has electricity; a furnished living room with a woodstove; three bedrooms (one room with double bed, two rooms with twin beds); a kitchen with hot and cold running water, electric stove, and refrigerator; and a bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. 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. Fee: NJ Resident $75 per night; $525 per week; Non-resident $85 per night; $595 per week. There is a 2-night minimum to reserve Cabins until the last week of June. There is a one week minimum to reserve Cabins from the last week of June through Labor Day. There is a 2-night minimum to reserve Cabins from Labor Day through season closing.

Group Cabin Living room with woodstove, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with double bunks, bathrooms, showers. Accommodates up to 28 people. Open May 15 to October 15. Fee: NJ Resident $175 per night; Two-night minimum; Non-resident $185 per night; Two-night minimum.

Campground Map

Boats and personal watercraft, including kayaks and paddleboards, may be launched at boat ramps located at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake. Boating is permitted subject to New Jersey's boating regulations and N.J. State Park Service rules. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (pfd) are required for each boat occupant. Power boats are limited to electric motors only.

Note Boats and personal watercraft, including kayaks and paddleboards, are not permitted in Lake Marcia.

Fishing
Excellent fishing can be found in High Point State Park’s lakes and streams, some of which are well-stocked with trout, largemouth bass and other species. 

Hunting
Hunting is permitted in designated areas within the park and is subject to Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations as follows: winter bow (north of Route 23 only) and the November muzzle loader hunt.

Each November, High Point State Park allows hunters to participate in a special deer hunt in a designated area of the park (Deer Management Zone 67). To participate, hunters must purchase a Zone 67 permit from a license agent or via the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Internet license sales site.

Highpoint Muzzle Loader Regulations

Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park and are available on a first come-first serve basis. Please bring your own garbage bags and carry all your trash out with you.

For larger groups, there are three reservable picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 75 people each. In addition, group picnic Shelter #1 and Shelter #2 share playground equipment. These areas may be reserved for a fee.

Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Picnic facilities are not reservable 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 downloadable here. Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.

Interpretive Programs
The park offers a variety of interpretive and educational programs on a year-round basis for both schools and other organized groups as well as to the public. Nature hikes, stream walks and talks are conducted by the park naturalist. Please contact the naturalist at 973-875-1471 for additional program information and to register. Program fees may apply.

Interpretive Center
The Interpretive Center is housed in the restored “Grey Rock Inn” which was built in the early 1930s from native stone to serve as the park restaurant and cafeteria. Today this unique building hosts exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the park, incorporating many historic photographs and post cards. The building is also used for special events and programs and contains a classroom where many nature programs for children, families, schools and other groups take place throughout the year. The Interpretive Center is accessible. The center is currently open on Saturday and Sunday, staff permitting.  Please call the Park Office or the Interpretive Center for current information.

Winter months find cross-country skiers on the 15 km (9.3 miles) of groomed trails in the park when covered with natural snow. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent. A blazing fire, hot soup and other hearty food greet visitors at the center located at the Interpretive Center. For information and trail conditions, call 973-702-1222 or visit xcskihighpoint.com

The Dryden Kuser Natural Area encompasses an Atlantic white cedar bog and the high-elevation ridgetop, including the summit of Kittatinny Mountain (High Point). These areas are of particular interest to botanists as they include rare and uncommon plant species, including the endangered three-toothed cinquefoil, that are typically found in more northern or southern habitats. Uncommon breeding and overwintering birds are also found, including the Cooper’s hawk and white-wing crossbills. Different portions of the natural area may be reached via Cedar Swamp Trail, Monument Trail or Steenykill Trail.

Dryden Kuser Natural Area Cedar Swamp Trail Guide

A NJ State Park Service Special Use Permit is required for various types of short-duration, organized activities and/or events within a state park, forest and/or historic site. Examples of organized activities and/or special events include, but are not limited to press events, commercial photography and/or filming, corporate events, fundraisers, festivals, demonstrations, walkathons and races, concerts, Televised events and/or commercial use of or on State Park Service lands and/or waters. 

To learn more about Special use Permits click here.

Access for Persons with Disabilities
High Point State Park facilities are partially accessible for persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office at 973-875-4800 for further information regarding disability access needs. Text telephone (TTY) users, call the NJ Relay & CapTel Service at 711 or 1-800-852-7897 for English or 1-866-658-7714 for Spanish.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Recreational use of ATVs is not permitted on NJ State Park Service property. This includes state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. Thank you for your help in protecting New Jersey’s natural and historic resources. [N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d)]

Drones
Drones are not permitted to be flown in any of New Jersey's state parks or forests.

Smoking
State law prohibits the smoking of tobacco and use of electronic smoking (vaping) devices in all state parks, forests, historic sites, recreation areas, golf courses and marinas. [N.J.P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-56)]

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. [ N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.6 ]

Keep Your Park Clean and Green
Protect plants and animals and care for your parks by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. It’s like crowdsourcing trash management! Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles in this park. Thank you!

Swimming
Swimming is permitted, while lifeguards are on duty, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. The beach area includes changing rooms, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station and a concession building where food and beach supplies may be purchased. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Only U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are allowed.

Pets
Pets must always be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and under the control of the owner. Please clean up after your pets.

Tick Protection
Use insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, stay on trails, check yourself when you get home, shower and wash clothes immediately.

Be Bear Aware
Black bears are found throughout New Jersey. Do not approach or attract bears by making food available. Feeding bears is dangerous and illegal. Never run from a bear! To report an aggressive bear, call 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337) immediately. Please report any damage or nuisance behavior to the park office. Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at www.njfishandwildlife.com for additional information on bear safety.