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Visit
the Highpoint State Park Home Page |
| 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. |
Click Here to View Photo Gallery |
| Below are IPIX panoramic images. Left
click and drag to move the picture left
to right or up and down. To zoom in,
place the cursor just above center and
click. To zoom out, place the cursor
just below center and click. |
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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.

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 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 spring-fed
20-acre natural lake is 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
These
fees are in effect as of September 6, 2005
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. $1 per person per night,
based on site capacity.
Cabins: Two cabins each with furnished living room with
fireplace; 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
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:
These fees are in effect as of September 6, 2005
$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)
| 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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