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Current Observations
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High Point
State Park
Location:
Sussex County
Mailing Address:
1480 Route 23
Sussex,
NJ 07461
(973) 875-4800
Size:
15,413 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are only charged from Memorial
Day weekend to Labor Day.
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$ 5.00
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weekdays
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$10.00
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weekends
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N/A
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walk-in/bicycle
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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.
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. High
Point Monument
is currently closed for restoration.
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.
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Dryden Kuser Natural Area (1,500 acres)
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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.
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High Point Cross Country Ski
Center
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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
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. $15 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. $60 per night, $420 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. $150 per night;
Two-night minimum.
Park
Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Park
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:
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$50.00 per day, plus applicable parking fees
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Memorial Day through Labor Day
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$75.00 per day
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Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
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50 percent of Fee
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Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
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• 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.
back
to top
• High Point
Cross Country Ski Center
• Appalachian Trail Conference
• New York - New Jersey Trail Conference
• NJ Division of Fish and
Wildlife (information regarding fishing and hunting)
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FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
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What are the snow conditions
like?
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Please call the High Point Ski
Center at (973)
702-1222 or access their website at the above mentioned link
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What interpretive programs are offered?
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Please call the Interpretive Center
directly at (973) 875-1471 for schedules and information.
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