Sussex, New Jersey
Monument Trail at High Point
A friendly loop over the highest ground in New Jersey with views into NY and PA.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Length
- 3.7 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 580 ft
- Duration
- 2
- Best Season
- Apr–Nov
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Highest point in NJ, Obelisk monument
About the trail
High Point State Park crowns the Kittatinny Ridge at 1,803 feet — the highest elevation in New Jersey. The Monument Trail loops the summit area past the 220-foot stone obelisk and along open ledges with views into the Catskills to the north, the Poconos to the west, and the Wallkill Valley to the east. A perfect introductory ridge hike.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 41.3215, -74.6618Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Enter High Point State Park off NJ-23 in Sussex.
- Park at the Monument lot near the obelisk.
- Pick up the red-and-green blazed Monument Trail.
- Hike the loop counterclockwise past Lake Marcia overlooks.
- Return to the Monument lot.
Parking
Monument lot — $5 weekday / $10 weekend entry fee for non-residents.
Tips from the trail
- Climb the monument stairs (open seasonally) for an extra 70 feet of view.
- Combine with a swim at Lake Marcia in summer.
- Trail is icy Dec–Feb — bring microspikes.