High Point State Park (Appalachian Trail)
Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation: 1263 feet
Time: 3 hours, 18 minutes
Hiking Challenges: New Jersey Appalachian Trail
I realize at this point I start posts all the same: "another great day in the woods" - or something of that sorts. Thankfully, this day was no different! The weather was going to be much chillier than my near-summer hike just a few days prior, and the snow was back! I had originally planned to park at the AT Trailhead on Route 519, but the pull-off was made up of hard, rutted ice so I turned around and parked along the Appalachian Trail parking at High Point State Park on Route 23 South.
My stubborn self bare-booted along the crusty snow from the blue-blazed AT spur leaving the parking lot, turning right onto the red-blazed Iris trail, and then turning right one more time onto the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. I made it to the crossing on Route 23, and then finally put on my microspikes to get the party started!
At this point the hike was calm and lovely. A few short climbs along the Kittatinny Ridge, but nothing too strenuous. There was a beautiful platform that overlooked the surrounding vistas and the High Point monument further down the trail. At the junction with the Monument Trail the Appalachian Trail turns into the forest to slowly descend the ridge.
The forest coming down the ridge was still and beautiful. Short descents followed by long walking breaks that seemed to follow old woods roads. I did not check out the shelter, but it was clearly indicated where to turn off. There was one water crossing that was a little sketchy with the melting snow and ice, but nothing too terrible. The area by the water was also beautiful and the water formed a mini-ravine as it cut through the mountainside.
From the shelter spur to Route 519 was gentle and uneventful. The blood started pumping as I turned around the started to climb up to the ridge again, but nothing was too strenuous. Back at the junction with the Monument Trail, I followed the red-and-green-blazed Monument Trail that ran concurrent with the light-blue-blazed Shawangunk Ridge Trail. I have driven to the top of High Point numerous times, but never hiked! The trail was a quick detour that shot right up to the beautiful top of New Jersey. I didn't spend too much time at the top due to wind, but it was nice to be up there again!
The return trip was just as beautiful. The snow was starting to melt so some of the descents got dicey, but my butt never touched the ground which is a success! I passed a large group of teenagers hiking in street clothes and sneakers which was interesting. One kid was blown away by my spikes which was one of the nerdiest ego boosts I've gotten in a while. They asked how far away the monument was, and I told them it was probably over a half hour. I hope they made it in one piece!
I'm super excited to continue my journey tackling the NJ section of the Appalachian Trail this summer!
- Park at Appalachian Trail Parking along Route 23.
- Start on blue-blazed spur trail out of parking lot.
- Turn right onto red-blazed Iris Trail.
- Turn right onto white-blazed Appalachian Trail.
- Cross Route 23.
- Continue on Route 23 to junction with light-blue-blazed Monument Trail.
- Turn right to continue on Appalchian Trail.
- At Route 519, turn around and retrace steps.
- At junction with light-blue-blazed Monument Trail, turn right onto Monument (light blue)/Shawangunk Ridge (red and green) Trails.
- Cross paved park road.
- Continue to High Point Monument and turn around.
- Cross paved park road.
- Follow Monument/Shawangunk Ridge Trail until AT junction.
- Follow AT southbound.
- Cross Route 23.
- Continue on Appalachian Trail.
- Turn left onto red-blazed Iris Trail.
- Turn left onto blue-blazed spur trail.
- Return to parking lot.
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