High Point State Park Monument Loop

Sussex Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Sterling Ridge Trail: Blue blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:00 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.6 miles
Level of Difficulty: Easy (though conditions difficult)
Level of Recommendation: Recommended
Points Of Interest: Expansive ridge views, tower, Lake Marcia
Pros: Excellent views abound
Cons: Lack of extensive trail loops, lots of people, lots of non-natural structures

Google Map of Parking:

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The peak of autumn was arriving, and I had wanted a mountain with very good vistas, which this area certainly has. I had a tradeshow nearby in New Jersey, and headed nearby to High Point to check out the place. Although it was sunny, it was an extremely code day for October, and the wind was howling on top of the mountain. It was the type of steady wind that can almost make you fall. Though I wanted this hike to take longer, I was simple worn out at the end and cut out and turned around earlier than I had intended to.

Parking here is free after Labor Day, but during the summer it costs $10 to get in (New Jersey residents pay $5.) I parked near the tower and walked inside. It was the last day that the park staff were allowing people to climb the tire prior to closing it for the winter, so I am glad I arrived when I did. I climbed all 200 or so feet of the tower, but was disappointed to find nothing in top, with dirty and hazy windows.

After climbing the tower, I went along on the Sterling Ridge Trail, and then took it down the hill down to the end of the trail where it meets the Appalachian. Took the Appalachian up the next hill, and then cut across to the road to take pictures of the lake, Lake Marcia. I then cut back up to the Appalachian Trail and then continued on the Appalachian Trail back to Sterling Ridge Trail, and then took the road to the tower back to my car.

Map of the Route.
Kittatinies Northern Map

View From High Point Facing Northeast

View from High Point Facing West Towards the Delaware Gap

View from High Point Facing East

View of the Monument

Another View of the Monument

View of Port Jervis and the Delaware River from High Point.
Facing Northwest.

Rocky Promenade from Atop High Point, near the Tower.
Facing North.

Staircase Inside the Tower

View on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail Heading South.

View of the Monument from the Shawangunk Ridge Trail

Interesting Tree on the Appalachian Trail

View of the Monument from the Distance on the AT Trail. Facing Northeast.

View from the Lookout Plan on the Appalachian Trail

Lake Marcia Through the Trees

Another View of Lake Marcia

And One More View of Lake Marcia

Dense Foliage on the AT

On the Return Route Back to the Monument

The Southern Terminus of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, with the new Blaze

Lake Marcia from the Northern Shore

Montague Quartz Mine

Montague,
Sussex Co.,
New Jersey

Estimated Distance: 1.6 Miles
Level of Difficulty: Easy until mine which requires difficult, steep, but shot hike up
Level of Recommendation: Recommended for good views and if you are interested in mining
Points Of Interest: Beautiful views of High Point and Mine

Google Maps of Parking:

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One of my other interests is exploratory mining, in which I explore old mining locations. This was more like mineral collecting but involved a beautiful area in which I was able to also hike. I had joined the North Jersey Mineral Society for this event, and we went as a group. Afterwards I went to explore the surrounding mountain and hiked along the ridge for a short while and got some excellent photos.

This hike is literally only a few short feet from the NY/NJ state border near Port Jervis in Montague. Its right off I-84 and is easily found. We parked at the shopping center parking area (Shoprite), crossed the street, went along the side to cross the bridge by the brook, and then headed down the path along a crystal-clear brook. According to our guide, this path was the original Route 23 before it was rerouted. There is an old abandoned small bridge crossing the brook which at one time carried the narrow old Route 23 across. As the brook opened up to a swamp on our right, we saw the rock outcrop along the side of the mountain, where the Quartz crystals exist.

We climbed up the rocky hill, and did some collecting from the upper part. Once I collected several nice transparent colorless Quartz crystals, I continued up the extremely steep slope to the top of the narrow ridge, and went along the side of the ridge to look for photo spots. I then snaked down, and went back to the quarry to the group, and then we all headed back with our finds.

Map of the Route
Some of the route is repeated.

Beautiful Fall Colors From the top of the Quarry.
Overlooking High Point State Park Tower.
Facing east.

View from the Mountain Top.
Looking Straight at the High Point Tower.
High Point is the highest point in New Jersey.
Facing east.

Another view from the ridge top.
Facing northeast.

The tranquil stream just before it opens into the swamp.

Club Members at the Montague Quartz Quarry.