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.
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| Map of the Route Some of the route is repeated. |
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| Beautiful Fall Colors From the top of the Quarry. Overlooking High Point State Park Tower. Facing east. |
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| View from the Mountain Top. Looking Straight at the High Point Tower. High Point is the highest point in New Jersey. Facing east. |
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| Another view from the ridge top. Facing northeast. |
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| The tranquil stream just before it opens into the swamp. |
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| Club Members at the Montague Quartz Quarry. |
