High Point State Park offers an uncommonly rich hiking experience where the rawness of wetlands meets the grandeur of New Jersey's highest peak. Beginning in the stubborn, moisture-crisped swamp lands, you’ll find roots clutching earth and streams daring you to step closer. The trail, roughly 5.5 miles round trip with a steady 1,250-foot elevation gain, pushes upward steadily through dense hardwood forests—as if the trees themselves lean in, watching your progress.

Terrain shifts from squishy, water-laced bogs underfoot to firm, rocky ascents carving the hill’s spine. This park is fiercely itself—not an easy conqueror, but a respectful challenge. The summit rewards your effort with sweeping views across the Delaware Water Gap and glimpses of distant Appalachian ridges. The High Point Monument, a 220-foot obelisk, pierces the horizon, a stoic guardian marking your achievement.

Plan your hike for mid-morning when the sun starts piercing the canopy, casting patches of gold that bounce off wet leaves and rocks. Moisture lingers, and a good grip on your boots matters as mud and roots often contest your footing. Bring at least two liters of water, and pack layers—temperatures can shift unexpectedly from swamp to summit. If you’re aiming for a smoother experience, spring and fall bring mild weather and brilliant leaf colors to keep pace with your ascent.

The route’s moderate challenge suits adventurers with a bit of hiking stamina. Expect to spend about three hours moving up and back, leaving room for breaks to soak in the wild symphony of birdcalls and the subtle rustle of creatures navigating the underbrush. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s shy residents—white-tailed deer often pause near the trail’s edges, and raptors wheel above, casting sharp silhouettes against the sky.

Whether it’s your first summit or one in a line of many, High Point State Park welcomes you to engage with its fiercely natural character, from swampy undergrowth to skies felt in the wide-open summit air. Your boots meet ground that’s challenging but fair, and the views pay back every careful step. Remember, this park doesn’t ask for conquest—it invites respect and offers a glimpse of New Jersey’s wild heart.