This section of the Appalachian Trail features High Point State Park, the home to the highest point in the state of New Jersey.  High Point, at an elevation of 1803 feet, is the highest point along the long Kittatinny Mountains.  At the peak is the High Point Monument, a 220 foot tower, built in 1930 to commemorate war dead. Three different states can be seen from the top, including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The Appalachian Trail turns prior to reaching High Point, however the highest point of the AT in New Jersey is located in the state park at 1689 feet, beating out Sunrise Mountain by less than 40 feet. A side trail off the AT leads to High Point for those who want to visit. There are numerous park trails in High Point State Park you can explore.  Check out the NJ State Parks website for more information.

View from wooden observation platform along the AT

We suggest buying a copy of the Appalachian Trail Guide to New York-New Jersey for anyone planning a hike on this section of the AT.  We have some info and maps of this section of trail below. We've also included two videos below.  The first is from the AT wooden observation platform and the second is from the view point on High Point. This section of the AT begins as the trail crosses busy NJ 23.  You are in High Point State Park.  At 0.8 miles is a view of High Point Monument.  At 1.0 miles reach a wooden observation platform with spectacular 360 degree views.  A side trail leads to the park road.  The AT continues straight ahead with more views of the monument.

View of High Point Monument from the Appalachian Trail

At 1.2 miles reach the junction with the red and green blazed Monument Trail.  Straight heads to the High Point Monument and to the left the trail leads to Lake Marcia.  The Appalachian Trail turns right and begins to descend off the ridge. At 1.7 miles reach the junction of a blue blazed side trail that leads 0.1 mile to the High Point Shelter.  This stone shelter was built by the CCC in 1936 and sleeps eight.  A privy is located nearby and water can be found in the streams near the trail (when not dry). After descending on switchbacks reach and cross County Route 519 at 3.0 miles.  There is parking available for about four cars.  The GPS coordinates are N41 19.759 W74 38.591 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.  The trail travels through several fields before heading back into the woods at 3.1 miles.

At 3.7 miles reach and cross gravel Courtwright Road.  Follow white blazes closely as the trail follows and crosses several stone walls.  At 4.1 miles cross stone wall and reach farm field, following edge of field.  At 4.2 miles cross stile over barbed wire fence and descend along right side of pasture.  At 4.3 miles cross stile, pass pond on left and continue along right side of field. At 4.9 miles cross stile and reach Ferguson Road.  Turn right and follow road for 100 feet, then turn left back into woods.  The AT is following close to the NY/NJ border.  At 5.4 miles reach paved Gemmer Road and turn right, following road for a couple of hundred feet, then turn left into overgrown field.

At 6.3 miles reach and cross Goodrich Road, then ascend steeply up small hill.  Now descend and pass pond on right.  Trail ascends to the crest of a field at 6.5 miles with a nice view of Pochuck Mountain in the distance.  At 6.7 miles cross gravel Goldsmith Road.  Soon cross bridge over stream then puncheon over swampy area. At 6.8 miles follow puncheons across what is known as Vernie Swamp.  At 7.1 miles cross dirt Goldsmith Lane.  There is parking available for about ten cars.  The GPS coordinates are N41 18.267 W74 34.889 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.  The trail travels through an overgrown apple orchard and then overgrown fields.

At 7.5 miles reach paved Unionville Road.  Parking for about three cars is available here.  The GPS coordinates are N41 18.141 W74 34.539 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.  At 7.7 miles the trail crosses paved Quarry Road and ascends steeply up a hill.  There is parking for about four cars at Quarry Road.  The GPS coordinates are N41 18.018 W74 34.296 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.

After cresting hill, follow blazes and trail carefully as the trail crosses several old quarry roads.  At 8.3 miles reach Lott Road.  To the left along the road you'll reach Unionville, NY in 0.4 miles. There is parking for about two cars here.  Turn right, following road for 150 feet, then turn left after bridge over stream and enter woods. At 8.5 miles turn right onto old railroad grade.  At 9.0 miles turn left off old railroad grade and descend toward overgrown field, following the edge of the field.  At 9.3 miles reach NJ 284 and the end of this section.  There is parking available for about eight cars.  The GPS coordinates are N41 17.301 W74 33.105 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.

 

Appalachian Trail Hiking Guide New Jersey ONLY $8.50 Hiking guide with descriptions and maps for the Appalachian Trail as it travels in New Jersey. The guide is broken down by 9 sections of the AT. The book comes to you delivered as a pdf file via email. Use the buy now button and we will send you the file via email usually within 24 hours of receiving payment.

Appalachian Trail in New Jersey NJ 23 to NJ 284 ONLY $1.50 Hiking guide with descriptions and maps for just this section of the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey. The guide comes to you delivered as a pdf file via email. Use the buy now button below and we will send you the file via email usually within 24 hours of receiving payment. Happy Hiking!