High Point (New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Point |
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High Point Monument and Lake Marcia
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,804 ft (550 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 883 ft (269 m) |
| Listing | U.S. state high point 40th |
| Geography | |
 High Point
Location in Sussex County, New Jersey
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| Parent range | Kittatinny Mountains, Appalachians |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | A paved 2-lane roadway ascends directly to the summit |
High Point is a tall mountain peak in New Jersey. It is located in Sussex County, near the border of Wantage and Montague. This area is known as the Skylands.
High Point is the highest spot in the entire state of New Jersey. Its peak reaches 1,803 feet (550 m) high. The city of Port Jervis, New York is nearby. High Point is also the highest point in the Kittatinny Mountains. From the very top, you can see three states: New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania!
At the peak, there is a huge monument called the High Point Monument. It is a 220-foot (67 m) tall obelisk. This monument was built in 1930 to honor war veterans.
Contents
High Point State Park: A Natural Gem
High Point is located inside the large High Point State Park. This park covers about 14,193 acres (57.44 km2) of land. Route 23 runs near the park. This road helps visitors from New Jersey and New York reach the park easily. The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry manages the park.
In 2023, it became free to enter High Point State Park.
Park History and Design
The land for High Point State Park was a gift. Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser from Bernardsville, New Jersey donated it. The park was officially opened in 1923. The beautiful design of the park was created by the Olmsted Brothers. They were famous landscape architects from Boston. They were the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in New York City.
Trails and Winter Fun
To the south of the park, the Appalachian Trail follows a rocky path. This path offers many amazing views of the valleys and mountains around the area. To the north, the trail goes down through hemlock forests. It then leads into old farm fields. From here, you can see the countryside and the High Point Monument far away.
During the winter months, some of the park's trails are used for cross-country skiing. This makes it a fun place to visit all year round.
High Point Monument: A Tribute to Veterans
The Monument at High Point was built by Colonel Kuser. He wanted to honor people who served in wars. A master builder named Michael Maddaluna started building the tower in 1928. He finished it in 1930. The monument is 220-foot (67 m) tall. Its base is 34 feet wide on each side.
Monument Materials and Views
The outside of the monument is made from two types of stone. It uses granite from New Hampshire and Shawangunk quartz. There are four small windows in the monument. From these windows, visitors can see far away. You can see the Pocono Mountains to the west. The Catskill Mountains are visible to the north. You can also see the Wallkill River Valley to the southeast.
The High Point Monument looks like other war monuments. For example, it is similar to the Bunker Hill Monument in Massachusetts. The monument has 291 steps inside. These steps lead from the bottom to the highest viewing platform.
Protecting the Park
In 2008, there were plans to close the park. This was part of a budget plan by Governor Jon Corzine. However, groups of veterans strongly disagreed with this idea. They hold an annual memorial event at the monument. Because of their opposition, the plan to close the park was stopped.
Images for kids
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View from High Point
