High Point State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Point State Park |
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High Point Monument
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| Location | Wantage Township and Montague Township, Sussex County, New Jersey |
| Nearest city | Port Jervis, New York |
| Area | 15,413 acres (62.37 km2) |
| Established | 1923 |
| Administered by | New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry |
High Point State Park is a big park in New Jersey, United States. It sits right on the border of New York State and close to Pennsylvania. This park covers about 15,413 acres, which is a huge area!
It's part of the Kittatinny Mountains. The highest spot in all of New Jersey, called High Point, is found right here in the park. It's super tall, reaching 1,803 feet (550 meters) high. You can get to the park easily from Route 23. The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry takes care of the park.
You only need to pay an entrance fee during the summer, from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day. It costs $5.00 on weekdays and $10.00 on weekends.
The High Point Monument is built at the very top of the park. From there, you can see amazing views of farms, forests, hills, and valleys across three different states! You can even see the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. High Point State Park is a great place for many activities like hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, and fishing.
Park History
The land for High Point State Park was given as a gift by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser. They donated it, and the park officially opened in 1923. The beautiful design of the park's landscape was created by the Olmsted Brothers from Boston. They were famous landscape architects, and their father, Frederick Law Olmsted, designed New York City's famous Central Park.
Appalachian Trail
The famous Appalachian Trail runs through High Point State Park. If you head south on the trail, it follows a rocky ridge. From this ridge, you get fantastic views of the valleys and mountains all around. If you go north, the trail goes down from the ridge. It passes through cool hemlock tree areas and old farm fields. From there, you can see the countryside and the High Point Monument far away.
High Point Monument
The High Point Monument was built to honor war veterans. The Kuser family, who donated the park land, also paid for this monument. Building started in 1928 and finished in 1930.
The monument is 220 feet (67 meters) tall. From the top, you can see the ridges of the Pocono Mountains to the west. You can also see the Catskill Mountains to the north and the Wallkill River Valley to the southeast. This monument is an obelisk, which is a tall, four-sided pillar. It's similar to other war monuments, like the one on Breed's Hill in Massachusetts.
Flora and Fauna: Plants and Animals
Some parts of High Point State Park are very special for plant lovers. For example, the Dryden Kuser Natural Area has rare plants that you usually find in much colder or warmer places. One of these is the endangered three-toothed cinquefoil.
The park is also home to uncommon birds that breed here or stay for the winter. These include the Cooper’s hawk and white-wing crossbills. You can explore different parts of this natural area by walking on trails like the Cedar Swamp Trail, Monument Trail, or Steenykill Trail.
The lakes and streams in the park are full of fish. You can find trout, largemouth bass, and other types of fish. The park is also a home for deer.
