The Appalachian Trail cuts through New Jersey for approximately 74 kilometers, running from the Delaware Water Gap in the south — where the Kittatinny Ridge meets the Delaware River at Warren County — north to the New York border near Greenwood Lake. New Jersey's segment traverses hardwood ridges, glacially scoured lakes, cedar swamps, and exposed quartzite ridgeline, making it one of the most ecologically varied stretches of the entire trail.
Most day hikers access the trail via High Point State Park at 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, where a connector leads to the ridge near the High Point Monument at 550 meters — New Jersey's highest elevation. A second major access point is the Delaware Water Gap trailhead off I-80 Exit 1, with free parking. Public transit does not serve most NJ trailheads; a car is strongly recommended except at the Delaware Water Gap NRA access.
The trail surface alternates between compacted dirt through hardwood forest and demanding quartzite ridge walking with exposed rock. Ridge elevations average 300 to 450 meters, with occasional valley crossings. Key landmarks include Sunfish Pond — a glacially formed lake and federally designated Natural Landmark at 390 meters — and the Catfish Fire Tower near Culvers Gap. A recommended day-hike section runs from Culvers Gap north to Sunrise Mountain, roughly 11 kilometers round-trip with 200 meters of gain, rewarding hikers with panoramic views from a stone ridge pavilion.
Three-sided wooden shelters spaced along the route serve overnight thru-hikers on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is available at several stream crossings including near Culvers Lake and Brink Road Shelter, but all backcountry water must be filtered or treated. No potable water is available at most trailheads. White rectangular blazes on trees mark the AT throughout New Jersey.
Tick populations are extremely high from April through November across the Kittatinny Ridge and surrounding forest. DEET-based repellent and a thorough post-hike body check are essential on every outing. High Point State Park charges a vehicle entry fee of $5 to $20 depending on season; the Delaware Water Gap NRA trailhead is free.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Sussex & Warren Counties
- Best season
- April–November
What to bring
- hiking boots
- layered clothing
- trail map (NJ AT Guide)
- water (2L minimum)
- trekking poles optional
- tick repellent (DEET)
Location
High Point State Park, 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461
41.3208, -74.6618 View on map
Highlights
- 74-kilometer New Jersey AT segment traversing Kittatinny Ridge between Delaware Water Gap and the New York border
- High Point Monument at 550 m — New Jersey's highest elevation — reached via a short connector from the AT
- Sunfish Pond, a glacial lake and federally designated Natural Landmark at 390 m elevation
- Exposed quartzite ridgeline walking with panoramic views into Pennsylvania and New York on clear days
- Catfish Fire Tower near Culvers Gap offering 360-degree views over Sussex County
Tips for visiting
- Choose a 5 to 11 km day-hike section rather than attempting the full 74 km; the Culvers Gap to Sunrise Mountain section is a top pick.
- Carry at least 2 liters of water and a filter; stream crossings exist but all backcountry water must be treated before drinking.
- Apply DEET tick repellent before starting and perform a thorough body check after hiking — Lyme disease is endemic to the Kittatinny Ridge region.
- White blazes on trees mark the AT throughout NJ; download the FarOut app or carry the NJ AT Guide for navigation as trail junctions can be confusing.
- Parking at High Point State Park costs $5 to $20 depending on season; the Delaware Water Gap NRA trailhead off I-80 Exit 1 is free.
- Visit on weekdays in September or October to avoid weekend crowds and see peak foliage on the ridge.
When to visit
Late September through mid-October offers peak foliage on the Kittatinny Ridge with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Spring from April through May brings wildflower blooms and reliable stream levels; summer is warm and humid with high tick activity.
Accessibility
The Appalachian Trail through New Jersey is a natural-surface backcountry trail with rocky, uneven terrain throughout and is not accessible to wheelchair or stroller users. High Point State Park grounds near the monument offer some paved paths suitable for limited mobility visitors, but the AT itself presents significant physical barriers from the trailhead onward.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to day-hike the New Jersey Appalachian Trail?
No permit is required for day hiking on the NJ AT. An overnight camping permit is not federally mandated on the NJ segment, but hikers must use established AT shelters or designated campsites. High Point State Park charges a vehicle entry fee in season.
Where is the best access point for a short day hike on the NJ AT?
Culvers Gap on Route 206 in Branchville and the Delaware Water Gap trailhead off I-80 Exit 1 are the most convenient access points for shorter hikes. High Point State Park is ideal for reaching the summit area and monument.
Is Sunfish Pond accessible from the NJ Appalachian Trail?
Yes. Sunfish Pond is reached directly on the AT, approximately 4.5 km north of the Delaware Water Gap trailhead. The round-trip is about 9 km with 300 m of gain and is one of the most popular day hikes in New Jersey.
Are dogs allowed on the New Jersey Appalachian Trail?
Dogs are permitted on the NJ AT and must be kept on leash within High Point State Park and on National Park Service land within the Delaware Water Gap NRA at all times.
What wildlife might hikers encounter on the NJ AT?
Black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, timber rattlesnakes, and various raptors are commonly reported along the Kittatinny Ridge. Store food in bear-resistant containers if camping overnight.