High Point State Park in Sussex County, New Jersey occupies the highest terrain in the state at the northern tip of the Kittatinny Ridge. The High Point Monument — a 220-foot stone obelisk erected in 1930 — stands at 1,803 feet above sea level, the highest point in New Jersey. From the monument's summit and the surrounding viewing meadow, panoramic vistas extend north into New York State, east across New Jersey's Kittatinny Ridge and Wallkill River valley, west into Pennsylvania, and south along the Appalachian Trail corridor — a three-state overlook unmatched in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The primary photographic draw at High Point is the panoramic landscape view available from the flat meadow surrounding the monument base and from the summit observation deck inside the monument when it is open. The monument itself serves as a strong vertical compositional anchor — a single stone obelisk against an open sky above a ridge of forested hills — and can be photographed from multiple positions around the summit meadow.
October is the defining month for photography at High Point. The panoramic views encompass miles of unbroken deciduous forest covering the Kittatinny, Shawangunk, and Pocono ridgelines, which in mid-October turn orange, amber, and red across the entire visible horizon. Telephoto compression (100–400mm) on the distant ridges produces stacked, layered compositions where successive forest ridgelines recede in planes of color. Morning hours deliver the longest sight lines, before daytime haze builds over the valleys.
Sunsets are equally productive at High Point. The monument's position allows the setting sun to illuminate the forested Pennsylvania ridges across the Delaware River valley in warm amber light, while the monument itself becomes a silhouette against the western sky.
The parking area nearest the monument is a short paved walk from the viewing meadow. A daily vehicle fee applies to New Jersey State Park entry. The monument interior is open seasonally (typically May–October) and requires a separate nominal admission for the climb. Weekend visits in October bring significant crowds to the monument area — weekday visits provide much better access to open viewpoints.
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- telephoto zoom (100–400mm) for distant ridge detail, wide-angle for monument foreground compositions, polarizing filter
Location
1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461
41.3208, -74.6618 View on map
Highlights
- Three-state panoramic view (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania) from 1,803 feet above sea level
- October foliage covering the Kittatinny, Shawangunk, and Pocono ridgelines in amber and red
- Telephoto ridge-layer compositions across stacked deciduous forest in full autumn color
- 220-foot stone monument obelisk as a vertical foreground anchor in wide-angle panoramic compositions
- Appalachian Trail corridor views stretching south along the Kittatinny Ridge
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9am on clear October days for maximum atmospheric clarity before midday haze develops
- Use a 100–400mm telephoto to compress stacked ridge layers into multi-plane foliage compositions
- The monument obelisk works as a wide foreground element with a 16–35mm at its base
- Clear autumn mornings after a cold front passes deliver the longest three-state sight lines
- A polarizing filter deepens the blue sky and increases foliage saturation on bright October days
- Weekday visits in October avoid significant weekend crowds at the monument viewing area
When to visit
October for the three-state foliage panorama from the summit meadow. Clear mornings after cold-front passage deliver the longest sight lines across the Kittatinny, Shawangunk, and Pocono ridges.
Accessibility
The parking area near the monument is paved and the viewing meadow is accessible via a flat paved path. Panoramic views from the meadow level are fully accessible to wheelchair users. The monument interior staircase is not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to enter High Point State Park?
Yes. A daily vehicle fee applies, typically $5–$20 per vehicle depending on season. New Jersey State Park annual passes cover vehicle entry. Monument interior admission is a separate nominal fee.
When is High Point Monument open for interior climbs?
The monument interior is typically open from late May through October, with seasonal variations. Interior access requires a small separate admission fee beyond the park vehicle entry.
What states can be seen from High Point Monument?
On clear days, views extend north into New York State, west across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania, and south along the New Jersey Kittatinny Ridge — a three-state panorama.
What is the best month for fall foliage photography at High Point State Park?
Mid-October typically offers peak foliage color across the surrounding ridgelines. The exact peak varies year to year by approximately one to two weeks depending on temperatures.
Is there an Appalachian Trail connection at High Point State Park?
Yes. The Appalachian Trail passes through High Point State Park and is accessible from the park road. It offers additional ridge-line photography opportunities along the Kittatinny.