New Jersey
Nature|Hiking

New Jersey’s High Point Is One Of The Best Hiking Summits for Viewing Multiple States

High Point Monument in New Jersey offers scenic views of three states and various hiking trails.

Published Jun 1, 2020

Written by 

Kristen

If you're looking to see multiple states from the Garden State, New Jersey's High Point Monument is where you want to head. You can drive right up, but there are also several trails you can take to get there.

One of my favorites comes in at around 3 miles (1.5 miles out and back). It begins at the Appalachian Trail lot and will take you to High Point Observation Deck.

alt
Google Maps

It is from this deck that you'll enjoy a spectacular monument, enchanting mountains, and views of three states - New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

advertisement
alt
Matt Rybansky/Google

The observation deck is not to be confused with the monument. I've highlighted the trail to the platform in red. Swapping trails at the platform, you can continue to the monument if you choose. This is highlighted in blue.

alt
State.NJ.US

So, park at the Appalachian Trail lot, hop on the connector trail, head towards the Appalachian Trail, and take that to the observation deck. If you'd like to continue to the monument (and another scenic viewpoint), hop off the Appalachian Trail onto the Shawangunk Ridge Trail for about .5 miles until you hit the monument. (The trail map is linked at the bottom of the article.)

alt
Jason Jenkins/Flickr

Near the monument, you'll find binoculars. Bring quarters, or your own binoculars. Have neither? No problem. The view is breathtaking all on its own.

alt
Rabbitti/iStock/Getty Images Plus Collection/Getty Images

From there, head back to the Appalachian Trail lot. Adding the monument to your hike will bring the total up to just over 4 miles, but it's worth it. If you're an avid hiker, explore even more of High Point State Park. There are several lakes, interpretive centers, and a white cedar swamp waiting for you!

alt
Verducci1/iStock/Getty Images Plus Collection/Getty Images

Wherever you choose to hike in the park (and even if you choose to drive instead of hike), you'll enjoy endless photo opportunities and beautiful views. While this platform is not nearly as high as it seems, we would not recommend a shot like this. You can see plenty from behind the barrier!

advertisement
alt
Joshua Siniscal/Flickr

Have you hiked High Point before? Share your photos in the comments. If you're looking to hike here soon, the park is open for passive recreation. Visitors must wear masks in and around all gatehouses, restrooms, and reopened park buildings. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when alone in other areas of the park but must wear one when around others. You can find the High Point State Park Trail Map Here. If you can't make it to the park or are waiting, check out the dazzling drone footage below. It's truly magnificent.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in New Jersey Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

Follow this iconic trail in New Jersey to Pinwheel Vista and some of the state's best views.

Published Oct 16, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Hiking in New Jersey, whether on a scenic stroll or a challenging path, offers us the unique opportunity to get outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with nature. Among the more than 1,400 trails that meander through our beautiful state, a few stand out as a must-hike at least once in our lives. This iconic trail in New Jersey isn’t for the faint of heart but, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with sensational views.

advertisement

With a name like Stairway to Heaven Trail, you know you’re in for some downright awe-inspiring views, but first, you must work for them. The 2.6-mile trail, which scores a moderate to difficult rating depending on to whom you talk, features steep climbs and rocky terrain. While the dog-friendly trail is considered kid-friendly by some, come prepared.

alt
All Trails/iroquois Pliskin

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots to support your ankles and help with footing as you navigate the rocky terrain. Because the initial part of the trail is an uphill climb, gear up for a workout. Hikers recommend pacing yourself to avoid getting tired quickly. Bring water, and even though it’s a relatively short trail, you may also want to have snacks.

Set your GPS for the parking lot along Vernon-Warwick Road in Vernon Township. Since the lot is right off the road, you won’t be able to miss it. Because it has limited spaces, you might want to head out on the trail earlier in the day to ensure you snag a spot. Look for the trailhead to Appalachian Boardwalk after you park. The trail follows along the Appalachian Trail in the beginning.

alt
All Trails/Paulina Pinzon

Stairway to Heaven begins as an uphill climb, and you may have to scramble at times, but it’s all worth it once you reach Pinwheel Vista. Once at the vista, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Pochuck Valley. Be prepared to deal with crowds along the trail and at the vista, but meeting other hikers is part of the fun of this popular trail. The route back down can be just as challenging, especially with the rocky terrain and slippery conditions after it rains, so take your time.

Have you hiked this iconic trail in New Jersey? What did you think? Was it moderately challenging or hard? Let us know in the comments! Fuel up for your epic adventure or grab a bite afterward at The Lamp Post Inn, a mom-and-pop restaurant in Vernon Township, New Jersey. If you’ve got a free evening or two, turn that day trip into an overnight or weekend getaway by booking a local Vrbo.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

The Remote Destination In New Jersey Where The Drive Is Worth The Final View

Windbeam Mountain casts an imposing visage, but one scenic hike in New Jersey offers an incredible way to see it without a long and challenging trek.

Published Sep 21, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Depending on where you come from, the parks and mountains of North Jersey can be a mighty drive. We might be a small state, but those interstates are a challenge! Still, some things are more than worth the trek - and one of those things is the best scenic hike in New Jersey. Windbeam Mountain is an impressive sight in the north of the state, not too far from the New York border. It's not an isolated area - there are plenty of charming towns in the area - but it certainly feels like it once you get on that mountain. The best way to see the sights is the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail, a 2.0-mile moderate trail that takes you to some stunning sights along a short but imposing trek. Are you up for the challenge? If you are, you'll be rewarded with one of the best views in the state.

advertisement
alt
Michael Sears/AllTrails

Windbeam Mountain is a fantastic hiking destination, and the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail is a great, accessible way to experience it. This 2.0-mile trail has an elevation gain of 718 feet and is rated as moderately challenging.

alt
Michael Pasoz/AllTrails

That means you should be relatively experienced to attempt it and you might face some steep climbs, but no real challenging terrain. Keep an eye out for some beautiful local flora based on the season.

alt
Ashley Hernandez/AllTrails

This is a fairly unspoiled area of North Jersey, and while it's a popular hiking area, you should still have some space to explore and keep an eye out for local wildlife.

alt
Sue Kvanali/AllTrails

Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they're on a leash. And this is a view worth sharing with man's best friend, if you're both up to the steep climb!

alt
Michael Pazos/AllTrails

The view from the Windbeam Mountain Overlook is truly stunning, letting you look out at the unspoiled wilderness for miles around. You might even be able to see into New York on a good day!

alt
Lariba A/AllTrails

The view is stunning throughout the year, but starting in October hikers will be greeted by a landscape of fall colors taking over the entire region. And if you want to wait for cooler weather to take on this hike, there's no better time than leaf-peeping season!

advertisement

Have you taken the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail? Let us know about your experience conquering this scenic hike in New Jersey. You can see more pictures of this popular trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and this is the kind of hike AllTrails + was made for - this mobile app will make it easy to stay on track even in remote areas, with downloadable trail maps with point-by-point directions. While you're in the area, why not take the time to check out another great park in the area - the historically significant Long Pond Ironworks State Park.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food
Restaurants

The Panoramic-View Restaurant on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania Is a Must-Visit

by Beth Price-Williams
on Oct 26
alt
Trip Ideas
Small Towns

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Connecticut, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Jasmine Vieau
on Oct 26
alt
Nature
Hiking

Hike the Port Penn Wetlands Trail in Delaware for an Unforgettable Adventure

by Jasmine Vieau
on Oct 25
alt
Stays

The Remote Work Retreat Center in New Hampshire You Will Never Want to Leave

by Kim Falchek
on Oct 25
The lodge at Quietude conference center in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. A firepit sits in the forefront. The lodge is set against a backdrop of trees.
Nature
Hiking

We Explored a Cave and a Waterfall Along this Easy Tennessee Hike

by Chris Dodge
on Oct 25
The plunging water of Lost Creek Falls among cavernous rock formations.