High Point State Park and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are two favorite destinations for campers in the New Jersey Skylands region.
Spectacular views of the Catskills and Poconos can be seen at High Point State Park, New Jersey's highest point (1,803 feet).
At 1,800 feet, the views from High Point of the Kittatinny Mountains are very spectacular, but to get a real bird’s-eye view, climb the 200 plus stairs to the top of High Point Monument. It’s even more impressive when the cool fall air renders the area with painted scenes of crimson, gold and plum-colored leaves.
High Point State Park is one of the most popular hiking spots in New Jersey, featuring more than 50 miles of well-marked and maintained trails, not to mention portions of the famous Appalachian Trail. With so many trails, there’s something for every hiker regardless of their skill level. In winter, several trails in the north offer snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing on well groomed trails (rentals available). Mountain biking is another favorite sport on the trails.
The Delaware Water Gap is a favorite destination for hiking, water sports, and wildlife adventure.The 70,000-plus-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in the northwest corner of New Jersey, runs beside 40 miles of the Delaware River, including where it carved through the Appalachian Mountains to form the celebrated gap. This pristine national park has magnificent waterfalls, the best rock climbing in the state, more than 200 historic sites and 100's of miles of hiking trails including more than 20 plus miles of the famed Appalachian Trail to hike and explore.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area draws kayak, rafting and tubing enthusiasts from all over. The Delaware River Family Campground (100 Rte. 46) runs canoe, kayak and rafting trips right at the Water Gap. They also rent canoes and rowboats and have cabins and campsites. For anglers, there’s fishing for shad, smallmouth bass and catfish, among others. Try your hand at trout fishing at two hot spots – Flat Brook and Van Campens Brook.
In winter, cross-country skiing is available near Blue Mountain Lakes. Bird watching is a popular pastime in the park, regardless of the season; winter brings bald eagles, a stunning sight.
