This out-and-back was our first time on the AT in High Point State Park. We parked at the AT parking area on Route 23, very near the park's
visitor's center, went north along the ridge, then turned east until we reached Route 519, Mountain Road. At this point we turned back.The
High Point obelisk is not on the AT, so we didn't get to visit the tower on this hike, or experience the
spectacular views from its base. But the views from this stretch of the AT
are still good. In fact, there is a sturdy wooden observation deck about a mile from Route 23 that offers excellent views in
nearly all directions.
This 6+ mile hike took us under 4 hours. There is a good climb north of Route 23 and also west of Route 519 (Mountain Road). (Click on the thumbnail to bring up a bigger image in a pop-up window)
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Phone line cut near Route 23 trailhead |
Route 23 trailhead |
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View east |
View east |
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Blueberry bushes |
Rocky climb |
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Chatush Padasana |
First glimpse of the obelisk |
View east |
View east |
Jackie Hester memorial behind a big rock |
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Observation deck |
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View west |
View east |
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Pines |
Intersection with Monument trail |
Descending |
Near High Point Lean-to |
Steep drop to a cascade |
[Photograph by Laura] |
Honeysuckle |
Stream crossing |
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Lots of boundary walls here |
Tree wrapped in wire |
Goldfinch? |
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Honeysuckle |
Open field near Route 519 |
Steps down to Route 519 |
Swamp |
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Hatching caterpillars |
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NJ and US flags at monument base |
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Monument tip |
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View east |
View east |
View east |
Farms far to the east |
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[Photo by Laura] |
Super macro close-up |
Photographs and content copyright © Dan Balogh Web design by Dan Balogh |