High Point State Park Monument Road
Tri-state views from Shawangunk quartzite ledges.
The approach to High Point Monument cuts through some of the roughest terrain in northwestern New Jersey before crossing into New York’s Shawangunk Mountains. The route follows old CCC-built fire roads and maintenance tracks through dense hardwood forest, with technical rocky sections that’ll test your suspension around Sawmill Lake. The real payoff comes at the New York border crossing near Lake Rutherford, where you drop into a network of abandoned quarry roads that wind through the Shawangunk conglomerate formations.
Moderate difficulty with several rocky climbs requiring low-range 4WD and good articulation. Stock high-clearance trucks handle it fine, but skid plates are smart given the sharp Shawangunk quartzite ledges. Best tackled April through November when the seasonal gates are open. No permits needed but camping is restricted to designated areas in Stokes State Forest. The views from the ridge system stretch across three states — worth every scraped rock slider.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1803 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Port Jervis, NY |
| Land manager | New York State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Monument Road without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum you want here — the Shawangunk quartzite ledges are unforgiving on low-hanging skid plates and sidewalls. Lifted rigs have more margin, but a capable stock truck with decent all-terrain tires will get through.
When does the trail close, and is snow a real issue in shoulder seasons?
The trail runs best April through November. Snow and ice hit the quartzite ledges hard and make them genuinely dangerous — the rock goes from grippy to a skating rink fast. Don't push it in early spring or late fall without checking conditions first.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to run this trail?
New York State Parks manages this area and may require a day-use fee depending on your entry point — check with High Point State Park directly before you go. No special off-road permit is required, but respect posted closures and stay on designated routes.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The quartzite ledge crossings are where it gets real — exposed rock shelves with little room for error on line choice, and some off-camber moves that will stress your recovery gear if you guess wrong. It's moderate, not brutal, but sloppy driving will put you in a bad spot fast.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there any water on trail?
Port Jervis, NY is your closest fuel stop before heading out — fill up there, it's roughly the last reliable option near the trailhead. There's no guaranteed water on trail, so carry what you need for the full day.
Trail track
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