High Point during the fall

My wife and I drove up to High Point State Park two weekends ago and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. Arriving early at the monument, we took in the striking views in every directions. It's hard to believe that there is a place in New Jersey that grants such magnificent views. The leaves were changing but from that high up the majority of them still seemed green. I am sure they are absolutely radiant right now and will be for another week or two before the leaves really start to fall off in big numbers. If you haven't been up there this season, make the trip! It's well worth it.

After leaving the monument we visited Kuser Natural Area. Interestingly, the entire park was actually the summer home of the Kuser family before they donated it to the state of New Jersey. The natural area offers a short hike (the main loop was no more than 1.5 miles) but doesn't skimp on the views. Walking through the forest you could really appreciate the different colors and hues of the leaves. The highest elevation Atlantic White Cedar Bog also exists here.

From Kuser Natural Area we drove through the park and stopped at a Black Spruce Bog, which is a very rare ecosystem for the area. The views were breathtaking, and the location is now among my favorites. The layers of texture and color throughout the small bog were truly works of art. Although pictures cannot do it justice, below is a photograph of my wife admiring the view:

On the way home we stopped at one of the many roadside stands and purchased apples, cider, and some delicious pumpkin butter.

It was a perfect day for fall hiking, and we made the most of it. Get out there and enjoy the autumn season before it's time to start enjoying winter!