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September 22, 2016

Day trip to High Point State Park, New Jersey

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The longer I live in New Jersey, the more I fall in love with all it has to offer. That’s a big change from 6 years ago when living in New York and not thinking much of my neighboring state. It’s been s much fun venturing out in search of new hiking trails and learning more about the area and all the beauty around us.

Our latest venture took us about an hour away to the rolling hills and farmlands of Sussex County. High Point, as the name indicates, is the highest point of New Jersey with a monument standing at the 1,803 feet above sea level marker. The view of the Catskill and Pocono mountain range and valleys is breathtaking, especially on a clear and cool fall day. We visited the park too late in the season to have access to the monument and go up it for even grader views, but still, we weren’t disappointed. Visiting off-season also means not being able to swim in the spring-fed, 20-acre Lake Marcia but on a nice day it makes for a quiet picnic spot with views of the monument from afar.

Day trip to High Point State Park, New Jersey

There are 50 miles of trails, many of which can be used for biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. I love the diversity of the trails too, catering to every skill level. We hiked along Monument Trail, a 3.7 mile hike from the monument parking lot, along Lake Marcia and back. A longer 4.0 mile hike takes you through the Appalachian Trail, to the monument and back. This trails also goes through the Atlantic white cedar swamp, which at 1500 feet is the highest known swamp of this kind. In the summer months the trail is pretty crowded, but you have the perk of being able to stop at the lake and go for a swim. But in the fall months, especially if you can get there on a week day, the trail is not as crowded and though you can’t swim, we found the colors of the leaves and the serenity of the trail to be worth it still.

Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com

For trails makes, check out this one provided by NJ Hiking.

Because we were only there for a day, we had enough time to hike, picnic while on the trail, and enjoy the views from the monument’s base. If you’d like to explore deeper, I suggest reserving a camping spot or, if you are lucky enough to get it, one of their furnished cabins. Check out the park’s website for more details.

Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com

But even as a day trip, we felt we had an amazing time. We started heading out just before the sun set. The orange, yellow, and red colors of the late afternoon over the tree tops and farms tempting me to stop for photos along the way. We did stop at a local farm for some ice cream and fresh produce and homemade jellies and sauces, though and plan to go back to get our apples and pumpkins!

Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com

Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com Hiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.comHiking High Point_GirlGoneTravel.com

Whether you enjoy a good day of hiking or just want an escape into nature, High Point State Park is definitely an area to consider, especially now as the leaves start to change colors for fall.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
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Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
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#myflx
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There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

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I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

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If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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