Winter Festival

The first special event of 2012 is our Winter Festival, a celebration of snow and ice at High Point State Park, Saturday, January 28, 12 – 3 pm, in the Interpretive Center.

There will be winter themed crafts, a decorate-your-own cookie and cupcake station, hot cocoa by the fire, and more. Snowshoeing and ice-fishing demonstrations will also be offered, snow and ice conditions permitting. The event is FREE, but donations to the Friends of High Point State Park are appreciated. Snow date is Sunday Jan 29.

We hope you can join us on the mountain!

Namaste

This Saturday, November 19, is the final yoga class in the 2011 Yoga on the Mountain Series.

The class will take place 9:30  – 10: 45 am in the Interpretive Center. All levels of experience are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat. A $5 donation to the Friends of High Point State Park is appreciated.

See you on the mountain!

If you at first don’t succeed, try, try again!

The Friends of High Point State Park Open Hearth Cooking has been rescheduled to

Saturday, November 5, 2011, 11 am – 3 pm.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that the High Point State Park Interpretive Center will have  power restored by the weekend.  Please revisit the blog or the High Point State Park Facebook page before heading up the mountain to confirm the event is taking place as planned.


UPDATE:

Yeah, power has been restored! The Friends of High Point State Park Open Hearth Cooking will take place today, Saturday, November 5, 11 am - 3 pm.

Forecast calls for a beautiful day. Join the High Point State Park naturalist for a morning hike around Sawmill Lake starting at 10 am. 

"Adults/Families with chidren age six and up. Meet at the Sawmill Lake boat launch. Now that the busy camping season is over, join the Park Naturalist for an easy 1.5 mile stroll around a serene Sawmill Lake. We'll look for signs of beaver activity and see how many different kinds of seeds we can find, as the plants prepare for winter. Some portions of the trail may be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear."

Hope to see you all soon!     

OPEN HEARTH POSTPONED AGAIN

Sorry folks, Open Hearth Cooking rescheduled for Sunday October 30 has been CANCELED due to heavy snowfall and a lack of power. We hope to reschedule soon.

OPEN HEARTH POSTPONED

Snow, snow, snow!

Open Hearth, originally scheduled for today, Saturday, October 29, has been POSTPONED due to the snowstorm. 

Open Hearth will take place tomorrow, Sunday, October 30, from 12 pm - 3 pm.

Hope to see you all on mountain soon! 

Happy Autumn!

It is a beautiful time to visit High Point State Park.  Summer crowds are gone.  The beach belongs to the ducks.  Blue skies host kettles of migrating birds dancing circles above the Kittatinny Ridge.  Sun dapples chase reflections of colorful trees along the lakes, Marcia, Steenykill, and Sawmill.  The views from the Monument will enchant you with the spirit of autumn.

Let the peaceful grace of nature refresh and renew you.  Our Yoga on the Mountain series continues on Friday, October 14, 5:30 – 6:45 pm, and concludes on Saturday, November 19, 9:30 – 10:45 am.  All levels of experience are welcome to attend.  Please see our Yoga on the Mountain page for more details and registration information.

Come tour Park Ridge Road as the Friends take a Bike Hike Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 (weather permitting).  The route will cover five to ten miles and ranges in difficulty from easy to moderately difficult.  Registration begins at 9:30 am in the Winter Trail Use parking lot.  The bike hike will begin at 10 am.  Please bring your own bike, helmet, water, and snack.  Contact the event coordinator, Michael at 973-347-4722, for more information and to pre-register.

Join the Friends of High Point as we celebrate the harvest season with Open Hearth Cooking on Saturday, October 29, 11 am – 3 pm.  Our dedicated group of volunteers will prepare a delectable array of dishes on the Interpretive Center’s open hearth. Sample tastings will be offered to visitors.  Seasonal crafts for children will be available from 1:30 – 2:30 pm.

See You on the Mountain!

2011 Bait & Boat Festival

The Friends of High Point State Park

Bait & Boat Festival

Saturday, September 10

1 pm – 7:30 pm

Join the Friends of High Point State Park as we say goodbye to summer with a fun-filled day of fishing and boating.  This is the one day of the year that boats are allowed on Lake Marcia.  Borrow one of the Friends’ kayaks or canoes for a short paddle around the lake.  Bring your own non-motorized boat and spend the day exploring.  In the evening, gather around the Friends’ campfire for stories, songs, and s’mores on the beach.  Pack a picnic supper and bring the whole family for a day of adventure at High Point State Park.

Bait & Boat Festival Schedule

1:00 PM - Fishing Contest & Boating begins
2:00 PM - 1st Boat Race
2:30 PM - 2nd Boat Race
3:00 PM - Naturalist-guided paddle on Lake Marcia
4:00 PM - Fishing Contest ends and Boat Craft begins
5:30 PM - Short naturalist-guided walk to the Appalachian Trail Observation Platform to watch the moon rise.
6:30 PM - Campfire and s'mores with storyteller Ken Karnas
7:00 PM - Campfire and s'mores continue with a sing-along led by Joe Rocco

7:30 PM – Campfire concludes

If you would like to participate in the fishing contest, please bring your own fishing equipment and bait.  Remember, anyone over the age of fifteen who would like to fish must have and display a current NJ State fishing license.

You are welcome to bring your own non-motorized boat and PFDs.  The Friends have a few kayaks and canoes available for visitors to borrow for short paddles around the lake.  Please stop by the Lake Marcia beach beginning at 1 pm to sign up for a paddle time slot.

Don’t forget to bring the camera!  There are sure to be many opportunities to capture wonderful family memories.

The event is FREE, but donations to the Friends of High Point State Park are appreciated.

See you on the mountain!

Summer Fun!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Ray Sikora & The Sterling Mine Band concert! The evening was full of fun, great music, and wonderful memories.  If you missed the beach party or want to relive the fun, check out the videos and photos from the concert right here on our blog.

The Friends of High Point State Park Summer Concert Series includes three concerts this summer. The series will conclude with Irish folk music featuring,

Kindred Spirit

Saturday, August 20

Lake Marcia Beach

6 pm – 8 pm

Admission to the concert is FREE, but donations are most welcomed and appreciated.  A donation of $5 per adult is suggested.

Bring your family and friends up for a wonderful concert on the mountain.  Enjoy a picnic supper from home or stop by the concession stand for a burger, fries, and ice cream.  We will also have our sales table set up where we will be selling High Point State Park t-shirts, sweatshirts, patches, postcards, and magnets.

Yoga on the Mountain continues on Friday, July 22, 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm and Friday, August 19, 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm.  Come relax you mind and body while enjoying the best views in all New Jersey.

Looking for something to do with the family this summer?  Check out the fun activities the High Point State Park naturalist has planned.  Learn about pond life, go on a scavenger hunt, or borrow a Discovery Pack and explore High Point on your own.  A full calendar of activities is available on the park blog www.highpointpark.blogspot.com.

See You on the Mountain!

Summer Concert Series

The Friends of High Point State Park are happy to welcome Ray Sikora & The Sterling Mine Band to the summer concert series lineup!

Ray Sikora

&

The Sterling Mine Band

Saturday, July 16

6 pm - 8 pm

Lake Marcia Beach

Hope to see you there!

Friends of High Point State Park Summer Concert Series

The Friends of High Point State Park

2011 Summer Concert Series

The Lost Ramblers – June 25

(Performer To Be Announced Soon)– July 16

Kindred Spirit – August 20

High Point State Park

Lake Marcia Beach, 6pm – 8pm

Join Us for Evenings of Music in the Park

Sponsored by the Friends of High Point State Park

Donations Welcomed and Appreciated

Bring a picnic supper and your own blanket or chairs

In the event of rain, the concerts will take place in the Interpretive Center

Yoga on the Mountain

Don't forget to join us for Summer Solstice Yoga on the Mountain on Friday, June 24, from 6 pm - 8 pm.  This class will include a summer solstice hike. Please bring your own yoga mat.  All levels welcome.  To register, please call 973-702-0488.  A donation of $5.00 per class is recommended.

See You on the Mountain!

 

"Explorations" Program Postponed

Sorry folks. The Friends of High Point State Park program, "Explorations at High Point State Park," scheduled for Saturday, June 11 has been cancelled due to forecasted rain and thunderstorms. 

Having families out exploring the park during thunder and lightening storms would not be safe. Our rain date was Sunday, but the forecast is the same as Saturday.

A new date for the program will be determined.

Hope you will join us rain or shine for our first concert of the summer on June 25, 6 pm - 8 pm!

 

Come Explore High Point State Park!

The Friends of High Point State Park are sponsoring a family program “Explorations at High Point State Park” this Saturday, June 11, from 3 pm – 7 pm in the Interpretive Center.

Gather your family and friends, pack a picnic supper, grab your digital camera, and come on out and join the Friends of as they explore High Point through photography, art, and writing.

A digital camera with a removable media card is recommended.  Families will have the opportunity to create a keepsake explorations journal.  A free photography class will be offered at 5 pm.

Get outside and explore High Point State Park!  Enjoy a self-guided hike along one of High Point’s many trails, take in the view from the Monument, or explore the shore of Lake Marcia and look for ducks, dragonflies, and frogs oh my!

Document your explorations, discoveries, and memories with your digital camera or through art.  While families write a short story detailing their adventures, the Friends of High Point State Park will print a small collection of their photos.  Families will then create a keepsake journal commemorating their explorations at High Point State Park.

Preregistration is suggested for families wishing to create a keepsake journal, as space is limited, please email friendshpsp@gmail.com.  The day of the event, please visit the Interpretive Center to register and learn about all the wonderful places to explore at High Point State Park.

The event is FREE, but weekend park entrance fees will be in effect.  Donations to the Friends of High Point State Park are welcomed and appreciated.

Sweet, Sweet Summertime!

Those cold snowy days are just a memory - Memorial Day weekend is here!  Kick off your troubles, pack your beach bag, grab your friends and family, and head up to High Point State Park.  There is no better place to relax and have fun this summer.  Pitch a tent, take a hike, watch the wildlife, go for a swim, build a sandcastle, have a picnic, or just sit back and enjoy the view…the possibilities for adventure are limitless.

Make High Point State Park your destination of choice.  Consider purchasing an Annual State Park Pass – your family and wallet will thank you.  Stay close to home and explore New Jersey’s wonderful State Parks and Forests.

Find a little happiness - take the family camping.  The term “Happy Camper” was coined for a reason…try saying S’mores without smiling – you can’t can you?  Don’t know what a S’more is?  You really need to get camping.  What better way to start your family camping tradition than to reserve a campsite at High Point State Park’s Sawmill Lake campground.

Why not make your camping adventure extra fun by joining National Wildlife’s Great American Backyard Campout on June 25^th.  You can create a team, register your campsite, get fun tips, activities and recipes, and share your camping story.  Whether you decide to camp at High Point State Park or in your own backyard, pitch a tent and have fun.

Join the Friends of High Point State Park Saturday, June 11, 3 pm – 7 pm for Explorations at High Point State Park.  Bring the family for an afternoon of adventure and stay for an evening of creative fun. Pack a picnic supper, grab the digital camera, and explore High Point.  Make memories, take some photos, draw a picture, and tell the story of your adventure.  Take home a keepsake journal of your day of exploration.

The Friends of High Point State Park is sponsoring a summer concert series on the beach - spread out a blanket and enjoy evenings of music in the park.  Join us as we welcome back Kilby & Taylor on June 25 and Patrick Fitzsimmons on July 16.  Kindred Spirit will close the series on August 20. All concerts will take place 6 pm – 8 pm at the Lake Marcia beach.  In the event of rain, concerts will take place in the Interpretive Center.

However you decide to spend your summer – get outside!  Visit High Point State Park and let the fun begin.

See You on the Mountain!

Thanks for Driving up the Mountain!

The threat of rain did not dampen the brave spirits of those who ventured up Kittatinny Mountain to attend the 2nd Annual High Point or Bust Classic Car Show, Saturday, May 14, at High Point State Park in Sussex, NJ.  

Blue Smoke, a local band, brightened the day of everyone in attendance with their upbeat performance, which included a rocking rendition of “Mustang Sally.” 

Two trophies were awarded to the assemblage of classic cars that included Chevy, Ford, Volkswagen, and Rambler.  

Judge’s Choice was presented to Harold Decker for his black and gray 1955 Chevy Bel Air.  

People’s Choice was presented to Larry Decker for his yellow 1951 Ford F1 Pickup Truck “Old Yeller.” 

The Friends of High Point State Park would like to thank all participants and visitors for sharing a great afternoon at High Point State Park and the Wanderer’s Car Club for their support.

Please join us again soon on the mountain!

Cars, Cars, Cars

Good Day Everyone,

The 2nd Annual High Point or Bust Classic Car Show will take place today, Saturday, May 14, 12 pm - 4 pm in the Lake Marcia parking area. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. Come vote for your favorite car!

Participating cars, please plan on arriving between 11 am - 12 pm to register.

See You on the Mountain!

Spring Programs

Thank you to all who attended and performed at the Friends of High Point State Park 2nd Annual Celebrate Nature Coffee House on April 16.  While it may have been cold and rainy outside, the atmosphere inside the Interpretive Center was heartwarming.  Visitors enjoyed homemade treats and hot beverages while listening to the many wonderful musicians and poets who shared their talents.  Please take a look at photos and videos from the day to see all the fun we had on the mountain.

We have more programs planned for the spring and hope that you can attend.

Yoga on the Mountain is back beginning on Thursday, April 21.  All experience levels are welcome to attend.  Please see our "Yoga on the Mountain" page for details and the entire season schedule.

Families with children age three to seven years old will enjoy a Get Out and Read in the Park Storytime Walk on Saturday, April 30 (rain date Sunday, May 1).  Bring a favorite children's book from home and join us on the mountain for an outside storytime and walk.  The program is FREE, but registration is required.  Please email the friendshpsp@gmail.com to register.

The 2nd Annual High Point or Bust Classic Car Show will take place Saturday, May 14.  Trophies will be presented for Judge's and People's Choice.  Come vote for your favorite car and listen to the band Blue Smoke as they rock High Point. 

The Friends of High Point State Park are seeking participants for the 2nd Annual High Point or Bust Classic Car Show.  Vehicle registration is FREE.  If you are a classic car owner (or know someone who is) and are interested in displaying your vehicle please contact the Friends of High Point at friendshpsp@gmail.com or call Michelle at 201-650-8475.

Check out our event listing on OldRide.com

For our entire event schedule please visit our "Save the Date" page.  We hope to see you on the mountain!

Celebrate Nature Coffee House

Celebrate Nature Coffee House

Please join us Saturday, April 16, from 12:30 pm - 4 pm as we welcome spring and recognize Earth Day with an afternoon of music and poetry in the Interpretive Center.  Musicians scheduled to perform are Walkabout Clearwater Chorus, Tim Blohm, Joe Rocco and Hard Luck w/ Ray Sikora.  Local musicians and poets are invited to share their talents during Open Mic sessions at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.  Interested performers, please come early to register for an open mic performance time slot.

We are excited to present to you our lineup of great musicians:

12:30 pm - Hard Luck, featuring Ray Sikora, Brian McArdle, and Michel Beliveau, entertains us with some amazing harmonies.

1:00 pm - OPEN MIC

1:30 pm - Joe Rocco rocks High Point State Park.

2:00 pm - OPEN MIC

2:30 pm - Tim Blohm takes the stage with some classic rock and country.

3:00 pm - Walkabout Clearwater Chorus, founded by Pete Seeger in 1984 as a musical arm of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, will immerse us in folk music sung by fifteen of its members.

We will be having a great time up on the mountain - be sure not to miss the music, coffee, and delicious treats.  The Celebrate Nature Coffee House is a FREE program sponsored by the Friends of High Point State Park.  Donations are welcomed and appreciated. 
Saturday, April 16, 12:30 pm - 4 pm

Interpretive Center

Walkabout Clearwater Chorus

The Walkabout Clearwater Chorus, founded by Pete Seeger in 1984 as a musical arm of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, has been going strong ever since, performing at venues as diverse as environmental festivals, peace rallies, the NYC subways, prisons and halfway houses, and a festival in Germany every two years. Their CD “We Have A Song!” features many songs written by their members and friends, and they are featured in two songs on Pete Seeger's Grammy-winning "Pete Seeger at 89" CD. Walkabout is a true “people’s chorus” made up of folks who love to sing and work hard at keeping alive the legacy of activist music. They run a monthly Coffeehouse in White Plains, whose performers include Pete Seeger, Magpie, Kim and Reggie Harris, Tom Paxton, Tom Chapin, of course Sharon Katz, and many more. Come join them at PVC to listen and sing-along! Check out their website at www.walkaboutclearwater.org to find out more and get involved!

 

 

Program Postponed Due to Cold and Potential for Unsafe Trail Conditions.

Explorations at High Point State Park scheduled for Saturday, March 26, has been CANCELLED due to the cold temperatures and potential for unsafe trail conditions.

Explorations at High Point State Park will be rescheduled.  Please check back soon for further details on the event.

Thank you.

Explorations at High Point State Park

Join us as we explore photography and writing to create connections at High Point State Park!  Families are invited to spend the day exploring High Point State Park and to document their adventures through digital photography, art and writing. The Friends HPSP will print a small selection of photographs for each family.  Participants will create a keepsake journal of their explorations at High Point State Park.  Families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.  A digital camera with a removable media card is recommended.  Registration is suggested, please email the Friends of HPSP at friendshpsp@gmail.com.

FUTURE DATE TO BE DETERMINED

PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON!

Spring is in the Air!

Spring is just around the corner!  The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the snow is melting to reveal green grass, so come out of hibernation and visit High Point State Park.  The Friends of High Point State Park have a fun-filled year planned for visitors of all ages.

Bring your sense of adventure and join the Friends for a day of EXPLORATIONS at High Point State Park Saturday, March 26 (rain date Sunday, March 27).  Enjoy a self-guided hike along one of High Point’s many trails, take in the view from the Monument, or explore the shore of Lake Marcia and look for the return of ducks, dragonflies, and frogs oh my!  Families are invited to create a keepsake journal of their explorations.

Join the Friends as we welcome spring with our Celebrate Nature Coffee House on Saturday, April 16.  Come up the mountain and listen as local musicians and poets display their talents.  Take a seat, relax, and enjoy the wonderful acoustics of the Interpretive Center. 

We are excited to welcome the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus to the lineup of performers at our Celebrate Nature Coffee House.  The Walkabout Clearwater Chorus is scheduled to perform from 3 pm - 4 pm in the High Point State Park Interpretive Center.  

Walkabout Clearwater Chorus The Walkabout Clearwater Chorus, founded by Pete Seeger in 1984 as a musical arm of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, has been going strong ever since, performing at venues as diverse as environmental festivals, peace rallies, the NYC subways, prisons and halfway houses, and a festival in Germany every two years. Their CD “We Have A Song!” features many songs written by their members and friends, and they are featured in two songs on Pete Seeger's Grammy-winning "Pete Seeger at 89" CD. Walkabout is a true “people’s chorus” made up of folks who love to sing and work hard at keeping alive the legacy of activist music. They run a monthly Coffeehouse in White Plains, whose performers include Pete Seeger, Magpie, Kim and Reggie Harris, Tom Paxton, Tom Chapin, of course Sharon Katz, and many more. Come join them at PVC to listen and sing-along! Check out their website at www.walkaboutclearwater.org to find out more and get involved!

Find your inner peace with Yoga on the Mountain.  Our yoga series reawakens on April 21.  Refresh your body and soul on the eve of Earth Day in one of the most beautiful places in New Jersey.

We hope you and your family take the opportunity to visit High Point State Park.  This is your park – come out and enjoy it!

Happy Hiking!

-See You on the Mountain!

Take Notice…Lights Out on High Point Monument! 

On the evening of March 26, the Friends of High Point State Park are again participating in Earth Hour.  The lights on the monument will be turned off for the ENTIRE NIGHT in honor of Earth Hour. 

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour.  It has been growing ever since.  On March 27, 2010, Earth Hour set a record when 128 countries and 4,500 cities joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from all over the world such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, and Buckingham Palace switched off.  People across the world, from all walks of life, turned off their lights and came together in celebration of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday, March 26 at 8:30PM (local time).  This Earth Hour, we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up.  For more information on how to participate in this year’s event, please visit http://www.earthhour.org/