Not sure why there aren't more reviews regarding High Point, but it's a time when I really, really…read morewish I could post photographs (although there are some provided on the main page that give an approximation of the beauty of the place). My coming here yesterday was completely unexpected. I grew up in Wayne, down Rt. 23 (which is supposedly now known as "the heroin highway"), and I've had some exposure to this upstate region over the decades (I can just barely remember my father bringing me to Stokes State Forest as a kid; I went camping at "Camp Silver Lake" with "Indian Guides" when I wasn't much older--- I think the camp/lake was at Hardyston; and I went with family once to the spot near Port Jervis where NJ/NY/PA meet). I met up with an old friend, and we stopped at the Sound Exchange on Rt. 23 in Wayne. Spent money on CD's (Moby Grape for me; Johnny Thunders for him), and then asked each other, "What next? What do we do now?" I remembered that driving north on Rt. 23, once you get past the seemingly endless mini malls and the burgeoning congestion...usually up past Butler and Kinnelon...the scenery becomes quite extraordinary (I've been told the area resembles Scotland in parts) and...for me, at least...therapeutic. If I ever feel close to whatever God(s) might exist, it's invariably when I'm out enjoying the loveliness and grandeur of nature. It was brutally hot, though, and I was ready to pack it in at some point near Sussex (which resembled a ghost town), when my friend suggested, "We're close to High Point. How about High Point?" I wasn't enthused. He mentioned that he had been there with his ex-wife (I guess there's a reason we're hanging out bored together at a record store buying CDs like aimless adolescents and then driving numb up a scenic highway...2 middle aged men...on a glorious Summer afternoon; he's got ex-wives, I've got ex-girlfriends, we've got too much time on our hands, limited money in our pockets, just above a half tank of gas in the car, not enough interests or stimulating hobbies to occupy ourselves with, no noble, altruistic activities to inspire ourselves with..etc...etc...but I'm not entirely sure what the reason(s) is(are), and why depress myself further by continuing this line of thought? Why indeed?), and she (and he) had loved it. I replied, "Ok, Ok." I figured it was easier to comply than try to formulate a reason why we shouldn't. Did I mention how enervating the heat was? We drove up bucolic mountain roads until we reached a toll booth. My first thought was, "I'm not paying out money for this." But it was after 4pm, and there was no admission charged after 4. Again, we drove on rolling mountain roads, past people picknicking and cooking food (the smell was intoxicating). There was a beautiful lake surrounded by pine-covered mountains, with people swimming. And then we reached the area where the High Point Monument towered above. A steady breeze was blowing, and the brutally hot day suddenly felt Fall-like, even chilly, despite the sunshine (I have to wonder if it's like that all the time? I guess it is). Off to one side was PA. Off to the other was NY. Over that way was NJ. Which one was which? I couldn't tell; I had been completely disoriented by our ride. I figured the side with the little toy village down below (Port Jervis?) was probably NY. But it didn't really matter. We were presented with a panorama of splendid, natural beauty, awe-inspiring and majestic, stretching out as far as the eye could see. (By the way, there are "Tower Viewers" available if you want to bring the scenery in closer...they charge a quarter for about a minute of magnification...but you really don't need them.) Even the man-made tower jutting up into the sky inspired awe, and I'm less moved by the constructions of man than I am by the constructions of nature. The tower (or monolith, or obelisk) was closed, so we couldn't climb our way to the top, but that was fine (especially for my friend, who, despite his initial enthusiasm, did not want to climb several flights of stairs to the top of a stone tower). Still, I'd like to come back earlier some day and make that climb and see the view from the top. I can't imagine how much more impressive it could be, but I'm motivated now. We stayed for several minutes, enjoying it. What had started out as a day of half-hearted, desultory boredom had ended extremely well. And riding back down Rt 23 with Moby Grape playing on the car's CD player was the icing on the cake. A dull day had become one that I'll remember with fondness for a long time. I fully expect to come back here. And I recommend it to anyone with a beautiful summer day on their hands, and no idea of how to spend it. I also heartily recommend it to those who have better, more constructive ways to spend their time than I usually do. It seems like a great place to bring your family if you grow tired of the seashore (and its numbing traffic jams). In other words, check this place out.

Meh! The monument is cool but I'd only visit if you're camping nearby or live relatively close by…read more It's nothing grand so I don't have much to say about it.

Great view Drive to top, few parking spaces…read moreGreat for picnic, hikes, bike rides

Excellent and quaint waterfront area open to residents of Greenwood Lake & surrounding towns. It…read morewas very peaceful when I visited on a weekday with barely anybody in sight other than a few employees and lifeguards. The parking lot has plenty of spaces. There is a small stage set up for special events and music performances. There is a pathway to the left that leads up to a gazebo and offers incredible views of Greenwood Lake & the shoreline. There is a modestly small sized beach area manned with 2 lifeguards on duty. There's plenty of picnic tables to have some food while taking in lake views or the surrounding mountains. There's also a swing set available in the open green area adjacent to the parking lot. It's definitely a cute and peaceful spot worth visiting in Greenwood Lake and excellent for some photo opportunities.

Calm, comfortable park…read more It's a place for peace and reflection: maybe some swim, or fish (it's a fast moving river - not sure if there are any fish), or to just roll up and bring a grill with some sausages, pork chop & steak! The lynchpin of this park is as follows: there's a ton of empty parking spots, not much noise, 2 large outdoor covered square picnic roofs (also tables and benches), trash bins, bathrooms and some dips in the grass to the water. Perfect for rafts, canoes and floats can be buoyed into river.. Popp Memorial Park is less a lush green park; it's more for gatherings, picnic-type events, grilling, throwing a baseball, rafting, swimming (I think it's allowed), smoking or just sitting in a lawn chair to get totally drunk.. your choice. Cool and restoring small 'outdoor SPOT'. Beautiful New York sunsets over the mountains. Rebel review: 5

We've hiked in Sterling Forest several times and have enjoyed the experience! Typically less…read morecrowded than Harriman State Park and others in the area, Sterling has a very nice visitor center with clean bathrooms, a helpful light up model of the forest, a store, and friendly staff to help with any questions. The parking lot is decent sized too. They have some varied hikes but most aren't too difficult. Whether you want lakes, forests or views you can get them here. Many of the trails also connect if you want to make them longer or shorter. Some of the hikes like Mckeags in the summer can be very tick ridden so do all the usual precautions. There's spotty reception in this area so if you're using All Trails or other app, you'll want offline view.

I loved my hike 5 mile hike in Sterling Forest State Park. We did the Doris Duke loop which was…read morejust under 5 miles. We started the hike going clockwise, and in so doing did most of the elevation gain at the start of the hike. I found the path to be very comfortable to walk on, with less rocks and exposed tree roots than typical for NYS. I was also very surprised at how peace full it was, we did not see another living soul until we were 2/3s of the way through the hike, and then didn't see anyone else until we got to the parking lot. I was all set to only hike in this park going forward, because Harriman can get way too busy for me, and then the ticks started. SO MANY Ticks. I hike frequently and ticks are a fact of life in the north east, but this was next level tick infestation. I tuck my pant bottoms into my boots and spray tick repellent on my clothes, boots, and arms. We were pulling them off ourselves in the car on the drive home, and then off ourselves at home. Thank god they were the large size kind of tick and easy to see. I have never seen so many ticks at one time. 100% avoid Sterling Forest.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is absolutely stunning and encompasses a huge area…read more There are many trails and lookout points so find a map and choose where you want to see before heading there. This review is specifically for the Mount Minsi Loop Trail. There is also a lookout point you can drive/easily park at a few minutes away. The small parking lots here fill up quickly, but if you can snag a spot it is worth the visit. There is a small trail around Lenape Lake; the fall colors around the lake are beautiful. There is also a picnic table near the lake. This area is part of the Appalachian Trail making it a great spot for hikers and nature lovers alike. You do not need to be an avid hiker to enjoy the easy trail here. There are no restrooms facilities here and parking is very limited.

This is one of the best parts of the State of New Jersey. It's a huge state park with mountain…read moretrails and the scenic Delaware Water Gap rolling right in the middle of it all. I've never been one to go hiking but the park is beautiful especially during the fall. The leaves change quicker up here so it starts in September. The fishing is pretty good as well, visited here to fish many times as a kid. It has a nice visitor center with picnic tables and rest rooms. New Jersey gets a bad rap. Most critics don't know about the better parts of the state such as this one.

I love this place so much I have so many memories from here I recommend you go ASAP because there's…read moreseating for adults and kids at the playground and sometimes there's a water spray thing they do

If you park your vehicle here, be advised that it can be struck and damaged by balls. Don't be…read moreupset if glass on your vehicle gets broken and do not expect anyone to claim responsibility and offer any compensation.

Shawangunk is a very special place for wildlife and nature enthusiast. No matter what season you…read morevisit, you're guaranteed to be dazzled by a plethora of Flora and Fauna. Whether you're visiting during the summer months to to see the Meadowlarks or braving the cold to witness the majestic, short eared owls in an acrobatic aeronautic chase with the northern Harriers; you won't be disappointed. Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, which protects 597 acres in Ulster County, NY, was established in July 1999 to support grassland-dependent migratory birds and wintering raptors. With views of the majestic Shawangunk Ridge, the refuge is among a dwindling number of sites in New York State (one of only two sites in the Hudson Valley) large enough to support the entire assemblage of northeastern grassland birds. The refuge has been identified as a Biodiversity Focus Area and an Important Bird Area (Audubon New York), a designation given only to places that support significant abundance and diversity of birds. Many of the birds found on the refuge are included on lists of endangered, threatened, special concern or priority species, including the Short-eared Owl, Northern Harrier, Upland Sandpiper, Henslow's Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Horned Lark, and Bobolink.