High Point is home to the tallest spot in New Jersey, crowned by a stone monument with sweeping views across three states. Families can swim at Lake Marcia, picnic, and choose from gentle to more challenging trails. The big skies and open vistas give it a uniquely spacious, calming feel. (1480 State Route 23, Sussex, NJ 07461) With a little planning, a visit can be a calm, joyful day for an autistic child. Here is a sensory-friendly guide from our BCBA-led team — what to expect, the quietest times to go, and how to prepare.
The best time to visit
Ask the venue about quieter days or low-sensory hours, and aim for weekday mornings in spring and fall when crowds are thinnest. Confirm hours on the official site before you go.
What to expect
The park is large and rarely feels crowded away from the beach, with fresh air, natural sounds, and plenty of space to roam. Weather and wind can be strong at the high elevation, trails are uneven, and the swimming beach gets busier on hot weekends, so timing a visit for cooler mornings keeps things calm.
A few things your child may enjoy:
- High Point Monument at the highest elevation in New Jersey
- Lake Marcia swimming beach
- Hiking trails with panoramic three-state views
How to prepare your child
- Preview it. Look at photos or a map together beforehand so the visit feels predictable (a simple “social story”).
- Use “first–then.” “First we look around, then we get a snack.”
- Pack comfort items — noise-canceling headphones, a favorite fidget, water, and a familiar snack.
- Plan a quiet exit — pick a calm spot for a break if your child gets overwhelmed.
How ABA therapy makes outings like this easier
Community trips are exactly where ABA skills pay off. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can help your child practice the very skills a visit to High Point State Park demands — waiting, transitioning between activities, asking for a break, staying close in crowds, and tolerating new sights and sounds. At Autumn ABA, our community-based and natural-environment sessions build these skills in the real settings where they matter. Many Sussex County families work on exactly these goals so days out become something to look forward to. Learn more about our in-home, school, community, and telehealth ABA programs.
In-home ABA therapy in Sussex County — no waitlist
BCBA-led, in-network care (NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid & commercial). We'll verify your coverage for free.
Schedule a free consultation ABA in Sussex County →