more stats
2.3 miles
Distance
233 ft
Climb
-49 ft
Descent
00:19:40
Avg time
186 ft
Altitude change
1,306 ft
Altitude min
1,492 ft
Altitude max
1,306 ft
Altitude start
1,493 ft
Altitude end
1.6%
Grade
-8%
Grade max
17.7%
Grade min
1 mile
Distance climb
2,129 ft
Distance down
2,070 ft
Distance flat
00:19:40
Avg time

Iris Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Snowshoe
  • Riding Area
    High Point State Park
    Sussex, New Jersey
  • Difficulty Rating
    Green Rate
  • Local Popularity
    65 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 80 in Hiking
    • 5 in Horseback
    • 5 in Snowshoeing
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T1 Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Doubletrack
  • Bike Type
    XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Green
  • Physical Rating
    Easy
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    New Jersey DEP

Iris Trail (red blaze) winds along moderate terrain with gentle slopes. Much of this trail was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, intended as a bridle path, while the stretch of trail closest to the Deckertown Turnpike was part of a network of wagon roads that connected small ridgetop farms in the 1800 and early 1900s. Almost every type of vegetation that grows in the forests in this area can be seen along the Iris.
Several species of oak, hickory, and birch shade the path, and sassafras, witch-hazel, and various pines grow. Some small American chestnuts, once common in Eastern forests, can also be found. These trees were infected by a fungus, known as the Chestnut Blight, in the early 1900s. Today, the few that remain rarely grow taller than twenty feet. The undergrowth includes various ferns, numerous wildflowers, and in some places is dominated by blueberries and huckleberries, ripening in mid to late summer. The Iris Trail provides many opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife, and also passes scenic Lake Rutherford (a private lake - no swimming permitted). The Iris Trail crosses the Appalachian Trail twice, making shorter and longer loop hikes possible.

Access Info

Appalachian Trail Parking Lot on Rt 23. Take blue access trail.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 4 rides
  • 19 miles avg distance
All
  • 23 rides
  • Last: Jun 7, 2026
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  • Snow Groomed
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Slope Aspect
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to iris-trail-464538 trailhead (41.275880, -74.671140)

        Photos

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        45 |
        Dec 26, 2025 @ 9:51pm
        Dec 26, 2025

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        Nearby Trails

        High Point State Park

        • By ViggTF Pro OCOPJ & contributors
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        Frequently Asked Questions About Iris Trail

        ▼ Where is Iris Trail located?
        Iris Trail is located in High Point State Park, Sussex, New Jersey, United States. It is part of the High Point State Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 41.27588, -74.67114.
        ▼ How hard is Iris Trail?
        Iris Trail is rated as Green difficulty. The physical rating is Easy. The average grade is 1.6%. The climb difficulty is rated Green.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Iris Trail?
        Iris Trail has 233 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 49 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,306 ft to 1,492 ft.
        ▼ Is Iris Trail a point to point trail?
        Iris Trail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is doubletrack.

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