High Mountain Park Preserve
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High Mountain Park Preserve is a protected area of the Preakness Range of the Watchung Mountains in Wayne, New Jersey, United States. Established in 1993, it is comprised of 1153 acres of woodlands and wetlands owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy.
It is one of the largest tracts of conserved land in northern New Jersey. It serves to protect nine ecological communities harboring 380 plant species, 18 of which are rare. Some of the globally imperiled plants found in the area include Torrey's mountain mint (Pycnanthemum torrei) and basil-leaved mountain mint (Pycnanthemum clinopodioides), which, along with narrow-leaved vervain (Verbena simplex), are also classified as endangered by the state. Hazel dodder (Cuscuta coryli), declared imperiled by the state, has been recorded as well.
The preserve contains geological points of interest, including a rare traprock basalt glade and rock shelters which have been determined to be sites of prehistoric human habitation. During the American Revolution, high points along the ridge were used as signaling posts. Hiking trails are maintained by the The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. The summit of High Mountain provides a spectacular view of New York City.
High Mountain Park Preserve welcomes visitors but prohibits fishing, hunting, trapping, collecting, motor vehicles, aircraft, horses and unleashed pets, camping, fires, firearms, rock climbing, spelunking, and feeding of wild animals.
