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Highlands Trail

Highlands Region, New York / New Jersey

Distance
289.7 km
Elev. gain
7,997 m
Start
D&L Trail - Riegelsville Trailhead
Finish
Esty & Hellie Stowell Trailhead

A simplified drawing of the real route — the distance above is the published figure, not the length of this line.

0 km4469 m above sea level256 km

Ground elevation sampled along the mapped route.

About this distance

Far uses the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference's current published minimum of 180 miles (289.7 km) for the Delaware-to-Hudson route. The mapped route measures 274.1 km (170.3 mi), about 5% shorter, so use the official figure for planning.

Common questions

How long is the Highlands Trail?
The Highlands Trail is 289.7 km (180 miles).
How much elevation gain does the Highlands Trail have?
The Highlands Trail has about 7,997 m (26,237 ft) of total climbing, measured along Far's route for the trail.
Where does the Highlands Trail start and finish?
The Highlands Trail runs between D&L Trail - Riegelsville Trailhead and Esty & Hellie Stowell Trailhead.
Why do other sources list a different distance for the Highlands Trail?
Far uses the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference's current published minimum of 180 miles (289.7 km) for the Delaware-to-Hudson route. The mapped route measures 274.1 km (170.3 mi), about 5% shorter, so use the official figure for planning.

Sources

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Reviewed by a Far curator on August 11, 2026. Trail conditions, permits, and hazards change — verify before you go.